Milford Sound and the Glaciers Helicopter Tour Including Landing From Queenstown

Soaring over New Zealand’s Milford Sound and the rugged Southern Alps in a helicopter is an unparalleled adventure. Passengers embark on a thrilling aerial journey, taking in breathtaking vistas of cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and majestic glaciers as a knowledgeable pilot provides insightful commentary. The highlight of the tour is a landing on the icy terrain, allowing travelers to explore the pristine landscape up close and enjoy the grandeur of this natural wonder. With all-inclusive amenities and the opportunity to witness the region’s untamed beauty from a unique perspective, this helicopter tour promises an unforgettable experience that leaves one eager to uncover more.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Helicopter Flights And Tours In Queenstown.

Key Points

• Scenic helicopter tour offering breathtaking aerial views of Milford Sound, glaciers, forests, and the Southern Alps from Queenstown.
• Thrilling glacier landing experience where passengers can explore the icy terrain guided by a professional pilot.
• Comprehensive tour package including national park and landing fees, Bose noise-canceling headsets, and complimentary bottled water and lunch.
• Highly-rated tour with 36 reviews and a 5.0 rating, ensuring a memorable and satisfying experience for all participants.
• Seamless meeting, pickup, and return process, with hotel pickup and flexible cancellation policies for added convenience.

Tour Overview

The Milford Sound Helicopter Tour typically provides guests with an aerial exploration of the stunning Milford Sound, surrounding glaciers, forests, and the majestic Southern Alps, culminating in a thrilling touchdown on a glacier.

Passengers can expect to soar over the dramatic fjord, taking in breathtaking views of the sound, glaciers, and the rugged alpine landscape.

The 36 reviews of this tour boast an impressive 5.0 rating, indicating that it’s a must-do experience for visitors to the Queenstown region.

With a professional pilot and guide at the helm, guests can sit back and enjoy the scenic flight while learning about the natural wonders below.

Inclusions

The Milford Sound Helicopter Tour includes a scenic helicopter flight over the stunning landscapes of Milford Sound and its surrounding glaciers, forests, and the Southern Alps.

Passengers will don Bose noise-canceling headsets to fully enjoy the experience while a professional pilot and guide provides commentary on the natural wonders below.

Plus, the tour covers all necessary national park fees and landing fees, ensuring a hassle-free adventure.

Complimentary bottled water and a provided lunch further enhance the overall experience.

With these inclusions, travelers can sit back, relax, and soak in the majestic views of this breathtaking region without worrying about additional costs or logistics.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet at the Over The Top – The Helicopter Company located in the Blue Hanger at Queenstown Airport, which serves as the departure and return point for the Milford Sound Helicopter Tour.

Participants are picked up from their hotels in Queenstown and transported to the meeting point. After check-in, the group boards the helicopter and embarks on the scenic flight over Milford Sound and the glaciers.

At the end of the tour, the helicopter returns to the same meeting point, where travelers are then dropped off at their hotels. The entire process is seamless, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Cancellation and Flexibility

Customers can freely cancel their Milford Sound Helicopter Tour up to 24 hours before the experience’s scheduled start time without incurring any penalties.

Plus, the tour operator offers a Reserve Now and Pay Later option, providing customers with greater booking flexibility.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers, and the company contacts customers prior to the booking to confirm availability based on weather conditions, potentially leading to cancellations if minimum passenger requirements aren’t met.

This flexible cancellation policy and the Reserve Now and Pay Later option ensure that customers can easily adjust their plans as needed, while the company’s commitment to weather-dependent operations prioritizes customer safety and satisfaction.

Views From the Helicopter

From the helicopter, sweeping vistas of Milford Sound’s majestic scenery unfold before passengers’ eyes. Towering, snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps rise dramatically, while cascading waterfalls plunge down sheer, verdant cliffs into the inky waters below. Lush, ancient forests blanket the rugged terrain, creating a breathtaking juxtaposition of land and sky.

