Half-Day Milford Sound Nature Cruise and Flight from Queenstown

Highlights

Learn about the area from live commentary
Transfers from central Queenstown hotels are included
Get the best views with reserved seating on board the cruise

Summary

Start with pickup at your centrally-located accommodations in Queenstown, then head to the airport for a scenic flight to Milford Sound. The pilot points out key landmarks and topographical features on the way to the coast, where you land at the head of the glacially-carved fjord. Board a catamaran boat for a cruise on Milford Sound: with room for 150 passengers, the catamaran is smaller than many Milford Sound boats, so you can get closer to the cliff walls and waterfalls, including the spectacular Stirling Falls. Wilderness guides are available during the cruise, and you’re welcome to head to the bridge of the boat to meet the skipper and get a captain’s view of the dramatic fjord. Keep your eyes on the water throughout the tour, as it’s common to see fur seals, dolphins, and many kinds of birds along the way, and the rare, Fjordland crested penguin can be spotted in spring and autumn. Lunch (midday departure only), coffee, tea, soda, beer, and wine are served during the cruise. Following the Milford Sound cruise, meet the pilot for the return flight to Queenstown, with spectacular views of the landscape in the constantly changing light. This tour concludes with drop-off at your Queenstown hotel.

Tour info

Duration

4 hours

Why take this tour?

This easy half-day tour of Milford Sound allows you to see and experience the best of Fiordland in a short time. With convenient round-trip transfers from Queenstown, even travelers on a tight itinerary can do a lot. Enjoy a sightseeing flight over the glacial fiords, and then get a close-up view on a catamaran cruise. The sound is beautiful in any weather, and you may even spot dolphins, penguins, and seals.

What’s included?

Live pilot commentary on board
Reserved Seating aboard the Nature Cruise
Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located hotels)
Coffee and/or Tea
Entry/Admission - Milford Sound
Lunch

Things to know

Before you book

Duration: 4h
Mobile tickets accepted

Covid Policy

Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operator Website

Operated by:

Air Milford

About operator:

Air Milford is a family owned and operated business based in Queenstown, New Zealand that has a 100% safety record and has top reviews. The Air Milford team have an intimate knowledge of the scenic wonders of Fiordland, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Mount Cook and the Queenstown region. We provide Scenic Flights to Milford Sound, covering:- - Milford Sound Flights - Milford Fly/Cruise/Fly - Milford Coach/Cruise/Fly - Milford Fly/Land/Fly and - Milford Track Fly Back options We also offer stunning scenic flights over Queenstown, to Doubtful Sound, Mt Cook and charters are also available. Our modern Cessna aircrafts are meticulously maintained and we are proud to have achieved one of the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) highest audit ratings for operations and safety and take extra special measure to sanitize the planes between our trips. We are proud to be completely Kiwi Owner Operated and look forward to providing you with a trip you will remember for a lifetime!