Scenic Flight Transfer to Queenstown from Milford Sound
Active
35m
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Take the scenic route back to Queenstown from Milford Sound with Air Milford, on this one-way 35-minute flight. Admire spectacular views of natural wonders such as the Southern Alps, Sutherland Falls, and the Fiordland National Park from above, then touchdown at Queenstown airport, where a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel.
Available options
One-way flight
Duration: 35 minutes: one-way scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown
What's included
Full pre-flight briefing
Hotel and Airport drop-off (centrally located hotels)
Live Air Milford pilot commentary on board
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet your pilot, to board your 35 minuet scenic flight to Queenstown.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
The scenic flight begins by climbing up through the fiord, taking in stunning views of Milford Sound from above.
3
Stop 3
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!
4
Stop 4
Pass by
Just after take-off, view the Bowen Falls, it is one of Milford Sound's two permanent waterfalls and at 530ft / 162 meters, is Milford's highest waterfall.
After rainfall, there are hundreds of waterfalls to be viewed in the fiord!
5
After leaving Milford Sound, the flight path first takes in another view of the fiord, before tracing south, down the Arthur valley. At the head of this valley, the Sutherland Falls can be viewed, this is New Zealand's highest waterfall, falling impressively 1,900ft / 580 meters to the valley floor below.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
The flight path then begins to track east over the Southern Alps and towards Queenstown. New Zealand's second largest lake, lake Te Anau can be viewed stretching out to the south.
7
After crossing the main divide of the Southern Alps and taking in stunning views of small alpine lakes and jagged snow capped mountains, the route then traverses the densely forested Greenstone and Caples valleys.
8
Stop 8
Pass by
After emerging from the Greenstone valley, fly over Lake Wakatipu. Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand's longest lake at 46 miles / 75 kms, it is also incredibly deep, up to 1,250ft / 380 meters at some points! Queenstown is nestled on the lake's shores, so some great views of the town are enjoyed before landing.
9
View the Walter Peak high country station, which is one of New Zealand's largest merino sheep farms.
10
View the Remarkable mountain range and Queenstown, before landing at the Air Milford base, Queenstown airport, for your drop-off to your accommodation.
What's not included
One way transport only, does not include transportation from Queenstown into Milford Sound
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
4.9
51 reviews
5★
50
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
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 a full refund
Due to the weather dependent nature of the flight, it is imperative that you have a back up plan in mind if your return date is not flexible
Do not forget to bring a jacket and your camera
Infant rates apply for 0 - 1 years of age, when the infant is sat on a parents lap, with an infant lap belt
Children must be accompanied by an adult
To help everything go smoothly, please update us with your plans, ie. will you be spending the night before at the lodge? Are you taking a cruise on the day of your flight, if so, what cruise company and time? Do you have back up land transport arranged to get out of Milford, in case the weather is bad and we cannot fly?
Meeting point
Important notes
PLEASE NOTE: It is essential that you call Air Milford before departing for Milford Sound to attain the weather forecast and information on how to do your weather check from Milford on the day of your scheduled flight. We can be reached by email at info@airmilford.co.nz or on our New Zealand free phone number 0800 462 252 or our international number +64 3 442 2351.
There is an additional requirement to call Air Milford from Milford Sound on the morning of departure for a final weather check on our free phone number, 0800 462 252. There is limited mobile phone reception in Milford Sound, but there is a payphone in the cruise dock terminal. Alternatively, you can ask the helpful staff at the Southern Discoveries cruise desk to call us on your behalf. During this call we will confirm the meeting point, departure time and the name of your pilot.
This flight is subject to favorable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
All flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions.
About Fiordland & Milford Sound
Fiordland is a remote and breathtaking region in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island. Known for its dramatic fiords, towering cliffs, and lush rainforests, it offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world. Milford Sound, one of the most famous fiords, is a must-visit for its stunning waterfalls and rich marine life.
Top Attractions
Milford Sound
A stunning fiord known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and rich marine life. It's one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand.
Nature
2-4 hours for a cruise, longer for hiking
Moderate to expensive for cruises
Routeburn Track
One of New Zealand's Great Walks, offering breathtaking views of mountains, valleys, and alpine meadows.
Adventure
2-4 days
Moderate (hut fees apply)
Douglas Island Wildlife Sanctuary
A sanctuary for native wildlife, including rare birds and seals. Accessible by boat from Milford Sound.
Nature
1-2 hours
Included in most Milford Sound cruises
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hangi
Traditional Māori meal cooked in an earth oven, featuring meats and vegetables.
Dinner
Contains meat, can be adapted for dietary restrictions
Seafood Chowder
Creamy soup made with locally caught seafood like fish, mussels, and crayfish.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood, may contain dairy
Popular Activities
Hiking
Jet boating
Kayaking
Wildlife tours
Scenic cruises
Photography
Wildlife watching
Māori cultural experiences
Best Time to Visit
December to February (Summer)
This is the warmest and driest time of year, with long daylight hours. It's ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
12°C to 20°C
54°F to 68°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Māori
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Time Zone
GMT+12 (Daylight Saving Time: GMT+13)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Fiordland is generally safe, but the remote and rugged terrain requires caution.
Important Precautions:
- • Carry a map and compass for hiking
- • Be prepared for rapidly changing weather
- • Inform someone of your hiking plans
Getting there
By air
- Queenstown Airport • 250 km from Fiordland
By bus
Queenstown, Te Anau
Getting around
Public transport
Buses connect major towns and trailheads but may have limited schedules.
Taxis
Limited
Rentals
Car
Neighborhoods
Te Anau
Milford Sound Village
Day trips
Kepler Track
40 km from Te Anau • 1-3 days
Another of New Zealand's Great Walks, offering stunning views of mountains, lakes, and forests.
Dart River Wilderness Jet
100 km from Te Anau • Full day
Jet boat tours through the Dart River and Glenorchy, offering scenic views and wildlife spotting.
Festivals
Fiordland Jazz Festival • February
Pro tips
- Book accommodations and popular tours well in advance, especially during peak season
- Pack layers and waterproof gear; weather can change rapidly
- Fill up your gas tank in Te Anau as stations are scarce in Fiordland
- Carry a map and compass; cell service can be unreliable in remote areas
- Respect the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
