Is a Milford Sound
Scenic Flight Worth It?

If you’re weighing up whether a Milford Sound scenic flight is worth the extra cost, the answer is a happy yes, one you’re likely to remember long after the rest of your New Zealand trip has faded. Here’s what you’re actually getting for that little bit extra and why so many travellers tell us it became the highlight of their whole trip.

What you're really paying for

It’s not just a faster way to get there, though it certainly is that. What you’re really paying for is a second, completely different view of Fiordland, one that a coach or car simply can’t give you, no matter how many stops you make. From the air you’ll glide over alpine lakes, glacier-fed rivers and mountain terrain with no road anywhere near it. It’s not a bonus scene tacked onto the trip, for many travellers, it becomes the part they talk about most once they’re home.

The time you get back

Here’s the trade-off in real numbers:

  • Self-drive or coach, round trip: around 13 to 14 hours, most of it on the road
  • Coach Cruise Fly (road in, flight home): around 9 to 10 hours
  • Fly Cruise Fly (flight both ways): around 4 to 5 hours

Choosing to fly, in one direction or both, hands you back the better part of a day, time you can spend enjoying Queenstown rather than watching the Milford Road scroll past for the second time.

Why Fly Cruise Fly is our favourite way to answer this question

If you want the clearest yes to this whole question, it’s the Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly. You’ll fly to Milford Sound and back aboard New Zealand’s most modern scenic flight fleet, with every seat a guaranteed window seat and our friendly local pilots sharing their favourite spots along the way. Combined with a full Milford Sound cruise, it’s around four and a half hours in total, which means you get two scenic flights and a cruise through the heart of Fiordland, all while spending less time travelling than almost any other option.

Who it’s especially wonderful for:

  • Travellers who want to make the very most of limited time in Queenstown
  • Photographers, since the aerial route crosses scenery you simpy cannot reach by road
  • Families, since less time in transit means more smiles all around
  • Anyone celebrating something special, who might love upgrading to our Private Charter Flight + VIP Cruise for an elevated day in the air and on the water

Which Milford Sound flight is right for you?

If time matters to you at all, which for most visitors to Queenstown it does, a Milford Sound scenic flight is one of the best-value additions you can make to your trip. It’s not transport dressed up as an experience. It’s a genuinely different way of seeing a place that most visitors only ever get to know from the water.

Explore our Milford Sound flight experiences below and find the option that best suits you.

Milford Sound

Fly Cruise Fly

Milford Sound

Coach Cruise Fly

Milford Sound

Fly Explore Fly

Milford Sound

Private Charter Flight + VIP Cruise

Milford Sound

Milford Track Transport

Milford Sound

One-Way Flight

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

A Milford Sound scenic flight from Queenstown is worth it for most travellers. It saves significant travel time compared with driving or a coach tour. It also reveals alpine lakes, glaciers and remote valleys that aren’t visible from the road. Glenorchy Air’s Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly combines two scenic flights with a full Milford Sound cruise in around four and a half hours. It remains one of the best ways to experience Milford Sound 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.