Milford Sound and Big Five Glaciers Scenic Flight
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Milford Sound and Big Five Glaciers Scenic Flight

Active
(41 reviews)
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The only scenic flight company ex. Queenstown to showcase some of Mt Aspiring & Fiordland National Parks largest Glaciers. These include the Rob Roy, Bonar, Jura, Volta, Dart, Olivine, and Donne Glaciers among many others and of course, Milford Sound itself. Each tour with Air Milford is guaranteed to see at least five major glaciers.

Available options

8am Big 5 Glaciers

One Hour Milford Sound & Big Five Glacier Scenic Flight<br/>Duration: 1 hour<br/>Scenic Flight<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Live pilot commentary on board
Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located hotels)
Full pre-flight briefing with Air Milford pilot

Detailed itinerary

1

Begin your experience with a thorough pre-flight briefing with your pilots on the sights to be encountered during the 1hr Scenic flight.

2
Stop 2 Pass by

After takeoff, view Coronet Peak, one of New Zealand's premiere ski fields.

3

Fly over the Shotover river and Skippers canyon, this is where gold was discovered in the 1860's. This river became the world's 2nd highest gold bearing river in the world, next to the Klondike in Alaska.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

Head North out of the Wakatipu basin and into Mt Aspiring National park, with the larger mountains and glaciers emerging as you track north.

5

View Mount Aspiring, often known as the Matterhorn of the South, it sits at 10,000ft / 3,030meters and has six related glaciers, the largest being the Upper Volta Glacier.

6
Stop 6 Pass by

Begin to head West, over the main divide of the Southern Alps and into Fiordland National park, before exiting Mt Aspiring National park fly down 'glacier alley' with the Olivine Ice Plateau, a unique glacial amphitheater. One of the first sights you will encounter on arrival in Fiordland National Park is Mt Tutoko, at over 8,900ft / 2,700meters it is Fiordland's highest peak. There are two main glaciers to view here the Donne and the Age.

7
Stop 7 Pass by

Your scenic flight will then take you of an overhead of Milford Sound itself. Milford Sound is Fiordland's most northerly of 14 fiords and also it's most dramatic.

8

Experience the beauty of Milford Sound

9
Stop 9 Pass by

View the highest peak in Milford Sound, Mitre Peak. It impressively rises directly out of the water of the fiord, to it's summit at 5,560ft / 1,690 meters, which is just over a mile of vertical gain!

10
Stop 10 Pass by

The flight path then begins to track east over the Southern Alps and back towards Queenstown. New Zealand's second largest lake, lake Te Anau can be viewed stretching out to the south.

11
Stop 11 Pass by

After once again crossing the main divide of the Southern Alps, the route traverses the beech forest filled Greenstone valley, before emerging above Lake Wakatipu. Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's longest lake, with Queenstown nestled on it's shores.

12

View the Remarkable mountain range and Queenstown, before landing back at the Air Milford base for your drop-off back to your accommodation by approximately 9.30am.

13

After leaving Milford Sound the flight path tracks south, down the Arthur valley. At the head of this valley, the Sutherland falls can be viewed, this is New Zealand highest waterfall, falling impressively 1,900ft / 580 meters to the valley floor below.

What's not included

No landing in Milford Sound is included
No cruise of Milford Sound is included

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
4 reviews
5★
4
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.9
37 reviews
5★
33
4★
3
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date/time or full refund
Do not forget to bring a jacket and your camera
Infant 0 - 1 years of age fly free of charge, when the infant is sat on a parents lap, with an infant lap belt. If an infant requires their own seat, then a child ticket must be purchased
Children must be accompanied by an adult

Meeting point

Please provide us with your accommodation details and we will advise accordingly.

Important notes

Please call us on arrival to Queenstown to discuss the latest weather forecast for your excursion and to confirm timings, minimum numbers and transportation.

On the day of your flight, you are required to call us 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to departure for a final weather check and flight confirmation. Pick-ups will begin 1 hour and 10 minutes prior to flight departure. If you are driving to us, we ask that you arrive to our base for check-in 45 minutes prior to departure. We are located at #3 Tex Smith Lane, Frankton.

You can reach us by email at info@airmilford.co.nz, on our New Zealand free phone number 0800 462 252 or our international number +64 3 442 2351.

Please note that our flights require a minimum number of passengers to confirm the departure. We will aim to combine your excursion with one of our other flights if we do not meet minimum numbers.

About Queenstown

Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities. This vibrant town offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and luxury, making it a top destination for travelers seeking both excitement and natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Queenstown Garden

Queenstown Garden is a beautiful public garden located in the heart of the city. It offers stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Skyline Queenstown

Skyline Queenstown offers a range of activities, including the Skyline Gondola, Luge rides, and a restaurant with panoramic views of the city and lake.

Adventure 2-3 hours Moderate to Expensive

Arrowtown Chinese Settlement

Arrowtown Chinese Settlement is a historic site that showcases the lives of Chinese miners during the Otago Gold Rush in the 1860s.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lamb

New Zealand lamb is renowned for its tender texture and rich flavor. It's often served with seasonal vegetables and local wines.

Main Course Contains meat

Green-Lipped Mussels

Green-lipped mussels are a delicacy in New Zealand, known for their unique flavor and texture. They're often served steamed with garlic, wine, and herbs.

Appetizer Contains shellfish

Pavlova

Pavlova is a popular dessert in New Zealand, made with a crisp meringue shell, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.

Dessert Contains eggs and dairy

Popular Activities

Bungee jumping Skydiving Jet boating Hiking Mountain biking Spa treatments Wine tasting Scenic cruises

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, long daylight hours, and a wide range of outdoor activities. It's ideal for hiking, water sports, and exploring the great outdoors.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English, Māori
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Queenstown is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution when engaging in adventure activities and be aware of the weather conditions.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
  • • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Getting there

By air
  • Queenstown Airport • 5 km from city center
By bus

Queenstown Bus Interchange

Getting around

Public transport

Orion buses provide reliable and affordable transportation throughout Queenstown and to nearby attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Local taxi apps

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Central Queenstown Frankton Arrowtown

Day trips

Milford Sound
120 km from Queenstown • Full day

Milford Sound is a stunning fjord known for its dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and wildlife. A day trip to Milford Sound includes a scenic drive and a boat cruise through the fjord.

Glenorchy
45 km from Queenstown • Half day to Full day

Glenorchy is a charming village nestled at the head of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. It's a great base for hiking, horse riding, and other outdoor activities.

Wanaka
65 km from Queenstown • Full day

Wanaka is a picturesque town known for its stunning lake and mountain views, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene. It's a great destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Festivals

Queenstown Winter Festival • June Gibbston Valley Winter Festival • July Arrowtown Autumn Festival • April

Pro tips

  • Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
  • Book accommodations, tours, and transportation in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Dress in layers and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
  • Try local specialties like lamb, green-lipped mussels, and pavlova.
  • Explore beyond the city center and visit nearby attractions like Arrowtown and Glenorchy.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 13-99
1
Childs
Age 2-12
0
Infants
Age 0-1
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available

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