Scenic Flights Queenstown to Milford Sound & Mt Cook
Scenic Flights Queenstown to Milford Sound & Mt Cook
Experience unforgettable scenic flights from Queenstown to Milford Sound and Mount Cook (Aoraki), two of New Zealand’s most iconic alpine destinations. Soar over Fiordland’s dramatic peaks and glaciers or trace the Southern Alps toward Aoraki Mt Cook for breathtaking views of lakes, icefields, and rugged wilderness.
Compare Queenstown’s Best Scenic Flight Options
True South Scenic Flights to Milford Sound and Mt Cook
Experience the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand’s South Island from a spectacular perspective – above it all. True South Scenic Flights whisks you away on an unforgettable aerial journey, unveiling the grandeur of Milford Sound and the ethereal landscapes of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.
Milford Sound: A Fiord Like No Other
Part of the UNESCO-listed Te Wāhipounamu region, Milford Sound delivers vertical cliffs, thundering waterfalls and frequent fur-seal sightings. True South’s fixed-wing flights track glacier-carved valleys and Mitre Peak before landing at Milford Sound Aerodrome for easy access to the fiord.
Choose Your Milford Adventure:
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Scenic Flight (return by air): Panoramic alpine route with pilot commentary.
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Fly–Cruise–Fly: Land at Milford, transfer to the wharf and join a scenic cruise before flying back to Queenstown.
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Coach–Cruise–Fly (or reverse): See the Milford Road by premium coach one way and return by air the other way. (Weather dependent.)
Aoraki/Mt Cook: Where Mountains Touch the Sky
Head north along the Southern Alps to New Zealand’s highest peak. Mt Cook scenic flights include a glacier landing (conditions permitting) for a truly close-up alpine experience on the ice, alongside sweeping views of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, the Tasman Glacier and vivid alpine lakes.
Unforgettable Mt Cook Experiences:
- Scenic Flights: Witness the grandeur of the Southern Alps, glaciers like the Tasman and Franz Josef, and the ethereal beauty of Aoraki/Mt Cook.
- Heli-Hikes: Land atop glaciers and embark on an unforgettable guided hike on the ice, a truly unique adventure.
- Glacier Landings: Touch down on the Tasman Glacier for a magical encounter with the raw power of nature.
True South: Your Trusted Wings to Adventure
Experienced, alpine-qualified pilots • Small aircraft with great views • Clear safety briefings • Weather-aware scheduling and support.
Good to know:
- Weather dependent: Flights and glacier landings require suitable conditions; alternatives or rebooking offered if needed.
- Baggage & weight: Soft carry-on only; weight limits apply for safe aircraft loading.
- Check-in: Please arrive 30–45 minutes before departure at Queenstown Airport (details on your ticket).
Ready to soar above the ordinary? Book your True South Scenic Flight today and witness the magic of Milford Sound and Mt Cook from a breathtaking new perspective.
Queenstown Scenic flight Options:
Milford Sound - Fly - Cruise - Fly
Queenstown to Milford Sound
Price: Adults $745 per person – Child $595 pp
Departure Time: (October 1st to April 30th) 8am, 10am, 12pm and 2pm. – (May 1st to September 31st) 10:00am, 12:00pm
Duration: 4 Hours approx
Flying Time: One hour 20 minutes
Flight package includes:
- Return flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound
- Cruise boat on Milford Sound
- Courtesy transport from your accommodation
12pm departure includes:
- Jucy Gem Luxury Cruise
Take a stunning Scenic Flight to Milford Sound from Queenstown, including a 1.5-hour Cruise.
Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound and enjoy breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains, lakes and waterfalls over the magnificent Fiordland National Park.
Cruise the length of the sound out to the Tasman Sea and back, stopping underneath waterfalls and beside a pod of seals. Marvel at the geological formation of these mile-high sheer granite cliffs. Complete the journey with a flight back to Queenstown along a different route over the mighty Southern Alps.
Price: Adults $600 per person – Child $600 pp
Departure Time: 8:30am, 2:30pm, on demand.
Duration: 2 Hours approx
Flying Time: 65 minutes
Flight package includes:
- Flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound and return to Queenstown
- Courtesy transport
Great option for the time-poor traveller to enjoy the greatest scenic flight in the world. Fly over the highest peaks in Fiordland; breath-taking glaciers and crater lakes. Mile-high sheer granite cliffs with cascading waterfalls. Milford Sound and the iconic Mitre Peak.
Queenstown to Milford Sound by Coach - Cruise - Fly Return
Price: Adults $819 per person – Child $665 pp
Departure Time: 7am summer, 7:30am winter. Pick up times from your hotel will be advised.
Trip Duration: 9 Hours approx
Flying Time: One hour 20 minutes
Flight package includes:
- Modern, luxury coach
- Short nature walks and photo opportunities en-route
- Picnic lunch
- 1.5 hour Milford Sound cruise
- Scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queentown
- Courtesy hotel drop off
The Coach-Cruise-Fly presents the best of the Fiordland National Park: by land, sea and air. Relax into your day by boarding a glass-roof coach from Queenstown to Milford Sound with an entertaining driver commentary and scenic stops along the journey.
Experience the serenity of Milford itself with a stunning cruise along the length of the sound. Cap the day with the best of all: the greatest scenic flight in the world back to Queenstown!
Fox Glacier, Franz Josef, and Mt Cook Scenic Flights from Queenstown
Expedition Aoraki/Mt. Cook
Mount Cook Heli Glacier Landing
Price: Adults $845 per person – Child $685 pp
Departure Time: 8:00 am
Duration: 7 Hours approx
Flying Time: Two hours
Flight package includes:
- Flight from Queenstown to over fly Mount Cook and return to Queenstown
- Courtesy transport
An unforgettable scenic flight seeing adventure into the heart of the Southern Alps and around New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mt Cook. Only from the air can you truly appreciate the immense scale and spectacular grandeur of this region.
