Milford Sound Flight & Cruise Day Trip from Queenstown
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Queenstown, New Zealand
- 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Take in the vast scale of Milford Sound from the air and water with a half-day trip that includes round-trip flights and a catamaran cruise. You’ll board a small plane that accommodates up to 13 passengers, lift off above the ridges and lakes of Fiordland National Park, then cruise Milford Sound all the way to the Tasman Sea. Watch for fur seals and penguins, and pass through the mists of Stirling Falls before meeting the pilot for the return trip to Queenstown.
- See remote parts of the South Island from the air
- Guaranteed window seat on a fixed-wing, small plane
- Cruise to the outlet on the Tasman Sea
- Small group ensures personal service
What's Included
- Child/booster seats available on request, baby earmuffs also provided
- Departures from Queenstown Airport
- Your knowledgeable, highly skilled local pilot will provide interesting and informative commentary
- Complimentary Tea and Coffee provided during your cruise
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Lunch (available to purchase)
- Closest parking to our check-in and costs a maximum of $20 for the day
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Glenorchy AirQueenstown Airport, Terminal Building Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Check-in time is 30 minutes prior to departure at our desk inside the main building. Queenstown Airport Terminal Parking A is the closest parking to our check-in. For the closest free on-street parking please head to Douglas Street or McBride Street.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Milford Sound
1 hour 45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- A minimum of 2 people are required to confirm a flight
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Neil_D
Brilliant experience, the plane flight will be the highlight if you are lucky with the weather. Milford Sound is absolutely stunning. Both elements of the trip are well organised with knowledgeable pilots.
Reviews
5.0
based on 649 reviews
Michelle_S, Mar 2026
Great way to see Milford Sound in an afternoon, particularly if longer bus rides are not your thing. One ~30-minute flight to the sound, boat cruise and one ~30-minute flight back. Breathtaking views of the Sound and mountain ranges from above, coupled with a relaxing boat cruise through the fjord. We didn’t take advantage of the food onboard (but lovely to have seats reserved for our flight group), but did partake of a glass of wine and free coffee. Our pilot, Isabel was fantastic — great flier and tour guide, and our plane was comfortable and quiet. Pick up and drop-off from Queenstown was also a breeze.
Renee_Y, Feb 2026
This is definitely worth the extra cost!! Remarkable views on the flight and a great cruise. Our pilot, Jim, provided excellent information about the various sights throughout the flights. He was an excellent pilot, sideslipping easily into Queenstown despite a bit of wind. 100% recommend!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the spectacular views and the cruise experience. Jim will be delighted to know you appreciated his guidance and piloting skills. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
Colin_C, Feb 2026
Great trip pilot Jim was very good and the views and scenery were amazing highly recommended and would do it again
Neil_D, Feb 2026
Brilliant experience, the plane flight will be the highlight if you are lucky with the weather. Milford Sound is absolutely stunning. Both elements of the trip are well organised with knowledgeable pilots.
Jinal_M, Feb 2026
Flight and view was awesome but the milford sound cruise was not that great. I thought they will at least take us to watch some outstanding falls but instead it was only one falls in 2 hours cruise.
Amber_B, Feb 2026
This was my favorite experience in Queenstown. If you take the flight to Milford Sound ask for Annabelle as your pilot. She is incredible. I am not a great flyer and she made me feel completely safe. At no time was I concerned - even on a windy day. On the way back to Queenstown she even took us by some glaciers for a look. The cruise was extraordinary and we pre- ordered box lunches - so we had reserved seating in the cafe on the boat. Although we spent most of our time on the top deck enjoying the views and listening to the history of Milford (not really a sound) - 100% recommend this tour. My son said it is now in the top five of his favorite things he has done and I was glad I said yes to joining him. (I only regret the things I don't do!)
cheryl_d, Jan 2026
Sadly due to weather we were not able to go ! They were prompt in calling us and issuing a refund!! We are hoping to be able to reschedule in a week !
James_D, Jan 2026
Amazing experience! Our pilot and guide, Jim, was informative, helpful and provided smooth take off and landings. Scenery from air and on the sound was great.
Susan_B, Jan 2026
I think the plane ride over is the best way to see the wonders of Milford Sound along with the mountain lakes and glaciers.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your review! ✈️🏔️
We’re glad to hear you enjoyed seeing the wonders of Milford Sound from the air. Flying over the mountains, lakes, and glaciers really does offer a unique perspective, and it’s fantastic that you felt it was the best way to experience this stunning part of New Zealand.
We hope to welcome you on another scenic flight soon!
