Milford Sound

Piopiotahi

Milford Sound Scenic Flights and Tours from Queenstown

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions, renowned for its dramatic scenery, towering waterfalls, and unique wildlife. Located within Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound attracts visitors from around the world seeking some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery.

From Queenstown, Glenorchy Air offers a range of unforgettable Milford Sound experiences. Fly above the Southern Alps, glaciers, alpine lakes, and remote Fiordland wilderness and discover towering peaks, waterfalls, and wildlife that make Milford Sound one of New Zealand’s most memorable destinations. With guaranteed window seats, experienced local pilots, and spectacular flight routes, every journey is designed to make the most of your time in Fiordland.

Milford Sound

Fly | Cruise | Fly

Our most popular year-round adventure! This Half Day experience takes you on a roundtrip flight over the Southern Alps. Venture out to the Tasman Sea aboard a modern cruise boat, taking in the amazing waterfalls and wildlife. Take a different flight path on your return to Queenstown.

Milford Sound

Coach | Cruise | Fly

A Full Day Fiordland adventure by land, sea and sky. This is a great option for those with more time. Coach into Milford Sound, stopping for short walks along the way. Once in Milford, board your cruise and venture towards the Tasman Sea. End your day with a scenic flight back to Queenstown.

Milford Sound

Fly | Explore | Fly

Explore Milford Sound at your own pace. This experience is great if you’ve already done the cruise and want to spend your time seeing all Milford Sound has to offer. Embark on a short walk, enjoy the best seat in the house at the Milford Swing, or head to the cafe for a coffee and snack.

Milford Sound

Private Charter Flight + VIP Cruise

Our most popular adventure, elevated. Our newest and most exclusive Milford Sound experience will take you into the heart of Fiordland aboard a private flight where you can request a bespoke flight path. Once you land in Milford Sound, your pilot will introduce you to your Southern Discoveries host who will show you to the VIP area of the shared cruise. Take in the magnificent views from your private viewing deck as you cruise out to the Tasman Sea. This elevated experience includes private pick up and drop off.

Milford Sound

Milford Track Transport

After your unforgettable journey into the heart of Milford Sound via the Milford Track, add on our return scenic flight and experience the unbelievable grandeur and beauty of Fiordland and the Southern Alps, onboard our fixed-wing aircraft. Enjoy the scenic 40-minute flight, taking in Lake Quill and the Sutherland Falls.

Summer Only

Milford Sound

One-Way Flight

We offer a one-way scenic flight out of Milford Sound back to Queenstown. Fly out after journeying in by road to see the landscape from above. Our one way flight is approximately 40-minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Milford Sound

Where is Milford Sound?

Milford Sound is located within Fiordland National Park on the south-west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. From Queenstown, the drive takes approximately 4 hours each way, depending on the road and weather conditions. Glenorchy Air’s scenic flights take around 40 minutes each way and showcase the Southern Alps and Fiordland scenery along the flight path.

Is Milford Sound worth visiting?

Yes. Milford Sound is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions, known for its dramatic scenery, waterfalls, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Located within Fiordland National Park, it is considered a must-visit destination.                     

Can you visit Milford Sound in a day from Queenstown?

Yes. Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most popular day trip destinations. Visitors can experience the fiord by scenic flight, cruise or a combination of both before returning to Queenstown on the same day.

When is the best time to visit Milford Sound?

Milford Sound is a year-round destination, with each season showcasing a different side of Fiordland’s beauty. Scenic flights offer an unforgettable perspective of the region when conditions allow, making any time of the year a great time to experience Milford Sound.

What is the best way to experience Milford Sound?

Many visitors choose to experience Milford Sound from both the air and the water. A scenic flight showcases Fiordland’s glaciers, alpine lakes, mountain ranges and remote wilderness, while a cruise provides a close-up perspective of the waterfalls, wildlife and dramatic fiord scenery that make Milford Sound world-famous. Our most popular experience is the Milford Sound Fly | Cruise | Fly.

Which Milford Sound experience is right for me?

Whether you’re visiting Milford Sound for the first time or returning to experience more of Fiordland, Glenorchy Air offers a range of ways to explore this iconic destination. Our Fly Cruise Fly is our most popular option, combining scenic flights and a Milford Sound cruise for the ultimate day trip from Queenstown. Fly Explore Fly is perfect for travellers wanting greater flexibility and the freedom to experience Milford Sound independently, while the Private Charter Flight & VIP Cruise delivers a premium and personalised Fiordland experience with the added comfort and exclusivity of private air travel.

What is Mitre Peak?

Mitre Peak is Milford Sound’s most iconic landmark, rising 1,692 metres directly from the fiord. Named for its resemblance to a bishop’s mitre, it is one of New Zealand’s most photographed mountains and a defining feature of the Milford Sound landscape.

Scenic Flights
How long is this trip?

This is a Half Day experience. From check in 30 minutes before departure, to landing back at Queenstown Airport, is approximately 5 to 5 1/2 hours. Please note, this does not include time for self-driving or using our complimentary transfers. If you have plans immediately either side of your experience with us, please let us know.

What time is best to fly?

It’s always a good time to fly! If the option is there, we would suggest either our 9.00am or 1.30pm departures. Please note, our 1.30pm departure time is only available at certain times of the year. Whilst we cannot guarantee it, Milford Sound can sometimes be a little bit quieter at these times.

What should I bring?

We suggest you bring the following with you to make it a great day out:

  • Any essential medication
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray
  • Camera – make sure it’s fully charged
  • Warm clothing layers – you’ll want to enjoy the open-air viewing decks where it can get chilly
  • Sensible footwear
  • Bottle of water
How long is the scenic flight?

Your flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound are approximately 40 minutes each way.

How long is the cruise?

Your Nature Cruise through Milford Sound with our partners Southern Discoveries is 1 hour 45 mins.

Is food included with the cruise?

No, lunch is not included. When making your booking online, you have the option to add a picnic lunch for an additional cost that will be ready for you on the cruise. We have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available.

Complimentary tea, coffee and water is available. A selection of small snacks are available to purchase onboard. You are also welcome to bring snacks of your own.

Is there an indoor area on the cruise?

Yes, the cruise has a large indoor area with comfortable seating and tables.

What will I see on the cruise?

Your cruise through Milford Sound is on a boat with a large open-top deck and comfy interior cabins with full-height windows for optimal viewing. Take in the stunning scenery of Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Copper Point, and the Tasman Sea. Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and penguins.

Is the cruise suitable for an infant?

We would say the cruise is suitable for all ages.

Is there a nappy changing facility/station available inside the cruise?

Yes, there is a nappy changing facility onboard the cruise.

What happens if the weather prevents us from flying back to Queenstown?

Our pilots will always look at the forecast for the full duration of your trip and if we feel like the weather may change, we will not leave Queenstown. Due to the weather-dependent nature of flying in the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, it is unfortunate that there are very rare occasions where the forecast changes on us and although uncommon, it can be a case that we are unable to operate the return flight. The safety of our passengers is always our highest priority and in the unlikely event that this ever occurs, we will arrange coach transfers back to Queenstown. We fully appreciate the inconvenience this will cause and do everything we can to look after our passengers.