From Queenstown along the main divide to the Aoraki Mount Cook national park, your pilot will point out New Zealand’s highest mountains, largest glaciers, vast snow fields, beautiful turquoise glacial lakes, intricate river systems, glacial formed valleys and towering above it all, at over 12,000ft, Aoraki-Mount Cook. All seats aboard our aircraft are window seats and your pilot will provide an interesting and informative commentary.
Price: Adults $1499 per person – Child $1150 pp
Departure Time: On demand
Duration: 3 Hours 30 minutes approx
Flying Time: Two hours 45 minutes
Flight package includes:
- Direct flight from Queenstown to Fox airstrip and return to Queenstown
- Helicopter flight with glacier landing
- Ground time applicable to heli-option
- Courtesy transport to and from your accommodation in Queenstown
Flying up the main spine of the Southern alps direct from Queenstown to one of the Mt. Cook airports: Fox Glacier, Mt. Cook, or Glentanner, depending on the weather.
You will listen to an interesting and informative commentary whilst enjoying a spectacular flight seeing experience. After landing we’ll escort you to your helicopter, where you’ll enjoy a 30-35 minute scenic flight up to Mt. Cook with a landing on one of the glaciers. After your helicopter experience, we’ll fly you back to Queenstown along a different route.
Mt Cook Tasman Glacier Heli Hike from Queenstown
Price: Adults $1699 per person – Child $1499 pp
Departure Time: 8:30am, returning at 4:00pm. Winter (May 1st to September 30th) departure is 8:30am returning by 4:00pm
Duration: 6 Hours Heli Hike + flight from Queenstown
Flying Time: One hour 20 minutes
Flight package includes:
- Courtesy transport between your accommodation and Queenstown Airport
- 60 minute flights between Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier township, taking a different route back via Mt. Aspiring if possible
- Window seats guaranteed
- 4 hour heli-hike, with 2 hours of time on the ice and scenic helicopter flights to and from the glacier
- All equipment provided: crampons, boots, socks, ice axes
This experience offers spectacular views of New Zealand’s highest mountain, the mighty Aoraki Mt. Cook. The Tasman Glacier sits on the eastern side of Mt. Cook and is typically quieter than the Franz Josef side
Depart on our fixed-wing aircraft from Queenstown to Mt. Cook Airport along the naturally formed glacial lakes, the vast barren expanse of the Mackenzie Country, and the rugged landscapes of the Southern Alps that many climbers dare to scale.
On arrival in Franz Josef you’ll gear up, then board your helicopterfor an exhilarating flight over the icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Lake to land on the longest glacier in New Zealand. From there your experienced guides will take you for a two-hour glacier walk, exploring ice caves and learning about the geological forces of this extreme landscape. Helicopter back off the glacier and we’ll then fly you back to Queenstown via an alternate route (weather permitting) taking in even more of the dramatic landscape along the Southern Alps.
What to bring:
- 3 – 4 layers of warm upper body clothing (jeans are not recommended on wet days, as they become very cold and uncomfortable to wear).
- Sunglasses and sun protection.
- A daypack, a drink and snacks are useful.
- A warm hat and gloves.
- A Camera.
- Light snacks or lunch.
FAQs About Milford Sound & Mt Cook Scenic Flights from Queenstown
What Queenstown scenic flight options are available?
Three main types: Scenic Flight (return by air), Fly–Cruise–Fly (Milford), and Coach–Cruise–Fly. For Aoraki/Mt Cook you can book a full-day scenic flight, heli glacier landing, or a Tasman Glacier heli-hike (where indicated, glacier landings are included and weather dependent).
How long do the flights and tours take?
Milford Scenic Flight (return) ~2 hours (≈65 min airtime).
Milford Fly–Cruise–Fly ~4 hours (≈1h20 flying + 1.5h cruise).
Coach–Cruise–Fly ~9–10 hours door-to-door.
Expedition Aoraki/Mt Cook ~7 hours (≈2h flying).
Mt Cook Heli Glacier Landing ~3h30 (≈2h45 flying + heli segment).
Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike: flights + 4h activity (≈2h on ice).
Do flights land “on Milford Sound”?
No—Milford flights land at Milford Sound Aerodrome (NZMF). From there, transfers take you to the cruise wharf. Mt Cook products that include glacier landings touch down on snow/ice (conditions permitting).
Are seats window seats?
Yes. Aircraft use two-across seating so every seat is a window seat.
What about weather and cancellations?
All flights and glacier landings are weather dependent. If conditions prevent safe operation, you’ll be rebooked or offered alternatives (and refunds per the operator’s policy).
What should I bring/wear?
Layered warm clothing, sunglasses/sunscreen, hat/gloves in cooler months, a small daypack, water/snacks, and a camera. For glacier landings/heli-hikes, sturdy footwear; technical gear is provided.
Are there weight limits or baggage restrictions?
Yes—weight limits apply for aircraft loading and soft carry-on only. You may be asked for individual weights at check-in.
When should I check in?
Please arrive 30–45 minutes before departure at Queenstown Airport (exact location and time are on your ticket). Hotel pickups are available on select tours.
Is the experience suitable for children and all fitness levels?
Scenic flights and Fly–Cruise–Fly suit most travellers. Heli-hikes require moderate fitness and have minimum age/health criteria set by the operator.
Is the experience accessible?
Accessibility varies by aircraft and activity. Please contact us with your needs so we can advise suitable options and assist with arrangements.
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