From Queenstown: 1.5 to 2-Hour Milford Sound Helicopter Tour

Touch down on a glacier and fiord on a fully guided helicopter tour from Queenstown. No hiking boots needed, just breathtaking views and fresh mountain air.

Getting started

Your Milford Sound helicopter tour lasts approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Check in at the Queenstown base before boarding your modern Airbus helicopter. Meet your expert pilot-guide, who’ll walk you through the route and safety briefing before take-off.

What to expect

• Scenic flying at its best: Take off from Queenstown and soar across Fiordland National Park. You'll fly above waterfalls, beech forests, and the dramatic Southern Alps**.**

• Two unforgettable landings: First, descend into Milford Sound for a short guided nature walk with postcard views of Mitre Peak and stop for a photo. Then, land on a remote glacier for more views.

• Expertly guided from start to finish: Your pilot is also your guide, offering fascinating insights as you fly over one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.

• Small group, big views: Flights are limited to six passengers per helicopter, keeping the experience intimate and the views unobstructed.

From Queenstown: 1.5 to 2-Hour Milford Sound Helicopter Tour

Discover Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site spanning over 1.2 million hectares, on this scenic helicopter tour that includes breathtaking views of the Southern Alps and remote glacier landings. The tour departs from Queenstown, taking you to Milford Sound for a guided walk and photo opportunities, followed by a landing on a glacier high in the Southern Alps where you can take in panoramic alpine vistas. This 1.5 to 2-hour tour offers audio guides in English, Mandarin, Japanese, and German, ensuring that every guest receives an immersive experience. The helicopter ride covers over 300 kilometers of Fiordland's rugged terrain, offering unparalleled access to hidden valleys and waterfalls. With no crowds to contend with, you'll enjoy unobstructed views and a memorable journey through some of New Zealand's most stunning landscapes.

Explore Fiordland National Park

Your tour stops at Fiordland National Park where guests can admire the park’s vast expanse of 1.2 million hectares, established in 1952 as part of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site. Covering over 4700 square miles and featuring diverse ecosystems such as rainforests, mountains, and lakes, Fiordland National Park is home to numerous rare species including the endangered takahe bird. Visitors can spend up to an hour exploring various trails that offer close-up views of waterfalls like Sutherland Falls, which are 580 meters high—the highest in New Zealand. The park's unique geological features, carved by ancient glaciers and shaped over millions of years, provide a rich tapestry of natural history. Unlike other national parks, Fiordland National Park offers remote access only via helicopter or boat, making it an exclusive destination for nature enthusiasts.

Experience Milford Sound

At Milford Sound, guests can explore the majestic fjord that stretches 16 kilometers inland from the Tasman Sea. The sound was discovered in 1812 by sealer John Grono and later named after Lord Milford by Captain John Lort Stokes of HMS Britomar in 1851. Visitors typically spend about half an hour walking along short trails that offer stunning views of cascading waterfalls like Stirling Falls, which drop over 40 meters into the sound. The fjord's unique geology and marine life make it a must-see destination for nature lovers. Unlike other coastal areas, Milford Sound’s isolation ensures pristine natural beauty free from human interference.

Discover Remote Glacier

Your tour lands on a remote glacier high in the Southern Alps where guests can take in panoramic alpine vistas that are unparalleled anywhere else in New Zealand. This glacier is part of an extensive ice field covering over 150 square kilometers and has been forming for thousands of years through continuous snowfall and glacial movement. Visitors typically spend around 20 minutes exploring the icy terrain, learning about the local flora and fauna adapted to survive in this harsh environment. The unique geological features visible here, such as crevasses and ice caves, provide a rare glimpse into the forces that shape our planet.

Tour Highlights

• Lift off from Queenstown with panoramic views
• Fly over Fiordland National Park’s 1.2 million hectares
• Land on remote glacier for alpine vistas
• Explore Milford Sound’s fjord and waterfalls
• Listen to local pilot’s commentary in multiple languages
• Discover hidden valleys and glacial history from the sky
• Enjoy guided walk at Milford Sound with photo opportunities
• Experience exclusive access to remote landscapes via helicopter

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, photography buffs, and adventure seekers, this scenic helicopter tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore New Zealand's most breathtaking natural wonders. The 1.5 to 2-hour format allows you to lift off from Queenstown, fly over Fiordland National Park’s expansive landscapes, land on a remote glacier high in the Southern Alps, and explore Milford Sound’s fjord and waterfalls, giving you an immersive experience of New Zealand's diverse natural beauty while enjoying exclusive access to some of its most secluded areas.