Queenstown: Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Nature Cruise

Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, offers a captivating opportunity to explore the breathtaking Milford Sound. This 4.5-hour tour combines an exhilarating scenic flight over the Southern Lakes and Tutoko Glacier with a serene cruise aboard the Spirit of Milford catamaran. Visitors can marvel at the stunning waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and the chance to spot rare Fiordland crested penguins. With knowledgeable guides, complimentary refreshments, and the chance to taste pure glacial water, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. But the true enchantment lies in the journey itself, where the pristine landscapes and serene waterways beckon to be discovered.

Key Points

• The 4.5-hour tour combines a scenic flight over the Southern Lakes and Tutoko Glacier with a nature cruise exploring Milford Sound’s flora, fauna, and geological features.
• Priced at NZ$479 per person, the tour includes free pickup from Queenstown accommodations and the opportunity to see rare Fiordland crested penguins.
• The scenic flight offers aerial views of the breathtaking landscapes, while the nature cruise aboard the Spirit of Milford catamaran provides an immersive experience.
• Guests can enjoy complimentary tea or coffee, a picnic lunch, and the option to drink pure glacial water from waterfalls during the cruise.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals weighing over 264 lbs (120 kg), and the use of drones is prohibited for safety reasons.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Queenstown: Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Nature Cruise offers an immersive 4.5-hour experience that combines a breathtaking aerial adventure with an up-close encounter with the natural wonders of Milford Sound.

Priced from NZ$479 per person, this tour departs Queenstown and includes a scenic flight over the stunning landscapes of the South Island, followed by a nature cruise through the awe-inspiring Milford Sound.

Conducted in English, the tour provides free pickup from central Queenstown accommodations and features free cancellation up to 2 days in advance.

With the option to explore flora and fauna, including rare Fiordland crested penguins, this tour is an unforgettable way to experience the majesty of New Zealand’s South Island.

Experience Highlights

Soaring over the mountains and valleys of the South Island, travelers on this tour can revel in stunning aerial views of the Southern Lakes, Tutoko Glacier, and the renowned Milford Sound. Upon reaching Milford Sound, guests embark on a nature cruise aboard the Spirit of Milford catamaran, where they can explore the fjord’s remarkable flora and fauna. Highlights include the opportunity to drink pure glacial water from a waterfall and the chance to spot rare Fiordland crested penguins during spring and fall. Plus, guests can marvel at the impressive geological features, including the iconic Stirling Falls.

Experience	Details
Scenic Flight	Soar over mountains, valleys, and lakes
Milford Sound Cruise	Explore the fjord’s natural wonders
Glacial Water	Drink from a pristine waterfall
Wildlife Viewing	Spot Fiordland crested penguins

Tour Inclusions

This tour includes a personalized trip overview on a wall map, providing guests with a comprehensive understanding of the journey ahead.

In-flight commentary highlights points of interest during the scenic flight, enriching the aerial experience.

Plus, an optional bush walk to the boat docks is offered, time permitting, allowing travelers to further enjoy the natural surroundings.

Once aboard the Spirit of Milford catamaran, guests can enjoy reserved seating, complimentary tea or coffee, and a picnic lunch.

Informative wilderness guides lead the nature cruise, sharing insights about the region’s flora and fauna.

Alcoholic beverages are also available for purchase on board, enhancing the overall experience.

Important Information

Individuals weighing over 264 lbs (120 kg) shouldn’t book this tour, as it’s not suitable for them.

Guests are advised to bring a jacket as the weather can be unpredictable in the Fiordland region.

Drone usage is prohibited during the flight and cruise for safety reasons.

To ensure a successful trip, booking the flight on the first day is recommended, as it allows for flexibility in case of weather-related cancellations. Plus, a minimum number of passengers is required to confirm the flight.

Other important information includes:

• The tour provides complimentary tea, coffee, and a picnic lunch.

• Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on the boat.

• Informative wilderness guides lead the nature cruise.

• An optional bush walk to the boat docks may be offered (time permitting).

• Pickup and drop-off from central Queenstown accommodations are included.

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Customer Reviews

Based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews, the Queenstown: Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Nature Cruise has earned an impressive 5/5 rating from 34 travelers.

Guests consistently praised the guides, transportation, and overall service, highlighting the thrilling flight, stunning views, and safe environment as key highlights of the experience.

Reviewers emphasized the trip’s ‘must-do’ status, with one describing it as ‘the highlight of our New Zealand vacation.’

Another stated, ‘The scenic flight was breathtaking, and the cruise on Milford Sound was the perfect complement.’

The combination of the aerial and water-based experiences left visitors in awe of the region’s natural beauty and deeply satisfied with the exceptional quality of the tour.

Scenic Flight Details

The scenic flight over the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island offers travelers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the region’s natural wonders.

Soaring over majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and ancient glaciers, passengers are treated to an unforgettable aerial experience.

Some highlights of the flight include:

• Sweeping panoramas of the Southern Lakes, including Lake Wakatipu and Lake Wanaka

• Stunning vistas of the Tutoko Glacier and the rugged Fiordland National Park

• Dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls that line the Milford Sound fjord

• Opportunities to spot rare and unique wildlife, such as the Fiordland crested penguin

• Witnessing the impressive geological features that define the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island.

Milford Sound Cruise

Upon reaching Milford Sound, travelers embark on a nature cruise aboard the Spirit of Milford catamaran, seeing the serene beauty of this spectacular fjord.

Knowledgeable wilderness guides provide commentary throughout the journey, highlighting the region’s unique flora, fauna, and geological features.

Passengers have the chance to spot rare Fiordland crested penguins during spring and fall and can even drink pure glacial water straight from a nearby waterfall.

The cruise offers stunning vistas of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the Stirling Falls, one of the highlights of the experience.

With reserved seating, complimentary refreshments, and the option to purchase alcoholic beverages, the Milford Sound nature cruise provides a truly memorable way to explore this natural wonder.

Packing and Preparation

When embarking on this Milford Sound adventure, visitors will want to pack appropriately to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. A lightweight, weatherproof jacket is recommended, as the Fiordland region is known for its changeable and often wet climate.

Plus, visitors are advised against bringing drones, as they’re prohibited on this tour.

Other essential items to consider packing include:

• Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes

• Sun protection, such as sunscreen and sunglasses

• A camera to capture the breathtaking scenery

• Snacks or a light lunch, as a picnic lunch is provided on the nature cruise

• Any necessary medications or personal items

Recap

Queenstown’s Milford Sound Scenic Flight and Nature Cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness New Zealand’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Combining a thrilling aerial tour and serene catamaran cruise, this immersive experience showcases the region’s dramatic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

With knowledgeable guides, refreshments, and the chance to taste glacial water, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of one of the country’s most iconic destinations.

You can check if your dates are available here: