How long is the Milford Sound scenic flight?

The flight lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, including two brief landings.

Where does the flight depart from?

Flights depart from Southern Lakes Helicopters at the Te Anau lakefront.

Are flights guaranteed regardless of weather?

No, flights depend on suitable weather conditions; cancellations due to weather are fully refundable.

Can I book a private helicopter flight?

Yes, private flights are available upon request and quote during booking.

Is this flight suitable for children or elderly travelers?

Yes, most passengers including children and seniors can enjoy the flight, but please consult with the company for specific medical concerns.

Can I use a drone during the trip?

Drones and selfie sticks are not permitted for safety reasons during flights.

Milford Sound Scenic Flights with Southern Lakes Helicopters

Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi as known to the Ngāi Tahu Māori, is a dramatic fjord on New Zealand’s South Island, carved by ancient glaciers and framed by towering peaks. Southern Lakes Helicopters offers a 1 hour 45-minute scenic flight that redefines how you experience this remote wilderness. Departing from Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, the flight immediately immerses you in sweeping aerial vistas of Lake Te Anau and the rugged range of the Wick Mountains, where you’ll glimpse Lake Iceberg, a rare alpine basin known for its floating ice.

The real spectacle begins as the helicopter circles Mitre Peak, the iconic 1692-meter granite tower rising vertically from the water, and follows the winding reach of Milford Sound’s 15 kilometers of glacially carved coastline. From above, the emerald mirroring waters and occasional waterfalls punctuate the moody fjord landscape with stunning contrast. The route tracks the famed Milford Track and includes a thrilling landing at Lake Quill, a hanging alpine lake above the renowned Sutherland Falls—New Zealand’s highest accessible waterfall.

Southern Lakes Helicopters blends safety and local expertise to ensure your flight is both breathtaking and secure, offering unmatched perspectives of Fiordland’s rugged beauty. Flights are weather dependent, reflecting the region’s notoriously changeable climate, but cancellations come with full refunds, underscoring the company’s commitment to a seamless experience.

This aerial journey reaches parts of Milford Sound impossible by foot or boat, capturing the spirit of adventure in one of the world’s most rugged places. Whether you’re a nature photographer, an adrenaline seeker, or simply a lover of sublime landscapes, Southern Lakes Helicopters crafts an unforgettable gateway into Fiordland’s wild heart.

About Southern Lakes Helicopters

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.