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Introducing the Milford Sound Private Charter Flight + VIP Cruise

This summer, we’re proud to announce our latest addition to our extensive range of scenic flights and adventures – The Milford Sound Private Charter Flight + VIP Cruise. Our most popular adventure, elevated.

Our newest and most exclusive Milford Sound experience will take you by private charter flight, into the heart of Fiordland, giving you panoramic views of snow-covered mountains and glaciers, including the Olivine Ice Plateau, Earnslaw Burn Glacier and Mt. Tutoko Glacier, the rugged West Coast and the Tasman Sea.

This experience starts with a private transfer between your accommodation and our base at Queenstown Airport where you’ll be introduced to your dedicated pilot. Step onboard our modern aircraft, sit back and relax as your pilot takes you on an extended flight path, showcasing landmarks along the way.

After landing in Milford Sound, your pilot will escort you to the Southern Discoveries boat, where you will meet your personal boat host who will take you the the VIP area, that includes a private outdoor viewing deck. Cruise out to the Tasman Sea, taking in the views of Mitre Peak, Hanging Garden, Fairy Falls, Seal Rock, Stirling Falls and Bowen Falls. Along your journey, there will be a selection of drinks and nibbles; high tea for our morning departure and a charcuterie board on the afternoon.

Following your nature cruise, you’ll be met by your pilot who will escort you back to the airfield for a scenic flight back to Queenstown, following a different flight path. Enjoy a private transfer from our Queenstown Airport base back to your accommodation, with time left in the day to explore, shop, or dine your way around Queenstown.

Trip Includes:

  • Private transfer between your accommodation and our Queenstown Airport base
  • Personalised scenic flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound aboard our modern aircraft
  • Exclusive use of the Southern Discoveries VIP area with private outdoor viewing deck and personal boat host
  • High tea onboard your cruise with a morning departure and a charcuterie board on the afternoon
  • An arrivals drink package including bubbles, beers and/or soft drinks
  • Private transfer between our Queenstown Airport base and you accommodation on return
  • Your guaranteed window seat

Learn more about this new and exclusive adventure here.

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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.