Alicia_F, Jan 2026
Absolutely fabulous! We all enjoyed the scenery and the staff! The views were just breathtaking! Would do it again!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your lovely review! 🌄✈️
We’re so glad you enjoyed the breathtaking scenery and had a great experience with our team. It’s fantastic to hear you’d do it all again.
Lauren_K, Jan 2026
The Milford sound tour is an absolute must while in Queenstown! We had the best day. We left at 13:30 and returned around 18:00. Rob was a wonderful pilot, giving both interesting intel about what we were looking at out our window, we well as making us feel safe by saying when bumps were expected (which were very minimal, it was a very smooth flight on a brand new aircraft!). We flew through the mountains and saw both the valleys and the glaciers peaks which was incredible. We also had a 1.5 hour ferry around the sound which was beautiful. The ferry had both indoor and outdoor space in case you get chilly (the top has the best views big is quite windy). Overall we HIGHLY recommend Rob and Glenorchy Air!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
We’re so happy you had such an amazing day on Milford Sound! Flying through the mountains and seeing glaciers and valleys from the air is truly something special, and we’re glad Rob made the flight both informative and comfortable. The cruise around the sound is the perfect way to soak in the scenery, and it’s great you got to enjoy both the indoor and outdoor decks. We’re thrilled you’d recommend Glenorchy Air and Rob, it means a lot to know your day was memorable!
Siddhartha_S, Dec 2025
Flying with Glenorchy Air was one of the highlights of our trip. The flight offered absolutely breathtaking views, and the pilot kept us engaged and entertained the entire way—super professional and friendly.
The cruise through Milford Sound was serene and stunning, especially with the rain—it made the waterfalls even more spectacular.
If you’re in Queenstown, this fly-cruise combo is a must-do. You save time and get to witness some of the most incredible landscapes from both the sky and the sea.
Highly recommended!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for such a fantastic review. We’re so pleased to hear the fly cruise experience was a highlight of your trip.
It’s great to know you enjoyed the views from the air and the relaxed cruise through Milford Sound, especially with the rain bringing those waterfalls to life. It really does add something special. We’re also glad the pilot’s commentary helped make the journey both engaging and enjoyable.
Thank you for the recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back to Queenstown one day.
Shahar_M, Dec 2025
This Milford Sound Day Tour with Scenic Cruise from Queenstown was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Both the flight with Glenorchy Air Services and the cruise operated by Southern Discoveries were extremely well managed and professional from start to finish.
Our pilot was fantastic — friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly focused on making sure everyone had an amazing experience throughout the flight. All staff members we interacted with, both in the air and on the cruise, were professional, positive, and well organized.
Most importantly, the views were absolutely unbelievable. Flying into Milford Sound and then experiencing it from the water was breathtaking in every sense of the word. Photos don’t come close to doing it justice.
Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Queenstown — it’s an experience we’ll never forget.
LeeMitchell_G, Dec 2025
Loved it! The plane ride was fantastic and the cruise around Milford Sound was spectacular! Our highlight was the pod of dolphins escorting our boat back to Milford Sound. As my husband and I said, we have never seen such spectacular views from air and water.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Pod of Dolphins!? That's wonderful! Not everyday when that happens...
We're happy you enjoyed your adventure.
Come back soon!
Cheers,
Rob
Lisa_S, Nov 2025
This is "must do" experience! The plane ride was very comfortable, the views magnificent, and the pilot, Annabelle, was a great hostess giving commentary on what we were seeing. The boat ride in Milford Sound was just spectacular. I loved being on the top deck so I could clearly see everything. The wind was chilly, so it was nice to be able to go down and get a warm drink for a few minutes before going back out. Again the commentary on what we were seeing was very interesting and the captain tried to get as close as possible for us to see the beautiful sights. Our pilot went a different route on the way back so we could see other sights. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for the review. Indeed that's a nice description of our Fly Cruise Fly experience to Milford Sound.
Perhaps next time we can fly you to Mount Cook or Stewart Island?
Cheers,
Rob
Ian_W, Nov 2025
This is a must-do when in New Zealand, best way to visit Milford in my opinion. Staff were so good, views were incredible from the plane and the cruise was amazing. We had initially booked for our first full day in Queenstown and due to weather conditions in MS we were cancelled on the morning and rescheduled for the next day. Blessing in disguise as the next day was cloudless, sunny, and the heavy rain the day before had waterfalls flowing everywhere in Milford. I would have paid this much for the views and experience in the plane, the cruise on top was amazing.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. It is lovely to hear you considered the trip a must do during your time in New Zealand, and we are delighted that both the flight and the cruise left such a strong impression. Our team will be very touched by your kind words about their care and attention.
