Milford Sound Scenic Flights · Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park
Milford Sound Scenic Flights flies you over the Southern Alps on two different routes, puts you on a small boat for 2 hours and has you back in Queenstown about five hours after take-off. Pick it to swap a 12-hour bus day for half a day, and book it early so the weather has room to move it.
This is the most reviewed flight to Milford from Queenstown: 4.9 from 1,871 reviews, with 4.9 for the pilots, 4.9 for transport and 4.8 for value. The flight out crosses the Central Otago backcountry and Lake Wakatipu, then Mt Aspiring and Fiordland national parks, with a guaranteed window seat. You land at the airstrip at the head of the fiord, cruise for two hours past Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock and Stirling Falls, and fly home a different way. Lady Bowen Falls drops 162 metres and powers Milford village (Wikipedia).
The catch is weather, which scrubs flights far more often than it closes the road. The listing is clear: if the flight is cancelled for weather or operational reasons, you can reschedule or take a full refund. A refund does not give you Milford. Sonya flew in and skipped the cruise because "the weather forecast wasn't ideal for the return journey". Book in your first day or two in Queenstown so a scrubbed flight can move. It costs $325 more than the cheapest coach and hands back about seven hours.
Then there is the ride. Gessica warned that "the flight is not one for nervous flyers" and suggested motion-sickness medicine. There is no food on the cruise: tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water are free, so bring a small bag with lunch. The cruise is booked with Mitre Peak Cruises when available, and the operator tells you at check-in if you are moved to another company. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments or anyone over 150 kg.
A transfer from your accommodation is included. Self-drivers park free at the base and check in 45 minutes before take-off; check-in closes 30 minutes before.
Central Otago, Lake Wakatipu, Mt Aspiring and Fiordland national parks, then down to the Milford airstrip.
The skipper points out Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock and Stirling Falls. Seals, dolphins and seasonal tawaki are possible.
Back over the Alps to Lake Wakatipu and the Queenstown runway.
The transfer drops you at your accommodation, with the rest of the day free.
★★★★★Fantastic experience with stunning views really worth the price to fly instead of drive
★★★★★What an awesome way to see the Alps and Milford Sound. The flight was incredible and our pilot George was excellent. The boat cruise was amazing, we saw NZ Fur Seals and Dolphins. Incredible way to spend a day.
★★★★★I had an amazing day, to say my mind is blown is an understatement. Glen was our pilot, and he was friendly, kind, got us there safely, and absolutely nailed the landings.
★★★★★Andy was a great pilot and host. Kind and helpful the whole time. I would recommend him to anyone. Once in a lifetime experience.
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The listing says you can reschedule to another available trip or cancel for a full refund. Book early in your Queenstown stay so there is room to move; weather and cancellations explains how it plays out.
No. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and water are free on the cruise, but there is no food, so bring a small bag with lunch.
It can be. Gessica wrote that it is "not one for nervous flyers" and suggested motion-sickness medicine. If that rules you out, read coach or fly.
Yes. The tour is not suitable for people over 150 kg, wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Infants under 11 kg fly free on an adult's lap.
Ready to book
Fly over the Southern Alps each way with a guaranteed window seat, cruise for two hours and be back in Queenstown in about five hours, rated 4.9.
Milford Sound Flight & Cruise from QueenstownThe glacier route over Mount Tutoko, a forest walk to the boat and a different flight home, in about 4.5 hours.★ 5.0 · 4.5 hours · from $450
Milford Sound Coach & Cruise Day TripThe most booked Milford day: lunch included, pickup in central Queenstown or Te Anau, and three decks on the boat.★ 4.7 · 12 hours · from $151
Milford Sound Premium Small-Group TourFifteen guests at most in a Mercedes van, flexible stops, a picnic lunch and the best guide rating of the road tours.★ 4.8 · Up to 13 hours · from $239