As the helicopter soars over the dramatic landscape, passengers are treated to unparalleled views. The following table highlights some of the stunning natural wonders observed during the flight:

Landmark	Description
Milford Sound	A breathtaking fiord carved by glaciers
Waterfalls	Numerous cascades plunging down sheer cliffs
Glaciers	Massive, ancient glaciers clinging to the mountainsides
Forests	Lush, verdant temperate rainforests
Southern Alps	Towering, snow-capped peaks of the mountain range

Glacier Landing Experience

The helicopter descends slowly onto a vast, pristine glacier, landing gently on the ice as passengers gaze in wonder at the surrounding peaks and crevasses.

The professional pilot guides the group through the glacial landscape, pointing out unique geological features and sharing insights about the formation and movement of the ice.

Passengers have the opportunity to step out onto the glacier and explore the icy terrain, marveling at the scale and power of these ancient rivers of ice.

With the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps, the glacier landing provides an unforgettable and up-close experience of Milford Sound’s dramatic glacial environment.

Back on board, the pilot skillfully lifts the helicopter, offering one final aerial view before heading back to Queenstown.

Professional Pilot and Guide

As passengers board the helicopter, they’re greeted by the professional pilot and guide, whose extensive knowledge and expertise ensure a seamless, informative, and captivating aerial experience.

The pilot not only skillfully navigates the helicopter through the breathtaking landscapes but also provides insightful commentary about the region’s geology, wildlife, and history.

Equipped with Bose noise-canceling headsets, guests can clearly hear the pilot’s expert narration, which enhances their understanding and appreciation of the stunning vistas unfolding below.

Whether it’s pointing out the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps or explaining the formation of the glaciers, the pilot’s passion and enthusiasm shine through, creating a truly memorable and educational tour.

Additional Considerations

While the Milford Sound Helicopter Tour offers an unparalleled aerial perspective of the region’s natural wonders, there are a few additional considerations prospective guests should keep in mind.

Participants must be aware that the tour is subject to favorable weather conditions, and flight plans may need to be adjusted or rescheduled accordingly.

Plus, the tour accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers, and minimum passenger numbers are required for shared flights – should these requirements not be met, the experience may be canceled.

Guests are advised to dress comfortably and in warm layers, as the flight may expose them to varying temperatures and weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a minimum age requirement. However, infants must sit on laps, so parents should consider their child’s ability to remain seated during the flight. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any age policies.

Can I Bring My Own Camera/Drone for the Flight?

Guests are generally permitted to bring their own cameras and drones on the helicopter tour, though drone use may be subject to restrictions to ensure safety and avoid disrupting the tour. It’s recommended to check with the tour operator beforehand.

Is This Tour Suitable for People With a Fear of Heights?

While the tour’s aerial perspectives may concern those with a fear of heights, the helicopter’s sturdy design, expert pilot, and available safety measures can help mitigate these concerns. However, individual comfort levels should be carefully considered before booking.

Can I Purchase Additional Food or Drinks During the Tour?

Yes, complimentary bottled water and lunch are included, but customers can’t purchase additional food or drinks during the tour. The tour package covers all necessary refreshments for the experience.

Do I Need to Sign Any Waivers Before the Tour Starts?

Travelers usually need to sign a liability waiver before participating in adventurous activities like helicopter tours. The waiver outlines the risks involved and requires participants to acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of those risks.

Recap

The Milford Sound and Glaciers Helicopter Tour from Queenstown offers an unparalleled experience, showcasing the breathtaking natural wonders of New Zealand.

From the bird’s-eye view of cascading waterfalls and the thrill of a glacier landing, this tour immerses travelers in the awe-inspiring landscapes of the region.

With a professional pilot and state-of-the-art equipment, the tour provides an unforgettable aerial adventure that captures the essence of New Zealand’s stunning fjords and glaciers.