You mentioned the weather forcing a cancellation on your first day and we completely understand how disappointing that can be when you have been looking forward to something. It seems the Milford skies had a little plan of their own because your description of the cloudless morning and the waterfalls in full flow sounds absolutely magical. Nature does enjoy its dramatic entrances.
We are so pleased that the views from the plane alone felt worth the cost to you, and that the cruise added an extra layer of wonder. It is a real joy to know the whole experience came together so beautifully in the end.
Thank you again for choosing to travel with us. If you ever return to Queenstown, we would be delighted to welcome you back aboard.
Rebekah_B, Sep 2025
A stunning trip out to Milford Sound! Make sure you are prepared for the cold & windy conditions! The views on the flight out, as well as at Milford Sound were spectacular!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your review, we are very happy to hear you enjoyed the trip!
linnelltim, Aug 2025
Amazing long morning. Glenorchy Air work out of the main airport and it’s a very slick operation end to end. We were flown out by the ebullient and extremely professional Annabel, who apart from being expert at flying down the valleys under at times low cloud was also a great tour guide, pointing out the natural wonders and, as the sun emerged near to the Sound, showing us from one end to another before landing and passing us onto the bus to the cruise terminal.
The cruise itself, in gorgeous but chilly weather, was a real treat. You’re flanked by wooded near vertical slopes (the trees sometimes lose grip and come down in “tree slides”, with seals, birds and even penguins coming out to play on our trip. Coffee and tea on self pour and snacks available. It’s great to see the sound - really a fjord - from on high and at sea level, very different perspectives.
And then back in the air enjoying the scenery.
You can drive or be driven to Milford Sound, and I guess that way works ok on a budget, but honestly it’s worth spending a bit more for a flight. Really enjoyable!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for your thoughtful review! It sounds like you had an incredible experience and I will be sure to pass on your compliments to Annabel. We love getting feedback like this. So glad you enjoyed your day flying with us - we hope to welcome you back again soon!
James_H, Aug 2025
Absolutely incredible. The boat ride was just intermission on a flight with the most incredible views. Everything ran exactly as expected. Great company.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for your review! The scenery truly is breathtaking - we're glad you had a fantastic experience.
Megan_C, Jul 2025
Amazing experience from start to finish. Top notch customer service. I picked this provider because the description said 'guaranteed window seat' for all flights (I had previously read reviews for other companies in which people did not always get window views). So glad I did! We stopped at the Glenorchy Air counter to say hi, when we arrived to NZ and they proactively offered to pick us up at our hotel on the day, rather than us having to find our own ride in. This was super convenient and already going above and beyond in our opinion. The van driver, Ivan, was super friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Check in was easy and we were even surprised with complimentary food passes for the boat ride (since we were scheduled to ride back on a different plane, although this was not inconvenient at all in our eyes). Both of our flights were fantastic. Amazing views, confident and funny pilots who made us feel super comfortable and safe and they were not crowded at all. After a super quick bus ride, we boarded the boat and went for a life changing cruise in Milford Sound. The boat was large but definitely not at capacity. There were plenty of seats for everyone and we quickly went to the front of the boat to stand and take on the views outside, as soon as they opened the doors (highly recommend)! The tour commentary was good and there was complimentary tea and coffee served in cute little glass cups. The complimentary lunch tickets got us quite a bit of food (sandwiches, cheese crackers and meat, chocolate and chips). We even saw a few fur seals swimming and on the rocks. We brought rain ponchos (which we didn't need), beanies, gloves, down coats and hand warmers, which definitely kept us warm on the return cruise (it was much windier going back to shore). After flying back and returning to the airport, Glenorchy Air offered us a complimentary shuttle ride back to our hotel. We are thrilled with the experience and think it is very well worth the price. Glenorchy Air is 10/10, all of the staff are so caring and genuinely want to go above and beyond to make the experience memorable. The boat cruise was my favourite part of our short trip, as the scenery is truly majestic. We are glad that we splurged on a fly cruise fly, rather than a bus ride to Milford Sound, due to the amount of time we saved (we were still happily exhausted after our fly cruise fly, as it is sensory overload and felt like it had been a full day)!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your detailed review! We're glad you enjoyed the views, the flights, and the little extras along the way. It’s great to hear the whole experience made your trip special. We really appreciate you choosing us and hope to welcome you back again soon.
Divan_d, Jul 2025
This was an outstanding trip.
