easy
70 minutes
No strenuous activity required; suitable for most fitness levels.
Soar over Fiordland’s dramatic Doubtful Sound on a breathtaking helicopter flight with Southern Lakes Helicopters. Witness waterfalls, alpine valleys, and pristine wilderness from a rare vantage point.
70 minutes • Enjoy Stunning Views of Doubtful Sound, the ‘Sound of Silence’!
70 minutes
Our Doubtful Sound Scenic Flight offers a spectacular bird's eye view of the rugged mountains, waterfalls and rainforests of this fiord.
Leaving from our lakeside Te Anau base, soar high above the Iris Burn Valley and Lake Manapouri, also known as the ‘Lake of Many Islands’ (it’s easy to see why!). Spot the infamous West Arm Power Station on Lake Manapouri before flying up and over the Wilmot Pass into Doubtful Sound. This long and winding fiord is one of Fiordland’s deepest and is home to a number of stunning waterfalls.
If the weather is suitable, your helicopter will detour into magical Campbell’s Kingdom, a beautiful hanging valley encompassing a lake and a waterfall. This is the stuff of fairy tales.
From here, take a peek at Bradshaw Sound before soaring over the Main Divide of the Southern Alps for a second remote landing at scenic Mount Kidd. Make sure you have the camera or phone well charged for this flight – you’ll want to re-visit the scenes and landscapes you visit over and over again!
• Sunglasses • Closed/covered shoes • Warm clothing - it's usually cooler on the mountain tops so wear a couple of layers • Camera for those Instagram worthy shots but please no drones or selfie sticks • A big smile!
The weather we experience in Fiordland National Park can change quickly, therefore if flying conditions are not suitable, we may have to reschedule or cancel your flight. We will check weather conditions the day before your flight and contact you if we have any concerns. Rest assured that tours booked directly with us are fully refundable if there is a cancellation due to the weather.
• All prices listed are Share with Others. If you would prefer to book an exclusive private flight, please let us know at the time of booking and we will confirm the cost with you. • Please note that all flights are subject to change and weather conditions. We reserve the right to cancel, reschedule, or refund your booking if the minimum number of participants is not met. We require a minimum of 2 passenger fares for Te Anau flights.
Fiordland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable; be prepared for sudden changes that may delay or cancel flights.
Temperatures drop at higher altitudes—bring warm, layered clothing to stay comfortable throughout the flight.
The scenery is spectacular—ensure your camera or phone battery is charged for capturing stunning photos.
For safety during landings on uneven alpine terrain, wear sturdy, covered footwear.
The area surrounding Doubtful Sound was historically used by local Māori for harvesting pounamu (greenstone) and is rich with indigenous legend.
Fiordland National Park is a protected area with strict conservation policies to preserve its pristine environment and biodiversity.
Adjust layers to stay warm and comfortable at higher altitude temperatures.
all specific
Protect your eyes from glare and enhance visibility through helicopter windows.
summer|spring|fall specific
Necessary for safe footing during helicopter landings on uneven terrain.
all specific
Capture stunning aerial shots of Fiordland’s dramatic landscapes.