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Half-Day Milford Sound Flight and Cruise from Queenstown
Badge of ExcellenceQueenstown, New Zealand
From US$369.50
Select Date and Travelers
Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
Queenstown Tours
Attractions
- 5 hours
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
The glacial waters, soaring cliffs, and thundering waterfalls of Milford Sound are spectacular from all angles, and this half-day tour takes in all the highlights. Enjoy thrilling aerial views of the Fiordland National Park on a round-trip flight from Queenstown, and marvel at Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and Mount Pembroke on a scenic Milford Sound cruise. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.
- Enjoy round-trip flights from Queenstown to Milford Sound
- Live on-board commentary ensures you don’t miss anything
- Choice of morning or afternoon departure
- Great-value tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
Save time—see the best of Milford Sound in half a day by opting for round-trip flights and a scenic cruise.
What's Included
- Live pilot commentary on board
- Reserved seating aboard the Nature Cruise of Milford Sound
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located hotels)
- Food and drinks
Meeting And Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Meeting point
- 3 Tex Smith Lane3 Tex Smith Lane, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Air Milford have free parking out site their base.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Pickup details
We provide a pick-up/drop-off service from all centrally located Queenstown accommodation, for an additional cost, please update us with your details. If your accommodation is not centrally located, please let us know and we will send through parking directions.
What To Expect
Your aerial adventure begins with pick-up from your central Queenstown hotel and a short transfer to the airport in time for departure. After meeting your pilot and receiving a safety briefing, jump aboard your fixed wing aircraft and take off over the city.
Listen to your pilot’s on-board commentary as you soar over the Paradise region, made famous in films such as Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, then fly above the vast Skippers Canyon and the glittering Donne glacier. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of Milford Sound as you come in to land at the edge of the fjord.
Your pilot will escort you to the boat docks for the second part of your adventure—a cruise around Milford Sound. Marvel at the dramatic UNESCO-listed landscapes as you cruise around the fjord and look out for wildlife such as fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. Along the way, spot natural wonders like the 525-foot (160-meter) high Bowen Falls, the striking hanging valley of Sinbad Gully, and the snow-capped peak of Mitre Peak, one of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks.
At the end of your cruise, return to the airfield for your return flight and enjoy an alternative route, passing over the Fiordland National Park and taking in dramatic views of the 1,904-foot (580-meter) high Sutherland Falls.
On arrival back in Queenstown, a driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
Listen to your pilot’s on-board commentary as you soar over the Paradise region, made famous in films such as Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, then fly above the vast Skippers Canyon and the glittering Donne glacier. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of Milford Sound as you come in to land at the edge of the fjord.
Your pilot will escort you to the boat docks for the second part of your adventure—a cruise around Milford Sound. Marvel at the dramatic UNESCO-listed landscapes as you cruise around the fjord and look out for wildlife such as fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. Along the way, spot natural wonders like the 525-foot (160-meter) high Bowen Falls, the striking hanging valley of Sinbad Gully, and the snow-capped peak of Mitre Peak, one of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks.
At the end of your cruise, return to the airfield for your return flight and enjoy an alternative route, passing over the Fiordland National Park and taking in dramatic views of the 1,904-foot (580-meter) high Sutherland Falls.
On arrival back in Queenstown, a driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
Air Milford
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Coronet Peak Ski Resort (Pass By)
Skippers Canyon (Pass By)
Glenorchy-Queenstown Road (Pass By)
Routeburn Track (Pass By)
Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) (Pass By)
Milford Sound (Pass By)
Mitre Peak (Pass By)
Milford Sound (Pass By)
Milford Sound Airport (Pass By)
Milford Sound Airport (Pass By)
Cruise Milford
1 hour 45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Sutherland Falls (Pass By)
Bowen Falls
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Greenstone and Caples Tracks (Pass By)
Lake Wakatipu (Pass By)
Walter Peak Station Wharf (Pass By)
Air Milford
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Lake Te Anau (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Do not forget to bring a jacket and your camera
- Infant rates apply for 0 - 1 years of age, when the infant is sat on a parents lap, with an infant lap belt
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Infants must sit on laps
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
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Featured review
Caroline_B
This tour was the perfect way to visit Milford Sound and experience it's full beauty. We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather for a smooth flight with spectacular clear views. So glad we booked this tour and I highly recommend it if you are considering it too.
Reviews
5.0
500 reviews
Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 500 reviews
Trip of a Lifetime !
CJ_T, Sept 2023
This trip was a trip of a lifetime! Hank Sproull, from Milford Air, is a highly experienced pilot, who transverses the mountain range several times a day between Queenstown and Milford Square. I felt very comfortable with my life in his hands. The plane holds about 14 people. Sometimes a person can sit in the co-pilot seat, which people did both ways on my flight, plus there is a bench along back, that two adults with two children sat during the flight.
