What is the best way to see
Milford Sound from Queenstown?

Ask ten people who’ve been to Milford Sound how they’d do it again and you’ll get ten happy answers, because there’s genuinely no wrong way to experience Fiordland. Some travellers want to see as much of it as possible without losing a whole day. Others wouldn’t miss driving the Milford Road for anything. And some simply want the day arranged beautifully from start to finish.

Here’s how the options compare and why the Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly is the one we recommend to most travellers first.

This is the tour most first-time visitors choose and it’s easy to see why. You’ll fly to Milford Sound aboard New Zealand’s most modern scenic flight fleet, with every seat a guaranteed window seat and live commentary from your pilot. All of our pilots are locals with genuine mountain flying experience, so you’re in wonderfully capable hands the whole way.

You’ll enjoy a full Milford Sound cruise, then fly home again, all in around four and a half hours. Along the way you’ll cross the Southern Alps, glide over alpine lakes and glacier-carved valleys and get a genuine sense of just how vast and beautiful this part of the country is, before you’ve even reached the water.

For anyone wanting the very best of Fiordland without spending most of the day travelling, this is simply the easiest, most rewarding choice, and it’s our most popular Milford Sound experience for exactly that reason. It’s also a big part of why we’re rated the #1 Tour and Activity in Queenstown on Tripadvisor and were named a 2024 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best.

Some travellers have the Milford Road on their list for its own sake. The Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, the Homer Tunnel, and there’s a lot to be said for experiencing it properly rather than rushing past it. Coach Cruise Fly gets you there by road with an experienced local guide sharing stories about the region’s history, wildlife and geology as you go, with stops along the way at some of Fiordland’s most photographed spots.

Once you’ve cruised beneath Milford Sound’s cliffs and waterfalls, the day takes a lovely turn. Instead of retracing the drive, you’ll fly home to Queenstown, watching the same landscape unfold from a completely different angle. It’s a full day, around nine to ten hours, and it gives you the very best of both worlds with the iconic road trip and a scenic flight, without the long drive back at the end of it.

Not every traveller wants their Milford Sound experience run to a schedule, and that’s exactly what our Fly Explore Fly is built for. You’ll fly to Milford Sound aboard New Zealand’s most modern scenic flight fleet, taking in the same spectacular alpine scenery as our other Milford Sound flights, then instead of joining a cruise, you’ll have time on the ground to make the visit your own.

That might mean a relaxed walk along the foreshore, taking your time over photos of Mitre Peak without a schedule to keep, or simply finding a quiet spot to sit and take it all in before flying home. It’s a wonderful option for travellers who’d rather explore at their own pace, and as a half-day experience, it also leaves plenty of the afternoon free to enjoy everything else Queenstown has to offer.

As the only fixed-wing scenic flight company in Queenstown offering private charters and VIP experiences to Milford Sound, we’re able to create something genuinely special for travellers who want Milford Sound entirely on their own terms. Your day begins with private transfers, so there’s no waiting around or sharing a shuttle, before boarding your own private flight with a dedicated, highly experienced pilot who can tailor the route around your interests.

Once you land at Milford Sound, the VIP experience continues with Southern Discoveries’ exclusive VIP area, complete with a private outdoor viewing deck, a personal host, and your choice of high tea or a cheese board served with a premium drinks package. From pick-up to drop-off, every detail is arranged around you, making this our most elevated way to experience Milford Sound, and a beautiful choice for anniversaries, honeymoons or simply treating yourself to something special.

The Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly delivers the most Fiordland in the least time, flown by our expert local pilots aboard New Zealand’s most modern scenic flight fleet, which is why it’s our most booked and most highly rated experience.

Continue planning your trip. Explore our complete Milford Sound Travel Guide for travel tips, tour comparisons, and expert advice.

The best way to see Milford Sound from Queenstown depends on your travel style. Fly Cruise Fly is the fastest and most popular option. It combines two scenic flights with a Milford Sound cruise in around four and a half hours. Coach Cruise Fly suits travellers who want to drive the famous Milford Road. Fly Explore Fly offers time to explore Milford Sound independently. Our Private Charter Flight and VIP Cruise is New Zealand’s most exclusive Milford Sound experience. Glenorchy Air offers all four Milford Sound tours from Queenstown. View all of our Milford Sound flights here ⟶

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.