Queenstown

Beyond Queenstown

Half-Day Milford Sound Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

Name: Half-Day Milford Sound Flight and Cruise from Queenstown
Brand: Air Milford
SKU: 38244P1
Price: 389.39 USD
Rating: 5.0 (556 reviews)

Badge of ExcellenceQueenstown, New Zealand

From $389.39

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

5 hours
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

The glacial waters, soaring cliffs, and thundering waterfalls of Milford Sound are spectacular from all angles, and this half-day tour takes in all the highlights. Enjoy thrilling aerial views of the Fiordland National Park on a round-trip flight from Queenstown, and marvel at Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and Mount Pembroke on a scenic Milford Sound cruise. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Enjoy round-trip flights from Queenstown to Milford Sound
Live on-board commentary ensures you don’t miss anything
Choice of morning or afternoon departure
Great-value tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

Save time—see the best of Milford Sound in half a day by opting for round-trip flights and a scenic cruise.

What's Included

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

Food and drinks

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

3 Tex Smith Lane, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Air Milford have free parking out site their base.

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

We provide a pick-up/drop-off service from all centrally located Queenstown accommodation, for an additional cost, please update us with your details. If your accommodation is not centrally located, please let us know and we will send through parking directions.

What To Expect

Your aerial adventure begins with pick-up from your central Queenstown hotel and a short transfer to the airport in time for departure. After meeting your pilot and receiving a safety briefing, jump aboard your fixed wing aircraft and take off over the city.

Listen to your pilot’s on-board commentary as you soar over the Paradise region, made famous in films such as Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, then fly above the vast Skippers Canyon and the glittering Donne glacier. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of Milford Sound as you come in to land at the edge of the fjord.

Your pilot will escort you to the boat docks for the second part of your adventure—a cruise around Milford Sound. Marvel at the dramatic UNESCO-listed landscapes as you cruise around the fjord and look out for wildlife such as fur seals, dolphins, and Fiordland crested penguins. Along the way, spot natural wonders like the 525-foot (160-meter) high Bowen Falls, the striking hanging valley of Sinbad Gully, and the snow-capped peak of Mitre Peak, one of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks.

At the end of your cruise, return to the airfield for your return flight and enjoy an alternative route, passing over the Fiordland National Park and taking in dramatic views of the 1,904-foot (580-meter) high Sutherland Falls.

On arrival back in Queenstown, a driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Air Milford

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Coronet Peak Ski Resort (Pass By)

Skippers Canyon (Pass By)

Glenorchy-Queenstown Road (Pass By)

Routeburn Track (Pass By)

Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) (Pass By)

Milford Sound (Pass By)

Mitre Peak (Pass By)

Milford Sound (Pass By)

Milford Sound Airport (Pass By)

Cruise Milford

1 hour 45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Sutherland Falls (Pass By)

Bowen Falls

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Greenstone and Caples Tracks (Pass By)

Lake Wakatipu (Pass By)

Walter Peak Station Wharf (Pass By)

Air Milford

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lake Te Anau (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
Do not forget to bring a jacket and your camera
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Infant rates apply for 0 - 1 years of age, when the infant is sat on a parents lap, with an infant lap belt
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Infants must sit on laps
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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 experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Fiona_C

A must do experience! Our pilot Emma, flew us on the most incredible adventure, highlighting the main features with her commentary. The view from above just can’t be described - you just can’t see this beauty from the ground. Then adding the Milford Sound cruise - wow! Such a majestic place. We were escorted by seals & dolphins. A day we will never forget. Thank you

Reviews

5.0

556 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 556 reviews

Highly recommend!

Vinit_P, Apr 2024

What a truly fantastic experience. Our pilot Anthony's commentary and the team of Air Milford were amazing. Although our cruise was cancelled due to weather conditions, the views from above during the flight were spectacular and not to be missed.

Worth every penny!

