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Milford Sound with kids

Somewhere around hour three of a Milford Road drive, most parents start quietly wondering if there was a shorter way to do this. There is, and it happens to be the more magical one too. Fiordland is one of the most rewarding places you’ll take your kids in New Zealand, and with the right format, it’s also refreshingly easy on the whole family.

Here’s what we’ve learned from flying families to Milford Sound for over three decades, and why the Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly has become our top recommendation for families in particular.

The real win for families: less time travelling, more time enjoying

Kids don’t watch the clock the same way adults do, but they do run out of patience. A full-day coach trip from Queenstown can mean 10-12 hours away from your hotel, several of them on winding mountain roads. Compressing that travel time is exactly where the Fly Cruise Fly shines for families.

A return flight between Queenstown and Milford Sound takes around 40 minutes each way, so with Fly Cruise Fly, your family is over the Southern Alps, cruising Milford Sound, and back on the ground at Queenstown Airport, all comfortably inside a half day. Less time strapped into a seat, more time actually looking out the window, that trade-off is what makes it the easiest Milford Sound experience to plan a family day around.

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What kids notice that adults don't

Ask a seven-year-old what they remember from Milford Sound and it’s rarely “the geology.” It’s the waterfall that seemed close enough to touch, the seal sunning itself on a rock, the moment they looked out their window and the whole valley opened up below. Window seats aren’t a nice-to-have for families, they’re the difference between a trip your kids talk about for years and one they half-remember. Every seat on board is a guaranteed window seat, so nobody’s stuck looking at the seat in front.

On the cruise portion, keep an eye out together for fur seals near Seal Rock, and further out toward the Tasman Sea, dolphins and the occasional penguin. Giving kids something specific to spot, rather than just “look at the view,” tends to hold their attention a lot better on the open deck. And when anyone fancies a change of scenery, the cruise’s indoor cabin has full-height windows too, so the view never really stops.

A few happy things to plan around

Nappy changes are covered. If you’re travelling with an infant, the cruise has an onboard changing facility and there’s no strict lower age limit, we’ve flown and cruised families with kids of every age.

Snacks and treats are part of the fun. Complimentary tea, coffee and water are available onboard, along with snacks to purchase, or you can add a picnic lunch when you book for an additional cost. We have kid-friendly and allergy-friendly options too. Packing a few favourite snacks alongside makes the cruise feel like even more of an occasion for little ones.

Bring layers for the adventure. The open deck and the alpine flight both run cooler than Queenstown’s ground-level weather. A few warm layers turn a chilly moment into a cosy one and make the open-air viewing deck even more fun to explore.

Book early in your stay. Fiordland’s weather changes fast, so if you’re in Queenstown for several days, booking your Milford Sound trip earlier on gives you the most flexibility to find the perfect flying day.

Why a Fly Cruise Fly is our top pick for families

For most families, the Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly hits exactly the right note: a half-day experience that’s long enough to properly soak up Milford Sound and short enough that everyone’s still all smiles on the way home. Two scenic flights, a full Milford Sound cruise, and a whole afternoon left over to enjoy the rest of Queenstown. It’s simply the easiest, most rewarding way to bring the family to Fiordland.

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

Explore the Milford Sound Travel Guide ⟶

A family day at Milford Sound comes down to choosing the format that suits your kids as much as the scenery. With the Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly, families enjoy two scenic flights and a full Milford Sound cruise in under five hours, all the wonder of Fiordland with barely any time spent in transit. View all of our Milford Sound flights here ⟶

#1 Rated Tour + Activity
in Queenstown on Tripadvisor

Scenic Flights

Milford Sound

Mt. Cook

Stewart Island

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.

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