From Queenstown: 4-Hour Milford Sound Helicopter Tour + Cruise

See Milford Sound by air and sea on a fully guided heli-cruise tour from Queenstown. This experience combines a scenic flight, alpine landing, and a leisurely cruise through one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.

Getting started

Your heli-cruise experience takes around 4 hours. Check in at Queenstown Airport, where your pilot-guide will walk you through the flight route and safety briefing before boarding your modern Airbus helicopter.

What to expect

• Scenic flying over Fiordland’s finest: Take off from Queenstown and fly over alpine valleys and the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps. See waterfalls, native beech forests, and glacier-carved landscapes on your way to the coast.

• Milford Sound by water: Land in Milford Sound and board a purpose-built catamaran for a relaxed 2-hour nature cruise. Glide beneath sheer cliffs, spot waterfalls tumbling into the fiord, and marvel at Mitre Peak from the water. Complimentary tea, coffee, and onboard commentary included.

• Alpine landing: On your return flight, enjoy a remote alpine landing. Step out for unbeatable views, fresh mountain air, and photos.

• Expertly guided experience: Your pilot doubles as your personal guide in the air, offering live commentary about the landscapes below.

• Small group, big experience: Flights are limited to just six passengers per helicopter, ensuring uninterrupted views, plenty of space, and a more personal experience from start to finish.

From Queenstown: 4-Hour Milford Sound Helicopter Tour + Cruise

Sweeping over the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, visitors experience an aerial journey crafted for explorers of adventure, devotees of natural beauty, and seekers of untouched wilderness. Glide above ancient rainforests teeming with life and winding rivers that carve through rugged terrain, offering a bird's-eye view few ever witness. As part of this comprehensive itinerary, guests land in the heart of Milford Sound, where towering cliffs rise from the water like silent sentinels guarding hidden treasures below. The tour weaves together elements of awe-inspiring nature with a poetic understanding that every flight path tells a story of resilience and beauty.

Exploring Mitre Peak's Majestic Presence

Visit Mitre Peak during the tour, showcasing the pinnacle of Milford Sound’s grandeur. Rising from the water like an ancient king surveying his kingdom, this iconic peak stands as a testament to geological time and natural splendor. With its distinctive pyramidal shape etched against the sky, visitors marvel at the sheer rock faces that reflect off the still waters below, creating a mirror image of beauty. The peak's height reaches 1,698 meters (5,570 feet), offering commanding views from every angle and inspiring photographers to capture its majestic silhouette.

Discovering Milford Sound's Hidden Valleys

Experience the hidden valleys as part of this tour package, revealing landscapes that remain untouched by human hands. Enveloped in lush rainforest and dotted with waterfalls cascading down cliffs, these valleys offer a sanctuary for rare flora and fauna. The air is crisp and filled with the scent of pine and moss, creating an atmosphere both serene and invigorating. Explorers can observe the intricate balance between nature’s power and its delicate beauty, where each rock formation tells a story of erosion and resilience.

Wandering Through Milford Sound's Cascading Waterfalls

Access cascading waterfalls included in the tour package, showcasing the dynamic forces at play within this natural wonderland. From high vantage points aboard a catamaran, guests can see water tumbling down cliffs and carving paths through rock, creating misty veils that shimmer in sunlight. The falls vary from delicate streams to thunderous cascades, each contributing to the symphony of sound that defines Milford Sound’s charm. Visitors are captivated by the raw power and beauty of nature on display.

Ascending a Secluded Glacier's Frosty Summit

Marvel at the secluded glacier high in the Southern Alps, revealing an icy world untouched by time. As guests touch down amidst crisp air and crunchy snow, they are greeted with panoramic views that stretch across pristine landscapes untouched by human footprints. The glacier’s surface glistens under the sun's rays, creating a surreal scene where every step feels like walking on moon dust. This unique opportunity offers explorers an unparalleled glimpse into Earth’s frozen realms.

Tour Highlights

• Glide above snow-capped peaks highest viewpoint
• Land in Milford Sound for 2-hour cruise spectacular
• Discover hidden valleys and rare wildlife authentic
• Witness cascading waterfalls from catamaran unique
• Ascend secluded glacier’s frosty summit breathtaking
• Narrated route with pilot insights comprehensive

Sweeping over the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, this aerial journey weaves together elements of awe-inspiring nature and poetic storytelling, creating memorable encounters that forge a deep connection to the land while understanding that every landscape holds its own untold history.