What to do and see in Milford Sound, South Island: The Best Helicopter Tours

November 5, 2021 Chanda Heide

Hailed by Rudyard Kipling as "the eighth wonder of the world," the breathtaking Milford Sound is the star of glacier-carved Fjordland National Park, providing an emerald-green and waterfall-rich backdrop for hiking, biking and kayaking. Frequent downpours only enhance this South Island beauty, sending numerous waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. Passionate nature lovers book in advance to hike the 33-mile Milford Track, a legendary route through alpine passes and temperate rainforest.

1. Milford and Fiordland Highlights Tour by Helicopter from Queenstown

10 Tex Smith Lane, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Over The Top - The Helicopter Company
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

View alpine lakes, rivers, forests, glacial valleys, and ice capped mountains from above with this 2-2.5 hour helicopter tour. Fly over the fiord and enjoy landing on a remote west coast beach and an alpine glacier!

Inclusions: Scenic Helicopter tour, Glacier and West Coast Beach landing with helicopter shut down to experience complete serenity of the surrounds, Live commentary in English from your knowledgeable pilot, Dramatically stunning views in the Fiordland National Park, Amazing opportunity to capture the most photographic scenery in New Zealand, Applicable National park, landing and facility fees, Complimentary car parking, Luxury and pristine range of helicopters within the fleet, Shared or private helicopter options available

Exclusions: Food and Beverage - options available to pre purchase, Gratuities

Reviewed By DPiper76

I booked this trip as a surprise for my wife and it could not have been better. The team were friendly and helpful. The flight itself was comfortable and offered brilliant views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Range. After a very scenic flight we were landed into an idyllic spot with a spectacular view. We were dropped off and left with an excellent picnic containing everything you could want. We had chosen to stay for around 2 hours, but were told we could choose to be picked up earlier if we wanted or stay longer by letting the team know. Having such a beautiful spot all to ourselves truly was magic. I can't recommend this highly enough - especially for a special occasion.

2. Half-Day Milford Sound Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

35 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Explore the spectacular Fiordland National Park by air on this half-day Milford Sound helicopter flight from Queenstown. Fly over Milford Sound by helicopter with a guide, and gaze out over the cliffs, waterfalls, and forests below. Stop for a stroll in Milford Sound for fine views over Mitre Peak, then land on a West Coast beach and Mt. Tutoko glacier. Along the way, gain insight into Milford Sound’s impressive geography and see sides of the region many visitors miss. This 2.5-hour tour includes round-trip travel from your Queenstown hotel.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Guide, Headsets, Helicopter flight

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Lunch

Reviewed By kymr409

Sunset, a helicopter and a Mountain. These are things dreams are made of. The flight up the side of the mountain is breathtaking and surreal. As you get over the top it is just insane. Matt was our pilot and one of the nicest pilots I have flown with. He is a great photographer too. As we had a drink and watch ed the sun slowly setting in the distance. The flight home Matt was so informative at poiting out some interesting sites. What a trip we will be back .

3. Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

35 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters
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5.0 based on 51 reviews

Explore Milford Sounds stunning fiord from the air and on the water. Join an unforgettable cruise, past sheer cliffs, gushing waterfalls and perhaps even spot dolphins, seals and penguins. Enjoy an exhilarating flight past rivers, valleys and mountains with blue-green ice falls, and land upon Mt Tutoko glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park.

Inclusions: Landing and facility fees, Headsets to hear the pilot clearly, Hotel pickup and drop-off, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By kymr409

Sunset, a helicopter and a Mountain. These are things dreams are made of. The flight up the side of the mountain is breathtaking and surreal. As you get over the top it is just insane. Matt was our pilot and one of the nicest pilots I have flown with. He is a great photographer too. As we had a drink and watch ed the sun slowly setting in the distance. The flight home Matt was so informative at poiting out some interesting sites. What a trip we will be back .

4. Milford Sound Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing from Queenstown

35 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters
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5.0 based on 32 reviews

Mitre Peak beckons as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Your 2 hour tour includes a landing in Milford Sound & a once in a lifetime landing on a glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Guide, Headsets, Helicopter flight

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By kymr409

Sunset, a helicopter and a Mountain. These are things dreams are made of. The flight up the side of the mountain is breathtaking and surreal. As you get over the top it is just insane. Matt was our pilot and one of the nicest pilots I have flown with. He is a great photographer too. As we had a drink and watch ed the sun slowly setting in the distance. The flight home Matt was so informative at poiting out some interesting sites. What a trip we will be back .

5. Premium Milford Sound Bus - Cruise - Fly Tour with Picnic Lunch from Queenstown

Cheeky Kiwi Travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This small group day trip includes a stunning boutique Milford Sound cruise with TripAdvisors No. 1 rated cruise provider and an amazing scenic flight back to Queenstown. Highlights: •Milford Sound Cruise with Cruise Milford •Scenic return flight with Glenorchy Air •Fiordland National Park •Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes, Hollyford River, Homer Tunnel & Mitre Peak •Wildlife Spotting Our tours are led by our passionate tour guides, notorious for bringing your journey to life by sharing stories and rich background knowledge, and run in modern, comfortable minibuses that are packed with extras, ensuring your comfort and safety. While the destinations you will be visiting are truly spectacular, we at Cheeky Kiwi Travel believe it is our small groups, our guides, the journey and the little details that set our tours well apart. Secret stops, wildlife viewings, specially designed vehicles and many other pleasant surprises ensure our tours are an experience to remember.

