Milford Sound Glacier Flight & Cruise from Wanaka
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Wanaka, New Zealand
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Experience the rugged beauty of remote Milford Sound from Wanaka, all in half-a-day. With a choice of morning or afternoon flight departures, fly over lush national parks, epic glaciers, and alpine lakes, before touching down in the Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise, keeping an eye out for some of the local inhabitants including seals, penguins, and dolphins, before returning to Wanaka by plane.
- Meet at Wanaka airport for a 45-minute scenic flight to Milford Sounds
- During the flight, see the some of the best scenery in the South Island
- Experience Milford Sound without spending hours driving on country roads
- Boat cruise includes tea and coffee, as well as refreshing commentary
What's Included
- Scenic flight & boat cruise
- Free parking at Wanaka airport
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Personal expenses
- Food and drink
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 12 Lloyd Dunn Avenue, Wānaka 9382, New Zealand
Departure Point: Southern Alps Air Reception at Wanaka Airport. Allow 15mins to self-drive from Wanaka. Free all day parking right outside our Blue Building directly ahead of you when you turn in to the Airport entrance way. Address: 12 Lloyd Dunn Avenue SH6, Wanaka Airport Dates: See Availability
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Southern Alps Air - Scenic Flights
4 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Call us 1 hour before your schedule to check the weather
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 23 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Huw_H
This is a once in a lifetime experience, worth every single cent. Southern Alps Air are a friendly and professional team of flyers. Their knowledge of the glaciers and terrain is second to none. I was so impressed with the cruise in Milford Sound, which I had done about 8 years ago but this time it was even more magical. This was the absolute highlight of our southern holiday and so goes highly reccomended if your are considering adding a scenic flight to your tour itinerary.
Reviews
4.8
based on 88 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Huw_H, Mar 2026
This is a once in a lifetime experience, worth every single cent. Southern Alps Air are a friendly and professional team of flyers. Their knowledge of the glaciers and terrain is second to none. I was so impressed with the cruise in Milford Sound, which I had done about 8 years ago but this time it was even more magical. This was the absolute highlight of our southern holiday and so goes highly reccomended if your are considering adding a scenic flight to your tour itinerary.
Alan_G, Mar 2026
Fantastic trip. Milford Sound awesome - flights over the Southern Alps just as memorable. Pilots great. Definitely recommend.
Sue_A, Mar 2026
That the weather on the west coast can impact whether you can do the boat trip
The scenery was spectacular and James the pilot took time to fly around Milford Sounds as we only had limited time there due to weather conditions .
Flying through the mountain ranges was a truly memorable
Steve_C, Mar 2026
Awe inspiring ❤️
Must see whilst in New Zealand (south island). Weather on the west coast can be fickle if flying in but we got a beautiful day when we went a day after a original booking.
Eileen_H, Mar 2026
Unfortunately we couldn’t land in Milford due to the weather. Wonderful flight but still have Milford Sounds on my bucket list
Deborah_W, Mar 2026
Fantastic well organised trip. The flight was amazing over the mountains and through Milford Sounds.
Pilot Johnno was so lovely and informative.
We loved it thank you.
cheryl_p, Feb 2026
Nothing. Its all good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fun!!!!!!!! What a great day and weather was so nice for the trip
Jo_M, Feb 2026
We were third time lucky for this trip but it was well worth the wait. Absolutely stunning trip in the plane and really interesting cruise and commentary in the most awe inspiring surroundings.
If you can give yourself leeway to rebook in case of bad weather do so.
It is a truly amazing thing to do and I would highly recommend.
Our pilot Jono was great as were all the ground crew. Thank you
Amanda_B, Feb 2026
An excellent way to see Milford Sound. The flight was very enjoyable and the whole thing was well organised. Be aware this does not take place in poor weather.
rao_a, Dec 2025
What an amazing experience! Will remember these moments for life! Flying to Milford takes the cake over the cruise! Flying over the Milford and Southern Alps is a must! Experience of a lifetime!
Cassie_B, Dec 2025
The whole trip was fantastic. Incredible views and very well organized. Our pilot Scott was great. Highly recommend this experience.
Steven_G, May 2025
It was supposed to be 4 hour tour, but was shortened by 3 hours because we couldn't land in Milford Sound, for the boat segment, due to wind. Understandable. However, the cost of the booking was $720.00 and they refunded us $95.00. So they charged us $624 (two people - $312 each) for a one hour plane ride. I wouldn't have booked this for that amount of money. Disappointed.
