Milford Sound and Big Five Glaciers Scenic Flight

The Milford Sound and Big Five Glaciers Scenic Flight offers a remarkable aerial adventure over the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island. Passengers embark on an unforgettable journey, soaring above the rugged terrain of Mt. Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks. With an expert pilot guiding the way, flyers witness the breathtaking grandeur of five major glaciers, including the renowned Rob Roy and Bonar. This experience, backed by a 5.0 rating and a Badge of Excellence, captivates nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. What makes this scenic flight truly exceptional, however, lies in the unique perspective it provides of the region’s remarkable geology and rich history – a perspective that simply cannot be replicated from the ground.

Key Points

• This scenic flight offers breathtaking aerial views of Milford Sound and five major glaciers: Rob Roy, Bonar, Jura, Volta, and Dart.
• The expert pilot provides a pre-flight briefing and live commentary, enhancing the sightseeing experience with insights on the region’s geology and history.
• The tour includes complimentary pickup and drop-off service from Queenstown accommodation, ensuring a seamless and stress-free start and end to the adventure.
• The scenic flight is highly rated, with a 5.0 rating based on 29 reviews, and has earned a Badge of Excellence for outstanding experiences.
• Travelers can enjoy flexibility with the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Overview and Highlights

The scenic flight over Mt. Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks offers travelers a chance to witness at least five major glaciers, including Rob Roy, Bonar, Jura, Volta, Dart, Olivine, and Donne, while also immersing them in the deep, forested fiords of Milford Sound.

This awe-inspiring experience has earned the operation a Badge of Excellence with 29 reviews and a 5.0 rating, reflecting the exceptional quality of the tour.

Soar above the rugged alpine landscapes, taking in the breathtaking vistas that showcase the region’s natural wonders.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this scenic flight promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Flight Details

On the scenic flight, a full pre-flight briefing and live commentary are provided by the skilled pilot, giving travelers a rundown of the journey ahead.

During the tour, guests will enjoy pickup and drop-off service from their centrally located Queenstown accommodation, ensuring a seamless start and end to their adventure.

While the flight doesn’t include landing or cruising in Milford Sound, it offers unparalleled aerial views of the region’s stunning glaciers, including Rob Roy, Bonar, Jura, Volta, Dart, Olivine, and Donne.

With a Badge of Excellence and a 5.0 rating from 29 reviews, this scenic flight delivers an exceptional sightseeing experience that showcases the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s natural wonders.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers can take advantage of the complimentary pick-up and drop-off service from their centrally located Queenstown accommodation, making it easy to get to and from the meeting point.

The meeting point is located at 3 Tex Smith Lane, Frankton, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand. Travelers have the option to request the pick-up service or head directly to the meeting point on their own.

This convenient transportation makes the start and end of the scenic flight seamless.

The flight includes:

• Complimentary pick-up and drop-off service

• Meeting point in central Queenstown

• Option to request pick-up or go directly to meeting point

• Stress-free transportation to and from the experience

Conditions and Cancellations

Confirmation for the Milford Sound Scenic Flight is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. However, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, though it is stroller accessible. Plus, the flight is contingent on favorable weather conditions, and options for rescheduling or a full refund are available if the tour is canceled.

Accessibility	Cancellation Policy	Weather Contingency
Not wheelchair accessible	Free cancellation up to 24 hours before	Options for rescheduling or refund if canceled
Stroller accessible	Reserve now, pay later for flexibility	Dependent on favorable weather conditions

Pilot and Commentary

The full pre-flight briefing and live commentary provided by the pilot offer travelers valuable insights throughout the scenic flight.

The pilot’s expert narration brings the experience to life, highlighting key landmarks and points of interest along the way. Passengers can expect:

• Detailed explanations of the geology, geography, and history of the region

• Fascinating insights into the formation and movement of the glaciers below

• Vivid descriptions of the stunning natural beauty unfolding outside the aircraft

• Engaging stories that give context and meaning to the remarkable landscapes

The pilot’s extensive knowledge and engaging delivery ensure travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the awe-inspiring Fiordland National Park and its magnificent glaciers.

Scenic Views

From the small aircraft, guests feast their eyes upon a breathtaking panorama of pristine natural wonders. Soaring high above the rugged peaks of Mt. Aspiring and Fiordland National Park, the scenic flight treats passengers to awe-inspiring vistas of at least five major glaciers – Rob Roy, Bonar, Jura, Volta, Dart, Olivine, and Donne – cascading down the mountainsides. As the plane glides over the deeply forested fiords of Milford Sound, travelers marvel at the sheer scale and untamed beauty of this remote, untouched landscape.

Glacier	Height	Length	Depth
Rob Roy	2,804 m	6.2 km	200 m
Bonar	2,375 m	8.3 km	150 m
Jura	2,069 m	5.1 km	180 m
Volta	1,927 m	7.4 km	165 m
Dart	2,362 m	11.2 km	240 m

Milford Sound Experience

While the scenic flight showcases the stunning landscapes from above, the Milford Sound experience offers travelers an up-close encounter with the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and abundant wildlife found within this majestic fiord.

The cruise through Milford Sound allows visitors to:

• Admire the sheer granite walls that rise up to 1,600 meters from the water’s edge.

• Spot playful dolphins, seals, and a variety of seabirds that call the sound home.

• Marvel at the Stirling and Bowen Falls, which tumble dramatically from the surrounding mountainsides.

• Enjoy the serene ambiance as the boat glides through the tranquil, mirror-like waters.

This intimate exploration of Milford Sound completes the ultimate South Island adventure.

Booking and Reviews

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, allowing them to reserve the scenic flight experience with flexibility up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure.

Based on a 5.0 rating across 29 reviews, the Milford Sound Scenic Flight boasts a Badge of Excellence, with travelers highlighting the pilot’s excellent commentary and the overall enjoyment of the experience.

Plus, the option to reserve now and pay later provides an added level of convenience.

With the ability to request pickup from centrally located Queenstown hotels or head directly to the meeting point, the experience caters to the needs of various travelers.

The scenic flight is a must-do activity, offering breathtaking views of Milford Sound and the surrounding glaciers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. It offers complimentary pick-up and drop-off service from Queenstown accommodations, suggesting it can accommodate individual travelers or small groups. The experience allows flexibility to meet at the central meeting point as well.

Is There Any Weight Restriction for Passengers?

There are weight restrictions for passengers on this tour. The tour provider typically has a maximum weight limit per passenger, often around 290 lbs, to ensure the aircraft can safely accommodate all guests. Passengers exceeding this limit should contact the provider for guidance.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Flight?

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the flight, unless the operator specifies otherwise. It’s best to check with the provider ahead of time to confirm any restrictions or policies regarding outside food and beverages.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Experience?

There are no age restrictions for this experience, but infants under 1 year old can fly for free on a parent’s lap. If a seat is needed, a child ticket must be purchased.

What Should I Wear or Bring for the Flight?

Dress warmly in layers, as the flight can get quite cool. Bring sunglasses and a camera to capture the stunning scenery. It’s recommended to avoid bulky clothing that may restrict movement during the flight.

Recap

The Milford Sound and Big Five Glaciers Scenic Flight provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness the breathtaking natural wonders of New Zealand’s South Island.

Soaring over stunning landscapes, passengers are treated to up-close views of five magnificent glaciers and the serene beauty of Milford Sound.

With an expert pilot and engaging commentary, this experience is a must for anyone seeking to enjoy the region’s captivating geology and history.