Inclusions: Cruise Entry, Scenic Flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown , Small Group and Fully Guided Tour, Bottled water, Snacks, Picnic Lunch

Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages (available to purchase), Gratuities

Reviewed By pcol2017

Had a great trip last week with Cheeky Kiwi. Callum our guide was fantastic - took us to beautiful spots we would never have stopped at on our own. He provided a fun commentary and was totally engaging. The cruise with Cruise Milford was stunning. Lovely staff on board who chatted happily to guests and made us feel very welcome. Would totally recommend this trip. Takes the hassle out of driving yourself, and at the end of a long day, having someone else drive you home is a bonus. Nice comfortable van and small size makes a more personal trip. 5 stars

6. Milford Sound Helicopter Tour from Queenstown

The Helicopter Line, Queenstown, 29 Lucas Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9348, New Zealand The Helicopter Line Queenstown
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4.8 based on 13 reviews

Soar over captivating Milford Sound on a 1.5-hour helicopter flight from Queenstown. You'll fly over New Zealand's most dramatic scenery, from secluded alpine lakes and rugged mountain peaks to lush rainforest and deep bush-lined valleys.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, 1.5-hour scenic helicopter flight with two landings, Pilot guide, Live commentary on board, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By yvonnerkh23

We did the last flight of the day and both absolutely loved it. Booking was easy, safety briefings easy to follow and the flight was the most stunning exhilarating experience. Our pilot was so accomodating and we loved the commentary on Queenstown landmarks. Finally landing on the top of the Remarkables to sip bubblies and take in the stunning view, you just cannot see Queenstown from anywhere better! This was an experience of a lifetime and one we will never forget.

7. 3 Day Queenstown Adventure: Jet Boat, Helicopter, Bungy and Milford Sound Cruise

The Station Building Duke Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand Discover New Zealand

Looking for an adrenaline rush? Anyone who lives for adventure will love this tour! Combine the Shotover 'High Five' which includes a jet boat ride, helicopter ride, luge and the Skyline Gondola (phew!) with the infamous Nevis swing and bungy combo. Including a day in the middle to slow down and take in the scenery on a fantastic Milford Sound nature cruise day tour. The perfect way to fit the best of Queenstown and Fiordland National Park into 3 days! This is an Independent tour, where you travel on a combination of sightseeing services with commentary and/or point to point coaches which may not have commentary. You will be with different people on each part of the tour. You have free time to explore on your own and are free to choose where and when to eat, meals are not included unless specified.

Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation in a Premium Motel, Transport to activities with brief commentary, Shotover High Five adventure combo, Milford Sound Nature Cruise, Nevis Bungy and Swing combo

Exclusions: Pre and post tour accommodation, Meals unless specified, Gratuities, Travel insurance. We recommend travel insurance for all tours

8. Milford Sound Grand Tour Helicopter Scenic Flight Departing from Milford Sound

Milford Sound Airport, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand Milford Sound Helicopters

Combine all that Milford Sound is famous for into one flight! Explore Mitre Peak, the Sutherland Falls, and Tutuko Glacier. A minimum of two passengers are required for this flight to go ahead.

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Headsets to hear the guide clearly, Landing and facility fees

Exclusions: This is not a private flight. , Lunch

Reviewed By jolenedeon

We decided on our bus tour to Milford Sound to take one of the Milford helicopters back to Queenstown. Not only were the views stunning, but we stopped on top of a mountain and got out for photographs. The pilot was superb and really seemed to enjoy his job. This was worth the money- stunning views!!!

9. Mitre Peak Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound

Milford Sound Airport, Milford Sound 9679, New Zealand Milford Sound Helicopters

Depart Milford Airport and track west along Milford Sound, climb alongside Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak for some great views of the sound and its towering peaks before returning to our Milford base. Minimum of two passengers are required for this flight to go ahead.

Inclusions: Landing and facility fees, Headsets to hear the guide clearly, Live commentary on board

Exclusions: This is not a private flight. , Lunch

Reviewed By jolenedeon

We decided on our bus tour to Milford Sound to take one of the Milford helicopters back to Queenstown. Not only were the views stunning, but we stopped on top of a mountain and got out for photographs. The pilot was superb and really seemed to enjoy his job. This was worth the money- stunning views!!!

10. New Zealand: See & Do it ALL in 10 Days, 1st Class Traveling

CharlieTheTraveler

You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year-and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance: ► 2 Flight-Seeing Tours, 1 Over Milford Sound & 1 Over Mount Cook ► Jet-Boating Top-Speed Along a Turquoise-Colored River ► A World-Famous Suspension Bridge Jump (optional) ► Running Off a 60-Meter Cliff (optional) ► Zip-Lining ► Cable Car Ride Over Stunning Landscape ► 4-Wheel Driving in a Scenic Valley (seasonal) ► Boat Rides Around Icebergs (seasonal), Fjords & a National Park & Inside a Cave ► A Cruise on a Historic Steamship ► Visits to Boiling Geothermal Sites ► Bathing in a Mud Spa ► Glacier-Hiking ► A Tour of Lord of the Rings’ Movie Set ► A Show Demonstrating Centuries-Old Native Rituals

Inclusions: Dinner, Lodging x 1 Night, Air-Conditioned Vehicle, All Entry Fees, Private Transportation, English-Speaking Tour Guides

Exclusions: Alcohol, Travel Visa (only applicable to citizens of certain countries), Jumping Off a Cliff Near Queenstown (a.k.a. Fox Jump), Bungee Jumping at Kawarau

Reviewed By DonnaAlverez

CharlieTheTraveler offered a great value for the trip to Turkey. There were so many amenities included, such as all of the activities and tours and the wonderful tour guide that was provided to help us navigate it all. Overall, this was a well-organized trip.

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