As requested and as noted when signing up, the day before my planned plane trip, I attempted to call them to do a weather check-in. My USA cellphone had issues connecting with their #, so I asked the hotel concierge to assist in contacting them for me. He was very familiar with the company and immediately knew their number. He called them and they said weather looked good for next morning. They confirmed the time they wd be at hotel the following day to pick me up. Next morning they were there just as promised, right out front in a white van and off we went to the airport.
Everyone at Milford Air were extremely nice and polite. They passed out wristbands for everyone to wear, so when you’re on the boat later, you’ll be asked to show it to get your free hot muffin. At their office, they have a clean restroom one can use if need be, before boarding the plane. As there is no potty on board.
The flight went smooth and seeing the mountains so close was breathtaking! Once at Milford Sound there was a short walk from where we landed, to where we got on a shuttle bus, for just a short ride over to where the boats are docked. (All took less than 10mins). Once arriving at the port building, there is another place there to wait inside or outside by boats - also another set of restrooms. ImWe hardly had to wait 15-mins and were boarding the Southern Discovery boat.
There were snacks to purchase and free coffee available on the boat, plus as Milford Air, we got our free muffins. (Note there are others that board the boat from other areas, who do not get the free muffins- that’s when you show your armband). There are multiple tables and chairs inside and a nice large deck on top, where everyone is free to walk around outside. The captain of the boat was very informative as we cruised through the Sound. He saw a seal and penguins that the rest of us had a hard time seeing even after he pointed them where they were along the coastline. The other team members of the Southern Discovery team were very nice too. They offered to take pictures for us and frequently asked if we were doing ok. I think our specific boat of Southern Discovery was the Pride Milford, Invercargill.
Mother Nature was certainly helping us have a great time too, because we had an absolutely gorgeous day. The weather was perfect, especially considering it was the end of August.
This was the 3rd country I have used Viator. Italy, Great Britain (multiple times) and now New Zealand. Each time has been worth my money and worth my time. This time was hands downs one of the most memorable of my entire life! Thank you Viator, Milford Air and Southern Discovery for all working so well together! You collectively provide a wonderful lifetime experiences for people!
Incredible tour!!
Desiree_S, Sept 2023
Really incredible experience! We lucked out with a gorgeous, sunny, Spring day and the views were stunning. The flight was so easy and smooth and the pilot was very friendly and provided great information. The cruise was also lovely. Overall, a MUST DO for visitors to the area. Worth every penny and more.
Highlight of our trip to Queenstown
Renee_R, Aug 2023
AMAZING experience and the highlight of our trip to Queenstown. Great family run business with a personal touch to the tour. The pilot was lovely and educated us on the stunning scenery during the flight each way. The cruise in Milford Sound was wonderful. We were blessed with perfect weather. Could not be happier with our experience.
The best way to see Milford Sound
Zaid_A, Aug 2023
Amazing experience. Tom, our pilot was excellent and we were able to get some great views. Even saw dolphins on the cruise which the kids thoroughly enjoyed. Friendly and welcoming team that provided excellent service from end to end.
Views from above.
Stefanie_G, Aug 2023
The pilot was very knowledgeable about the area and is from Queenstown so it was good commentary on the plane. The take off and landing were the so smooth, better than any commercial flight. The cruise was nice and comfortable. We saw penguins, seals and dolphins. I highly recommend this tour.
Fun in the Air
Pete_B, Jul 2023
Air Milford is so professional in all actions. Great communication and great fleet of planes. Alex and Antony gave great information during the flights.
If you only do one thing in Queenstown, this is it!
ErinK_T, Jul 2023
Great Pilot, Clean plane, Organized, Friendly service, BEAUTIFUL RIDE!!!
Fjords are insane, the mountain range is just epic and although the weather didn't permit for the boat ride portion, we still got to see it all and more as they extended our flight for us! Our pilot also gave great commentary about the area with lots of interesting facts!
perfect journey!
youngran_s, Jul 2023
The scenic view was so nice! It was definitely worth the money considering the time saving compare to the driving and the crazy view!
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Hi there,
Thank you for choosing to fly with Air Milford.
We are grateful for the opportunity to share our amazing experience with you!
We are glad you enjoyed the flight with us. Thank you for taking the time to write us a review.
All the best and take care.
Kind regards
Emma
A must do trip!
Tom_B, May 2023
The flight over the snow capped peaks and views were amazing from the plane. Felt very safe and confident with the pilot who explained everything that was going to happen. The cruise on the fiord was beautiful we even saw dolphins!
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Hi Tom,
Getting to see dolphins on your cruise is such a treat as it is never guaranteed! We are so happy to read that you enjoyed the whole experience. Thank you for taking the time to write a review.
Kind Regards,
Kate
Worth the money!
JanelleB, May 2023
Amazing flight through snow capped mountains with our fantastic pilot Alex. The cruise was incredible. All in all value for money and a memorable day
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Hi Janelle,
Thank you so much for your review. It is so nice to read that you enjoyed the whole experience from start to end and had a great time with Alex as your pilot.
Kind Regards,
Kate
...
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Half-Day Milford Sound Flight and Cruise from Queenstown
500
5 hours
Free Cancellation
From
US$369.50
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