Milford Sound Helicopter and Cruise Tour from Queenstown

Fly, land and cruise three ways through a UNESCO World Heritage fjord

A Milford Sound tour from Queenstown combining return helicopter scenic flights with a two-hour cruise around the fjord. You fly over Glenorchy and the glacial Dart and Rees valleys, land in the remote alpine landscape of Fiordland National Park, then board a cruise to spot seals, dolphins and Fiordland Crested penguins. The full experience takes around five hours and includes pickup from most Queenstown accommodations.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter flight and Milford Sound cruise

• Take off from Queenstown
• Fly over Glenorchy and valleys
• Helicopter flight over Fiordland National Park
• Alpine landing in Fiordland
• Land in Milford Sound
• Embark on 2-hour Milford Sound cruise

The experience

The day starts with a helicopter departure from Queenstown, climbing over the adventure capital before the landscape opens into braided river valleys carved by glaciers. You'll fly over Glenorchy and the Dart and Rees valleys as the terrain steepens toward Fiordland National Park. The pilot provides live commentary through headsets, narrating the shift from populated foothills to untouched wilderness as you approach Milford Sound.

An alpine landing in the remote heart of Fiordland National Park breaks up the flight. You step out into the fresh mountain air at one of the most isolated spots accessible by helicopter in the region, with time to absorb the scale of the landscape before returning to the aircraft. This stop is what sets the experience apart from a standard scenic flight: you're not just viewing the park from above, but standing in it.

The helicopter lands you at Milford Sound Cruise Terminal, where you board a two-hour cruise around the entire fjord with Mitre Peak Cruises. The boat moves through the waterway at a pace that lets you watch for wildlife: seals hauled out on rocks, dolphins in the water, and Fiordland Crested penguins along the shoreline. Tea, coffee and water are available onboard. Return transport to your Queenstown accommodation is included, completing the loop from sky to land to water.

What’s included

• Return helicopter scenic flights with live pilot commentary through headsets.
• alpine landing in Fiordland National Park.
• two-hour cruise around Milford Sound with Mitre Peak Cruises.
• complimentary tea, coffee and water onboard the cruise.
• landing and facility fees.
• complimentary return transport from most Queenstown accommodations.
• GST.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 12:30

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (4 to 14 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 28 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Totally Tourism - The Helicopter Line

Is this one for you?The full five-hour commitment and helicopter flight mean an early start and a full morning and afternoon, so book this if you have a clear day free and want to experience Fiordland from three different vantage points rather than one.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

13 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 14 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What wildlife can I expect to see on the Milford Sound cruise?

Seals, dolphins and Fiordland Crested penguins roam around Milford Sound and are commonly spotted during the two-hour cruise. Sightings depend on the day and season, but the boat moves slowly enough to give you time to watch for them.

Is the alpine landing included in the helicopter flight?

Yes, the alpine landing in Fiordland National Park is part of the return helicopter scenic flight. You'll land in the remote wilderness, step out and take in the landscape before continuing to Milford Sound.

How long does the entire tour take from Queenstown?

The full experience takes around five hours from the time you depart Queenstown until you return. This includes the helicopter flight, the alpine landing and the two-hour cruise.

What's included in the cruise portion of the tour?

The two-hour Milford Sound cruise includes complimentary tea, coffee and water onboard. Entry to the fjord and the full circuit around Milford Sound are covered. Lunch is not included.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the helicopter base?

No, complimentary return transport from most accommodations in the Queenstown area is included. The operator will arrange pickup and drop-off as part of the booking.