Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Nature Cruise

Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Milford Sound, one of the South Island’s top destinations. Your half-day tour begins with hotel pickup in Queenstown and a transfer to the airport for check-in and a safety briefing.

Taking off to Milford Sound, your pilot narrates the natural wonders located within Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO-listed region of Te Wahipounamu. Peer through the aircraft’s large windows for optimal viewing of the unfolding scene below, including blue waterways that cut through the dramatic, snow-dusted Southern Alps. 

After a gentle landing at the airstrip in Milford Sound, swap your plane for a boat, which carries a maximum of 75 passengers compared to a typical 300. The smaller-sized craft allows your captain to bring the boat up close to majestic cliff faces and cascades. 

Expert naturalists inform you about Milford Sound’s geology and any wildlife sightings including fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. Snap photos of Mitre Peak and taste pure water from the glacial melt at Stirling Falls.

You have the option to pre-order a boxed lunch to be served during your cruise (sample menu below); otherwise, purchase a meal or snack from the onboard cafe. Complimentary tea and coffee are provided to warm you throughout the cruise.

If you’re interested in learning about boat operations firsthand, be sure to visit the captain’s bridge during the return voyage. Then disembark on shore for the scenic flight back to Queenstown, where you’ll make a ground transfer back to your hotel.

Sample boxed lunch menu (subject to change):

• Ham and cheese roll

• Chicken drumstick

• Seasonal salad with dressing

• Soup and bread (winter only)

• Cheese and crackers

• Packaged biscuit

• Chocolate bar

• Juice, tea, and coffee

• Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Milford Sound, one of the South Island’s top destinations. Your half-day tour begins with hotel pickup in Queenstown and a transfer to the airport for check-in and a safety briefing. Taking off to Milford Sound, your pilot narrates the natural wonders located within Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO-listed region of Te Wahipounamu. Peer through the aircraft’s large windows for optimal viewing of the unfolding scene below, including blue waterways that cut through the dramatic, snow-dusted Southern Alps.  After a gentle landing at the airstrip in Milford Sound, swap your plane for a boat, which carries a maximum of 75 passengers compared to a typical 300. The smaller-sized craft allows your captain to bring the boat up close to majestic cliff faces and cascades.  Expert naturalists inform you about Milford Sound’s geology and any wildlife sightings including fur seals, bottlenose dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. Snap photos of Mitre Peak and taste pure water from the glacial melt at Stirling Falls. You have the option to pre-order a boxed lunch to be served during your cruise (sample menu below); otherwise, purchase a meal or snack from the onboard cafe. Complimentary tea and coffee are provided to warm you throughout the cruise. If you’re interested in learning about boat operations firsthand, be sure to visit the captain’s bridge during the return voyage. Then disembark on shore for the scenic flight back to Queenstown, where you’ll make a ground transfer back to your hotel. Sample boxed lunch menu (subject to change): • Ham and cheese roll • Chicken drumstick • Seasonal salad with dressing • Soup and bread (winter only) • Cheese and crackers • Packaged biscuit • Chocolate bar • Juice, tea, and coffee

See Milford Sound by air and water on a half-day tour from Queenstown that includes a round-trip flight and a boat tour through the sound. Save time and enjoy spectacular views as you fly over the breathtaking landscape of Fiordland National Park. Then, land in Milford Sound and board your boat that's purpose built for unbeatable viewing to explore the scenic waterways of this World Heritage–listed region. Experienced Nature Guides onboard your cruise along with your knowledgeable your pilot, share informative commentary about the geology and wildlife of Milford Sound throughout this once-in-a-lifetime journey to one of New Zealand’s top natural wonders. An experience like no other.

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Please advise of your country of origin at the time of booking
Please bring a warm, waterproof jacket, and wear non-slip shoes, insect repellent and sun protection
Most travelers can participate
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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers