Adventure Collective
Doubtful Sound Scenic Flights with Southern Lakes Helicopters - Te Anau

Doubtful Sound Scenic Flights with Southern Lakes Helicopters

Te Anaueasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

70 minutes

Fitness Level

No strenuous activity required; suitable for most fitness levels.

Overview

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.

Te Anau, Southland

Doubtful Sound

70 minutes • Enjoy Stunning Views of Doubtful Sound, the ‘Sound of Silence’!

Other

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About This Adventure

Doubtful Sound is one of the region’s largest – and most spectacular – fiords. It’s also located deep in the heart of remote Fiordland, which is one of the reasons it’s Māori name, Patea, means Place of Silence

Duration

70 minutes

About

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!

  • Two remote alpine landings, one atop scenic Mount Kidd
  • Enjoy stunning birds eye views of Doubtful Sound, the ‘Sound of Silence’
  • Soak up the beauty of Campbell’s Kingdom – a fairytale-like hanging valley

What Should You Bring

• 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!

Weather Updates & Travel Information

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.

More info

• 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.

Adventure Tips

Weather Can Change Quickly

Fiordland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable; be prepared for sudden changes that may delay or cancel flights.

Wear Layers

Temperatures drop at higher altitudes—bring warm, layered clothing to stay comfortable throughout the flight.

Bring a Fully Charged Camera

The scenery is spectacular—ensure your camera or phone battery is charged for capturing stunning photos.

Closed Shoes Required

For safety during landings on uneven alpine terrain, wear sturdy, covered footwear.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Fiordland crested penguin
  • New Zealand fur seal

History

The area surrounding Doubtful Sound was historically used by local Māori for harvesting pounamu (greenstone) and is rich with indigenous legend.

Conservation

Fiordland National Park is a protected area with strict conservation policies to preserve its pristine environment and biodiversity.

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Adventure Hotspots in Te Anau

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Layered Clothing

Essential

Adjust layers to stay warm and comfortable at higher altitude temperatures.

all specific

Sunglasses

Essential

Protect your eyes from glare and enhance visibility through helicopter windows.

summer|spring|fall specific

Closed-Toe Shoes

Essential

Necessary for safe footing during helicopter landings on uneven terrain.

all specific

Camera or Smartphone

Essential

Capture stunning aerial shots of Fiordland’s dramatic landscapes.