Adrian_D, Apr 2025
Staff were supportive from the get go and always put our safety first. Great commentary along the way and just blown away with scale and beauty of it all.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hi Adrian, were really happy that your experience was great. Were also glad we could showcase our beautiful backyard to you. Hopefully have you fly with us again in the near future! Thanks SAA!
Brian_W, Mar 2025
A once in a lifetime experience, the best scenic flight by far! The boat trip was also good, but the flight took the cake
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for your amazing review! We're so glad to hear that you had a once-in-a-lifetime experience and that the scenic flight stood out as the highlight. We agree – there's nothing quite like those breathtaking aerial views! We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in the future!
Sandy_L, Feb 2025
Phenomenal experience! Super convenient to fly from Wanaka. Pilot gave great explanations of geography to and from Milford Sound, and the scenery was spectacular, both in the air and on the boat through Milford Sound! Loved every minute of it!
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for your fantastic feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a phenomenal experience. It’s great to know that the convenience of flying from Wanaka worked well for you and that the pilot’s explanations added to your adventure. The scenery in both the air and on the boat through Milford Sound is truly breathtaking, and we’re so glad you loved every minute of it. We appreciate you sharing your experience, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable journey soon!
Neil_P, Feb 2025
Spectacular! From the minute you take off until the minute you return this is absolutely spectacular. Beautiful scenery all around both from the plane and the boat. Very well organised, our pilot Scott was brilliant, can’t recommend this trip enough.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad to hear that you had a spectacular experience from start to finish. The views from both the plane and the boat truly are something special, and we're thrilled you enjoyed them. We're also glad to hear that Scott, our pilot, made such a positive impact on your experience. We really appreciate your recommendation and are grateful for your kind words. We hope to have the pleasure of flying you in the future again!
Murray_E, Feb 2025
Seeing spectacular scenery you can never see from the ground, great commentary about the area, unbelievable beauty!
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Hi Murray, Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the breathtaking scenery and our commentary. It’s always a pleasure to share the beauty of the area with our guests. We hope to welcome you again soon to experience more unforgettable views! Thanks, SAA Team!
Christina_M, Jan 2025
It was such a wonderful experience. The flight was great; the boat ride was amazing; the views were breathtaking.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Hi Christin, Thank you for your kind words! We’re so happy to hear you had such a wonderful experience. It’s fantastic that you enjoyed both the flight and the boat ride, and we’re glad the views left a lasting impression. We’d love to have you join us again for another breathtaking adventure. Thanks SAA Team!
Janine_G, Jan 2025
Truly a peak experience!! Henry, our pilot, was wonderful, warm, and informative! It happened to be a blue sky day so both the flight over mountains and glaciers, and the boat ride in Milford Sound were stunning!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you so much for this amazing feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a peak experience with us. Henry will be especially happy to hear your kind words—he really strives to make every flight memorable. It sounds like you had perfect weather for both the flight and boat ride, and we're so glad you got to enjoy the stunning views. We’d love to welcome you back for more incredible adventures in the future, Thanks SAA Team!
Richard_R, Jan 2025
Incredible experience. Not cheap, but the unparalleled views and time saved getting to Milford Sound were well worth the cost. Hamish was our pilot and he was a quite skilled.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're so glad you found the views and the time saved on your way to Milford Sound worth the investment. Hamish will be pleased to hear your compliment about his skills. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back for another unforgettable adventure. Thanks SAA Team!
Saranya_G, Jan 2025
We had an amazing once in a lifetime experience. It was our first time on a small plane but pilot from Southern Alps ensured a smooth landing. He also guided us to the cruise and made it absolutely hassle free. He was also kind enough to pose with my aviation savvy son ! We had seniors and children in our group and everyone thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Also felt the tour is cost effective in comparison to the other 20 min scenic flights. If not for this flight, visiting Milford would have taken a full day on the bus and it’s very difficult when travelling with seniors and children
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re so glad to hear that your first time on a small plane was smooth and enjoyable. Our pilot will be happy to know he helped make the journey hassle-free for everyone in your group. It’s great to hear that all ages—seniors and children alike—had such a fantastic time. We’re also glad you found the tour to be a cost-effective way to visit Milford Sound. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you all back for another memorable adventure, Thanks SAA Team!
