3 Awesome Scenic Flights over Milford Sound

Milford Sound is possibly the most scenic spot in all of New Zealand. It’s home to scenes from X-Men Origins, Alien (Covenant), Mission Impossible (Fallout), and of course, the famous Lord of the Rings movies. It’s no coincidence that so many scenic movies picked this spot!

Did you also know that some even call Piopiotahi Milford Sound the 8th Wonder of the World? It’s true, and we totally agree with that nickname. You’ll understand why once you’re here!

We might be biased because we used to live here, but there’s no other place in the world like Milford – and flying over the mountains and the fiords gives you a completely different perspective on this place that you simply can’t get from the ground.

We truly can’t think of a better place to go on a scenic flight in New Zealand!

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3 Unique scenic flights over Milford Sound

The beauty of flying over Milford Sound is that there are multiple options – and they’re all pretty damn cool!

From flying from Queenstown to Milford or jumping on a plane or helicopter from the Milford Airport, you have some pretty awesome experiences to choose from.

In this post, we’ll be covering three different options, including the location, cost, and hopefully help you choose which option is right for you!

These three scenic flights all show you the beauty of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park, and we’re sure it’ll be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

As we mentioned above, there are a few ways to experience Milford Sound, but taking the scenic way in the sky is one of the coolest ways you can do it! 

You’ll fly directly from Queenstown Airport into Milford, where you’ll then go on a boat cruise on the fiord.

Before landing at the Milford Airport, you’ll explore the sky above the fiord, where you’ll get to see this beautiful area really come to life, see some of the glaciers from above, and hopefully a few waterfalls as well.

This tour is so cool because you get to ride in a helicopter and land on one of the glaciers in Fiordland National Park!

During the ride, you’ll get a chance to see waterfalls, one of the most iconic mountains in New Zealand, and the peaks surrounding this incredible area. 

It’s hard to describe the feeling of being up in the air in a helicopter with all these vast mountains surrounding you.

Even from the ground, the helicopters feel so small compared to the landscape. It’s a pretty incredible feeling and something you’re just going to have to experience for yourself. 

It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so if you’re on the fence about it, consider the fact that this is probably the only chance you’ll ever get to experience it.

Once you’re done flying in the sky, you’ll get to go and enjoy Milford by boat! I can’t actually remember how many times we’ve been out on one of the Milford cruises.

While we worked at Milford Sound Lodge, we were able to go on the cruises for free before our shifts or on our days off!

So we definitely have had our fair share of weather – from sunny days, rainy days, and everything in between. And every time, the experience on the boats was absolutely magical!

You can book the Milford Sound helicopter flight on this website! 

If you want to see it all and make a few stops in a helicopter, then this is the perfect trip. On this helicopter tour, you’ll land in 3 different awesome spots in the Fiordland National Park!

The first stop is at the Milford Sound Airport, where you’ll get a chance to go on a nice walk and enjoy Milford from the ground!

The foreshore walk is stunning, and you also have a chance to walk to the iconic swing chair (where you’ll get one of the best views of Mitre Peak). 

Once you’ve enjoyed the foreshore and got a taste of Milford, you’ll make my favourite landing, which is on top of a glacier!

There’s something magical about glaciers, and you’ll be left in awe as you step out of the helicopter here! You’ll get what I mean when you experience this for yourself.

From there, you’ll fly from Milford out to the Tasman Sea, where you’ll eventually make a stop at one of the coastal beaches on New Zealand’s west coast. 

Not many humans get the chance to visit here, and you’ll have the place completely to yourself with only some wildlife and the helicopter around! A must-do if you get the chance!

Check out this Milford Sound extended helicopter flight here!

📍 Want to know about all the best spots in Aotearoa New Zealand?
Then check out our New Zealand Maps with +200 locations around the country that we have visited during our 10 months of living and travelling in NZ! 🗺️

You may also like…

• How to Get From Queenstown to Milford Sound
• 10 Milford Sound Tips for First-Time Visitors

Recap of 3 awesome scenic flights over Milford Sound

We really hope you get to enjoy your scenic flight over the fiords and mountains here in Fiordland.

There truly isn’t a bad way to see this part of New Zealand – but if you get a chance to go by flight, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

If you have questions about booking your flight to (or from) Milford, you can DM us on Instagram @redwhiteadventures or leave a comment below, and we’ll get back to you right away.

Milford Sound is a place that’s close to our hearts, so we truly hope you have the best time experiencing this beautiful part of the world!

It’s such an incredible place, and taking a scenic flight is one of the most epic ways you can see fiords and the mountains over here.

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