Kelly_W, Apr 2024

Absolutely incredible! Worth every penny for the views, ease, and time we saved by flying to Milford Sound vs driving the 5+ hours each way to get there. The Southern Seas cruise and our dedicated viewing area via Air Milford on the boat was also very nice. Flight is about 40 mins each way and the cruise 1.5 hours. We were fortunate with the weather and wind day of too. Our pilot Tim and all the Air Milford crew were amazing and we felt very safe throughout the whole experience. Highly highly recommend!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Kelly, We agree that this is the best and most time efficient way to see the beauty of Milford Sound! Great to hear the weather played the game too. Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Kind Regards, Kate

Bucket list experience - sensational

Fiona_C, Apr 2024

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Fiona, You are absolutely right, the ariel views are second to none. To see dolphins is also very special! We are happy to read that you enjoyed your pilot Emma and her commentary. Kind Regards, Kate

Fantastic

Robert_S, Mar 2024

We had a fantastic tour! We had a sunny day on the flight from Queenstown to Milford and flying over the mountains was beautiful! Tom, our pilot, was very professional and gave us great commentary while flying. The boat tour of Milford Sound was amazing too. Thanks to all the Air Milford staff (esp Sara and Mikayla) for a great trip, well worth the cost!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Robert, Thank you for taking the time to write a review and mention our staff members by name. It sounds like you got the perfect day out there with the weather, which can be hard to come by! Kind Regards, Kate

Great tour

Joanne_Y, Mar 2024

A great way to visit Milford Sounds … 35 min fly you are at Milford Sounds. Seamlessly board on the scenic cruise in a private lounge. Highly recommended

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi Joanne, The 35 minute flight is the fastest, most convenient way to get into Milford. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed the private lounge aboard the cruise for Air Milford guests. Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Kind Regards, Kate

Want a spectacular dat out - Try This it wont break the Bank

Leigh_R, Mar 2024

Flying over from Queenstown and back to Milford Sound was amazing and the pilot Tim was very informative especially when flying over the glaciers - The Cruise on Milford Sound was also very interesting as the Captain kept us fully informed of the sights and the waterfalls were outstanding and made great photographs - the pure size of the elevation of the mountainsides coming out of the sea was also very spectacular - yes a great day out and did not break the bank.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Leigh, We are so happy that you found the excursion worth the money. Not to mention the time you save by flying in and out of Milford (saving the 5 hour drive). The scale of Milford Sound is something that needs to be witnessed in real life and seeing it from the sound, land and air is the perfect combination. Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Kind Regards, Kate

A must do experience

Bernard_R, Mar 2024

From the moment I called in the morning to confirm the flight I spoke to Antony who was our pilot for the trip he said we were good to go. The pick up and drop off was good we had a flight briefing telling us what to expect and on the flight Antony pointed out all the relevant sites, this with out question is the best way to go and see Milford Sound. On the way back I was lucky enough to sit in the copilot’s seat and film the take off and landing in Queenstown. I would recommend this trip to all you get a better prospectives of the island Thank you Antony for a great experience

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Hi Bernard, Thank you so much for taking the time to write your review. We are so happy to read that you found this a must do experience! You certainly picked up on the detail of this being a small family owned and operated business - where Antony our chief pilot not only does a great job flying but is also able to answer the phones in the morning. Thank you for your recommendation of our company! Kind Regards, Kate

We had a great flight...

Krista_G, Feb 2024

We had a great flight even though the weather didn’t allow us to do the cruise. Beautiful views! Would recommend

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Kia ora Krista, Thanks for your 5-star review. We are glad we got the oppurtunity to share the experience of Milford Sound with you despite how changeable the weather conditons can be! Safe travels and all the best on behalf of the team. Kind regards, Emma

Excellent experience with great staff

Rebekah_L, Feb 2024

Air Milford was incredibly hospitable and provided a great trip to and from Milford Sound with additional views of the surrounding area. The staff were amazing and accommodated us with our 18 month old.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Dear Rebekah, Thank you so much for your kind words and for choosing Air Milford for your trip to Milford Sound! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with us. Ensuring our guests' comfort and satisfaction is always a top priority for us, and we're delighted that our team was able to accommodate you and your 18-month-old during your journey. We understand the importance of flexibility and hospitality, especially when traveling with young ones, and we're glad we could make your experience enjoyable and stress-free. We're also pleased that you enjoyed the additional views of the surrounding area during your trip. The landscapes around Milford Sound are truly breathtaking, and we're thrilled to have been able to share them with you. Thank you once again for your kind words and recommendation. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back aboard Air Milford for more memorable adventures in the future. Warm regards, Emma

The entire experience was...

Vanessa_U, Feb 2024

The entire experience was wonderful from the flight to the boat. Everyone was extremely nice, helpful, and informative. Truly an incredible experience!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that your entire journey with Air Milford, from the flight to the boat, was nothing short of wonderful. Our team works hard to ensure that every aspect of your experience is seamless and memorable, and we're delighted that you found everyone to be extremely nice, helpful, and informative. Providing exceptional service and making our guests feel welcome is our utmost priority, and it's heartening to know that we succeeded in doing so during your visit. We're thrilled that you found the experience to be truly incredible, and we're grateful for your kind words. It was our pleasure to have you aboard, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for more unforgettable adventures in the future. Warm regards, Emma

Cannot recommend this tour enough….. amazing.,

Shane_B, Feb 2024

This whole trip was amazing. So well planned. We got picked up on time. The office staff were so friendly. Our pilot Emma Penney was amazing. So informative, knowledgeable and friendly. The flight was the highlight. The views are spectacular. We went straight on to our boat and the cruise was outstanding. Only our 2 planes of passengers on board. The best thing we have done in Queenstown.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Dear Shane, Thank you so much for sharing your amazing experience with us! Ensuring that our guests have a seamless and unforgettable experience from start to finish is our top priority, and we're delighted that you found everything to be well coordinated, from the timely pickup to the friendly assistance from our office staff. I am especially grateful for your kind words. Providing informative and friendly service is something we pride ourselves on, and I am grateful I got to share such a beautiful part of the world with you. We're also pleased that you enjoyed the outstanding cruise on the boat, and that the small group size added to the experience. Thank you for considering this trip the best thing you've done in Queenstown! Your feedback means the world to us, and we hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for more unforgettable adventures in the future. Warm regards, Emma

Flight scared me to death, never again, but views gorgeous and Milford Sound Company great!

Dianne_S, Feb 2024

The flight was terrifying for me. Never again. My husband loved it and sat in the co pilot chair. The views from the plane were gorgeous, but I mostly shut my eyes and prayed. Very bumpy scary ride. The cruise was beautiful and the company was great with all aspects of the trip. If you don't have a fear of small planes in the mountains, then it's a great experience.

Just don't!!

Stephanie_G, Jan 2024

The fly over was amazing!! The pilot kept pointing out things to us as we flew. It was breathtaking.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for taking the time to leave an amazing review! Kind regards, Emma

Would highly recommend.

Dennis_P, Jan 2024

We were so lucky. 40% of the days the weather is too bad for them to fly. Our day was perfect. We had no turbulence and the water was calm. The pilot, Anthony, was great. The transfers from car transport to plane to cruise ship and back were very smooth. The knowledgeable staff on the plane and boat were great. And no rain. The trip and sight were spectacular.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hi Dennis, We appreciate your feedback! There is nothing better than getting the perfect day out there, as you mentioned it doesn't always happen. Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Kind Regards, Kate

Making Memories

Patricia_M, Jan 2024

Truly excellent experience all your staff very helpful friendly and keen to ensure all guests enjoyed a fabulous trip. Thoroughly recommend

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Hi Patricia, Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. We are so happy to read that you enjoyed your trip and recognised that the staff genuinely care, we hope these memories last a life time! Kind Regards, Kate

A lot of value for the money

Andrea_H, Jan 2024

It was an awesome trip which we really loved. Everything was very well organized and great bang for the buck.

Great

Penny_G, Dec 2023

I’m so glad I made this last minute booking. The reception staff at Air Milford were great. They did a great job communicating. Emma was a wonderful pilot. And of course Milford Sound was gorgeous. Overall the whole experience was great!

The bonding with fellow...

Pacelli_N, Dec 2023

The bonding with fellow passengers in the fact we all shared this wonderful experience together. Views were superb in the excellent clear weather conditions our captain made it very personal giving extra attention.

Half day to Milford

Molly_M, Nov 2023

Amazing tour with beautiful views from the plane and the boat. The company coordinated a private cruise for just the plane passengers, so there was plenty of space and everyone was able to grab photos of Milford sound (including the penguins!). Well operated company and excellent pilots - especially our pilot, Tom. We would definitely recommend this tour!!

Half day Milford sound on plane and boat

Lap_W, Nov 2023

The plane ride was awesome, view from the plane was fantastic. The boat ride was very smooth and we saw a lot. The captain navigated the waters to show us some seals playing on the rocks and the waterfalls and dolphins.

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