Nicole_W, Dec 2024
If you're thinking about booking this, do it! I was on my own and I had the best experience! A trip of a lifetime and one that will stay with me forever. The most amazing way to see some beautiful landscapes in New Zealand!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for such a glowing review! We’re so happy to hear that your trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and that the landscapes of New Zealand left a lasting impression. It’s fantastic that you had an unforgettable time, even on your own! We truly appreciate you recommending the experience and hope to welcome you back for another adventure someday, Thanks SAA!
Frances_D, Nov 2024
This was an absolutely wonderful trip in a small group setting flying up the valleys between the mountains - you felt as though you could reach out and touch them. The pilot was really friendly and knowledgeable, but don’t try and pronounce some of the names of places..
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Hi Frances, thankyou for taking the time to review your flight with us to Milford. We love being able to share the amazing experience with our customers as it is a very unique experience like you have said. We hope you come back again in the future to explore what we have to offer.
All the best & Thankyou.
Craig_H, Nov 2024
The airplane ride was one of the best I have had! Our pilot, Scott, was very knowledgeable about the sights we saw and we had a very smooth flight.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Hi Craig, Thankyou very much for taking the time to review your flight with us to milford and we are happy that you enjoyed it. We love sharing our wonderful backyard with our customers and our pilots make sure that they do a good job of explaining it and pointing out things too. We hope you come back one day to do it all again! Regards Winston
Peter_V, Apr 2024
The flight, cruise and flight back was phenomenal in terms of views, comfort and style. I couldn't recommend this experience enough! Totally worth it! Winston our pilot was friendly, informative and a great pilot!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Hi Peter and thank you so much for taking the time to review your experience with us. We love to hear from the amazing people that we are lucky enough to have the opportunity to share this stunning landscape with. Winston and the rest of the team are tightly focused on providing an experience that is truely memorable. We appeciate your comments and that you decided to take this flight with us. Thank you.
Ronda_M, Mar 2024
The morning of our trip was windy and overcast in Wanaka and was canceled due to weather in Milford Sound. That afternoon the weather cleared up and they were trying to reschedule our flight for 2:00pm but it was cancelled too stating weather conditions were bad in Milford Sound. The next day we booked another boat cruise & drove the 10 hour roundtrip there only to find out from boat crew, that the weather had been a perfectly beautiful day the afternoon of cancellation. So we missed a beautiful afternoon and spent the following in the rain.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Hi there,
Sorry that we were unable to fly you to Milford Sound. As we depart from Wanaka, and other flight operaters depart from Queenstown, we follow a different flight path, meaning the weather condtions are not always the same on these different routes. This can mean that Queenstown operators can proceed and we cannot (and vice versa). Low cloud and wind are issues that can be encountered anywhere on the path between Wanaka and Milford.
We always err on the side of caution as safety is our top priority and it would be irresponsible to fly in unsuitable condtions.
Apologies again that we couldn't fly in such condtions. We hope to have you fly with us again sometime in the future when the weather is better!
Thank you,
The team at Southern Alps Air
JanJohan_K, Jan 2024
The scenery of Mount Aspiring National Park is amazing when seen from above. The combo of flying to Milford Sound, then doing the milford Sound Cruise, and then flying back via different path is greater than great!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Hello Jan and thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review of your scenic flight & cruise experience of Milford Sound from Wanaka. The Mt Aspiring National Park has so many highlights of it's own that there are too many to describe as you have experienced - and then..... you are travelling through Fiordland National Park as well before reaching the West Coast and Milford Sound herself. We are grateful that you chose our company and excited that you had such a great time. Best regards Anne & the SAA Team
Shannon_B, Dec 2023
This was such a cool flight! Hamish is a skilled and safe pilot. He did an excellent job providing an amazing experience. We couldn’t stop talking about what an amazing flight we had.
Everything was stunning and the boat cruise was very family friendly.
The communications via email through Viator left a lot to be desired. Hopefully they work on that, the experience itself was fantastic.
FYI - they will only fly under visual flight rules, not IFR. This means if the weather is bad you will need to reschedule. Try to book an afternoon flight because the clouds lifted through the day while we were there around Christmas. Also if your flight does get cancelled, know that it is for your safety. It’s a great pilot who decides to stay on the ground when weather looks marginal.
Sign up for this! It was awesome!!!!
Elena_T, Dec 2023
The flight was absolutely stunning, cruise is fun and exactly the right length. Trip is very well organised and schedule worked out exactly as advertised.
Catrin_D, Dec 2023
Unfortunately our trip.was cancelled due to poor weather conditions.
We were however very luck to have taken the trip.with another company from queenstown a few days later.
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