The scenery is out if this world. Joseph, the pilot was 5 stars. Great knowledge, awesome humour and smooth flight.
The scenery at Milford Sound was stunning. This is a must do.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely review. Milford Sound is breathtaking and we are very happy you enjoyed your flight with Joseph - we will be sure to pass on your kind words to him. Thank you and we hope to fly you again soon!
Ryan_W, Jun 2025
Incredible experience from start to finish, professionally run and great commentary throughout. Would recommend!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for taking the time to write a review and for choosing Glenorchy Air for your Flight to Milford Sound. We are so glad to hear that you had an amazing time flying with us.
Sally_O, Apr 2025
Amazing experience and our pilot Ben was super informative and pointed out loads of points of interest as we flew to Milford Sound. Everything well organised and on the boat we saw some spectacular waterfalls and seals. Definitely worth seeing the beauty of this place.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thanks for sharing your experience! We're glad you enjoyed the flight and that Ben’s commentary helped highlight the beauty along the way. Milford Sound really does offer some unforgettable sights, from the waterfalls to the seals!
Frances_C, Apr 2025
Fabulous really enjoyable, great scenery. The few were friendly and pleasant the weather was perfect which was a bonus
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thanks for your great feedback! We're so glad you enjoyed the stunning scenery and had a smooth experience. Perfect weather definitely makes it even better!
Taylor_N, Mar 2025
The plane ride was by far the highlight of this trip. Josef was absolutely wonderful, very knowledgeable, and the views are incredible.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad to hear that the plane ride was the highlight of your trip. Joseph will be thrilled to know you appreciated his knowledge and the incredible views. We’re so grateful for your kind words and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another amazing adventure soon!
Mary_C, Mar 2025
The views from the plane are awe-inspiring as are the 360-degree views of waterfalls, cliffs and turquoise water from the boat. Our pilot and boat captain both provided interesting commentary.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the awe-inspiring views from both the plane and the boat. It’s great to know that the commentary from both the pilot and the boat captain added to your experience. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure!
Mark_Z, Feb 2025
Amazing. Bring layers. Confirm when you book they will be picking you up at your hotel. The bus trip is cheaper but this is well worth the extra $$.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you for your review! We're so glad you had an amazing experience. Great tip about bringing layers — the weather can change quickly, and it's always best to be prepared! We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
Robert_M, Feb 2025
This was my second visit to Milford Sound, the first time was by bus, but it is totally worth the experience of flying in… so incredible
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re so glad to hear that flying into Milford Sound was worth it for you. The aerial views really do offer a whole new perspective of the stunning landscapes. We agree, it's an unforgettable experience! We hope you had a fantastic time, and we look forward to welcoming you back again
Jolie_F, Feb 2025
Made best with bad weather. Just did flyover but saw more glaciers! Captain took care to give us a calm flight.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you for your review! We're so glad to hear you had an amazing experience, even with the weather not being ideal. It's great to know that you got a chance to see more glaciers from the air — they really are a sight to behold! We're also happy to hear that the pilot made sure you had a smooth and calm flight. We hope you have many more memorable adventures with us!
Sally_M, Feb 2025
Sadly our fantastic trip was cancelled due to poor weather on the Milford side. We were delighted that Glenorchy offered us flights the following day - very efficient. Sadly we were thwarted again due to weather. Cannot fault Viator or Glenorchy who were very efficient. Another year!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your kind feedback, and we’re truly sorry that your trip had to be cancelled due to the weather. We completely understand how disappointing that must have been, especially when you were so looking forward to it. We’re grateful for your recognition of our efforts to accommodate you with alternative flights, and we’re pleased to hear their efficiency stood out to you. We hope that, despite the setbacks, we’ll have the chance to welcome you back next year for a smooth and unforgettable experience. Thank you again for your understanding and support!
Likely to Sell Out
From $476.29
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Likely to Sell Out
Milford Sound Flight & Cruise Day Trip from Queenstown
649
4 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$476.29
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
Attractions in Queenstown, New Zealand
- Central Otago Tours & Tickets
- Kawarau Suspension Bridge Tours & Tickets
- Skippers Canyon Tours & Tickets
- The Remarkables Tours & Tickets
- Hollyford Track Tours & Tickets
- Milford Sound Tours & Tickets
- Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tours & Tickets
- Queenstown Hill Tours & Tickets
- Lake Wakatipu Tours & Tickets
- Kawarau River Tours & Tickets
- Coronet Peak Tours & Tickets
- Skyline Queenstown Tours & Tickets
- Queenstown Gardens Tours & Tickets