Milford Sound

Piopiotahi

Milford Sound | Piopiotahi is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand for visitors to travel to and we can't wait to show you why! Milford Sound lies within Fiordland National Park and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage site. It won the Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice Destination Award and Rudyard Kipling was noted as calling it the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound with us. We have multiple trip options to suit everyone's schedule and activities to check off that bucket list! Your friendly and knowledgeable pilot will provide commentary during your flight, pointing out hidden lakes and waterfalls and the history of the areas you are flying over.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 the cafe for a coffee and snack.

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 on our Cessna 206 Stationair HD 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.

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.

We offer one way scenic flights either in or out of Milford Sound. Fly in to meet friends or family who have finished the Milford Track or fly in to spend a blissful night away at Milford Sound Lodge. Or fly out after journeying in by road to see the landscape from above. Each one way flight is approximately 40-minutes.

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.