Queenstown’s Milford Sound Cruise and Helicopter Alpine Tour promises an unforgettable adventure in one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Combining a scenic helicopter flight over Fiordland National Park with a serene cruise through the majestic Milford Sound, this 4-hour experience offers travelers a unique perspective on the region’s diverse wildlife and awe-inspiring vistas. With expert commentary and the opportunity to touch down on a glacier, this tour provides an extraordinary way to explore the South Island’s untamed beauty. However, there’s more to uncover about this remarkable journey – from the tour’s inclusions to the important considerations for travelers to keep in mind.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Helicopter Flights And Tours In Queenstown.
Key Points
- This tour includes a scenic helicopter flight over Fiordland National Park and a cruise through the breathtaking Milford Sound.
- The tour is priced at $733.68 per person and lasts approximately 4 hours.
- Highlights of the tour include a glacier/alpine landing, wildlife spotting, and insights from experienced pilots on filming locations.
- The tour has a maximum weight capacity of 220 lbs (100 kg) per person, and advance booking is recommended to ensure availability.
- The tour has a cancellation policy that allows for a full refund for cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
This tour offers a unique combination of a scenic helicopter flight over Fiordland National Park and a cruise through the breathtaking Milford Sound.
Priced at $733.68 per person, the tour lasts 4 hours and is offered in English.
Pickup is available from all Queenstown hotels, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The experience highlights include a glacier/alpine landing for stunning views, the chance to spot wildlife like dolphins and seals, and insights from the pilots on filming locations.
The tour includes coach transfers, a safety briefing, the helicopter flight with glacier landing, and the Milford Sound cruise with in-flight commentary.
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Experience Highlights
Travelers can behold the stunning vistas of Fiordland National Park from a bird’s-eye view during the scenic helicopter flight. This exhilarating aerial tour offers a glacier/alpine landing, allowing guests to admire the majestic landscapes and potentially spot wildlife like dolphins and seals.
The experienced pilots also provide insights into the region’s filming locations. After the helicopter adventure, guests embark on a scenic cruise through the picturesque Milford Sound, which is home to an abundance of marine life, including penguins.
Throughout the tour, visitors are treated to captivating commentary that enhances their understanding and appreciation of this remarkable natural wonder.
Tour Inclusions
The tour includes courtesy coach transfers from selected locations, ensuring a seamless start to the adventure.
Visitors will also receive a full safety briefing from qualified pilots before embarking on the helicopter flight over Fiordland National Park.
During the aerial journey, an in-flight commentary highlights the key points of interest, enhancing the travelers’ understanding of this remarkable region.
The highlight of the tour is the Milford Sound scenic cruise, where participants can spot wildlife such as dolphins, seals, and penguins.
The tour provides a well-rounded experience, combining the thrill of a helicopter flight with the serene beauty of the Milford Sound.
Weight Restrictions
There are weight restrictions for this tour, as the helicopter has a maximum capacity of 220 lbs (100 kg) per person. This means the tour isn’t suitable for individuals over this weight limit.
The weight restriction ensures the helicopter can operate safely and efficiently during the flights over the stunning Fiordland National Park. Passengers are advised to keep this in mind when booking the tour, as exceeding the weight limit could result in being turned away on the day.
This policy is in place to prioritize guest safety and comfort throughout the helicopter and cruise experience. Ensuring all participants meet the weight guidelines helps guarantee a smooth and enjoyable tour for everyone involved.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyRecommended Attire
Typically, guests are advised to dress in comfortable, layered clothing suitable for the alpine environment. Warm jackets, sturdy footwear, and sun protection are recommended to ensure maximum comfort and enjoyment throughout the helicopter and cruise experience.
A handy checklist of recommended attire and gear is as follows:
Item | Importance | Notes |
---|---|---|
Warm Jacket | High | Protect against wind and cold temperatures |
Hiking Boots | High | Provide traction and support on uneven terrain |
Sunglasses | High | Reduce glare and protect eyes |
Camera | High | Capture stunning aerial and scenic views |
Sunscreen | Moderate | Protect skin from UV exposure |
Water Bottle | Moderate | Stay hydrated during the adventure |
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- Altitude Golf by Helicopter From Queenstown
- Milford Extended Helicopter Tour From Queenstown
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- Southern Glacier Experience Helicopter Flight From Queenstown
- Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise From Queenstown
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Prohibited Items
Certain items are prohibited on this Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise & Helicopter Tour for safety and regulatory reasons. To ensure a comfortable and secure experience, the following items aren’t allowed:
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Smoking – This is prohibited throughout the entirety of the tour.
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Drones – For privacy and safety concerns, drone use isn’t permitted.
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Selfie Sticks – These are banned to prevent disruption and potential accidents.
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Weapons – Any kind of weapons, including firearms, are strictly forbidden.
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Alcohol – Consuming alcoholic beverages during the tour isn’t allowed.
Adhering to these rules helps maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.
Guests are encouraged to focus on capturing the breathtaking scenery through their cameras rather than using prohibited items.
Booking Recommendations
To ensure availability and the best experience, it’s recommended to book the Queenstown: Milford Sound Cruise & Helicopter Tour in advance.
Doing so helps avoid disappointment, as the tour’s popularity can lead to limited spots, especially during peak seasons.
Advance booking ensures you can secure your preferred date and time, allowing you to plan your Queenstown itinerary with confidence.
The tour operator advises booking as early as possible to get the best deals and avoid sold-out dates.
This scenic adventure is a must-do for many visitors, so planning ahead is key to having an unforgettable experience.
Don’t wait until the last minute – reserve your spot now for an amazing day in Fiordland National Park.
Cancellation Policy
The tour operator provides a flexible cancellation policy, offering a full refund for cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance. However, a 100% cancellation fee applies for bookings cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled departure.
This policy ensures that customers have the freedom to adjust their plans without facing significant financial penalties, while also allowing the tour provider to manage their operations efficiently.
The cancellation policy includes the following key points:
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Full refund for cancellations over 24 hours
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100% fee within 24 hours of departure
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Refunds processed promptly for eligible cancellations
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Flexibility to rebook or transfer the booking if needed
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Clear communication of the policy during the booking process
Recap
The Milford Sound Cruise & Helicopter Alpine Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness Queenstown’s breathtaking natural wonders.
From the thrilling helicopter ride over Fiordland National Park to the serene cruise through Milford Sound, this tour provides an extraordinary adventure that showcases the region’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.
With expert commentary and carefully curated experiences, this tour is a must-do for any visitor seeking to enjoy the splendor of New Zealand’s iconic South Island.
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