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Soar over Fiordland’s epic landscapes on a Southern Lakes Helicopters tour visiting Doubtful and Milford Sound. Land in remote valleys and witness towering waterfalls from above in this unforgettable two-hour flight.
Soar over Fiordland’s epic landscapes on a Southern Lakes Helicopters tour visiting Doubtful and Milford Sound. Land in remote valleys and witness towering waterfalls from above in this unforgettable two-hour flight.
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Operated by Southern Lakes Helicopters · Te Anau, Southland
Fiordland National Park in New Zealand’s Southland region holds some of the planet’s most dramatic landscapes, and Southern Lakes Helicopters offers an unrivaled aerial vantage point on a 2-hour scenic flight that pairs Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound—two of the area’s iconic fiords. Departing from Te Anau’s lakeside helipad, this tour instantly lifts you above the mirror-like waters of Lake Manapouri before cutting into the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound, known as Patea in te reo Māori, or the “Place of Silence.” It’s easy to understand the name as you glide over rain-forested slopes and spot waterfalls plummeting into near-pristine waters.
The flight’s first highlight is a landing at Campbell’s Kingdom, a rarely visited hanging valley suspended among rugged peaks, complete with its own cascading waterfalls and a glassy alpine lake. This scene offers photo opportunities reminiscent of a fantasy novel’s wild frontier. As the helicopter moves onward, you’ll fly above a chain of fiords carved by ancient glaciers, each offering craggy ridges and dense beech forests.
Arriving at Milford Sound, the tour showcases towering granite cliffs that rise sharply from dark, calm waters, a hallmark of this world-famous fiord embraced by cascading streams and unique wildlife. Another landing waits at Lake Quill, perched high above and marking the origin of Sutherland Falls, one of the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest waterfalls.
Southern Lakes Helicopters’ expert pilots and high-performance aircraft make this whirlwind journey both exhilarating and safe, delivering views inaccessible by road or boat. This combination of remote landings and sweeping panoramas cements it as a must-do for anyone seeking a deep connection with Fiordland’s wild heart, all while enjoying comfort and reliability from a trusted local operator.
easy.
2–2.25 hours.
Minimal physical fitness required; able to walk safely on uneven ground during landings.
The flight lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including two landing stops.
The tour is easy physically, but you will need to safely walk on uneven ground during landings.
Flights are subject to weather and may be canceled or rescheduled; all bookings are fully refundable if canceled due to weather.
No, drones and selfie sticks are not permitted during the tour for safety reasons.
Landings occur at Campbell’s Kingdom hanging valley in Doubtful Sound and at Lake Quill above Milford Sound.
Flights are shared by default; private charters can be arranged by contacting Southern Lakes Helicopters.
Fiordland National Park was established in 1952 and remains one of New Zealand’s most untouched natural reserves, revered for its glacially carved landscapes.
Southern Lakes Helicopters operates with environmental sensitivity, prioritizing minimal impact on these fragile ecosystems and encouraging Leave No Trace principles.
Southern Lakes Helicopters operates from Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park in Canterbury, New Zealand. The company offers a range of helicopter experiences that include scenic flights, transfers, heli-hikes and alpine landings. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Southern Lakes Helicopters lists multiple trips such as Scenic Te Anau, Mountain Magic, Fiordland Heli-Hike, Twin Lakes Heli Jet, The Works, Tasman Glacier Explorer, Aoraki Panorama, Aoraki/Mt Cook Ultimate and Southern Lakes Explorer. Service options also include transfer and combined packages named in the trip list, for example A20 Transfer + 50 minute Scenic Flight, A20 Transfer + 40 minute Scenic Flight, A2O Transfer + 30 minute Scenic Flight and A20 Transfer + 50 minute Scenic Flight. The Alps To Ocean Bike Transfers and A2O Transfer + 30 minute Scenic Flight connect mountain flights with cycling starts along the Alps to Ocean route. Fiordland-focused experiences in the offering include Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dusky Doubtful Sound, Doubtful Sound & Milford Sound and History Of Fiordland. Trip design ranges from short scenic circuits to longer explorer routes such as Tasman Glacier Explorer and Fiordland Heli-Hike. Several listed trips reference alpine landings and high country access. Travelers can review the specific itineraries and availability on The Adventure Collective listing. Southern Lakes Helicopters' published trip names and locations make it straightforward for visitors planning flights around Aoraki/Mt Cook and the wider Fiordland and Southern Lakes regions. Detailed booking information, schedules and seasonal availability appear alongside each trip listing on the feature page for prospective visitors worldwide.
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