Sutherland Falls Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound
Difficulty
easy
Duration
30 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required—suitable for all physical levels, though a short step up is required for the alpine landing.
Overview
A 30-minute helicopter flight from Milford Sound that follows the Milford Track, circles New Zealand’s tallest waterfall—Sutherland Falls (581m)—and lands above Lake Quill for an alpine viewpoint. Expect dramatic aerial vistas, weather-dependent scheduling, and a compact but unforgettable encounter with Fiordland.
Sutherland Falls Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound
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The helicopter lifts off the gravel apron at Milford Sound Airport and, within moments, the steep walls of the fiord lean away beneath you. The Arthur Valley opens like a cut in the mountain—green beech and silver rivers threading toward the Sound—and the chopper follows the line of the famed Milford Track, skimming Lake Ada before angling toward a thunderous drop: Sutherland Falls. From the air the falls do what they do best—throw themselves off the plateau in three dramatic tiers, 581 meters of water that seems to dare the valley to catch it.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Fiordland weather changes fast—bring a warm, windproof jacket and wear closed-toe shoes for the alpine landing.
Secure camera gear
Use a wrist strap or harness for cameras; rotor wash and quick movements mean loose items can be hazardous.
Arrive early to check in
Meet at Milford Sound Airport well before departure to complete weight checks and safety briefings.
Be weather-flexible
Flights may be cancelled or delayed due to low cloud, high winds, or rain; plan buffer time in your itinerary.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Keas (alpine parrots) in higher open areas
- Fiordland crested penguins near the Sound’s coastline (rare sightings)
History
The area is part of Fiordland National Park; Māori used coastal routes here and European explorers later established the Milford Track in the late 19th century, today a premier multi-day route.
Conservation
Fiordland is a protected national park with strict biosecurity rules—visitors are asked to clean gear to prevent pest introductions and to follow Leave No Trace principles.
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Adventure Hotspots in Te Anau
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Protects against cold gusts on takeoff, in-flight rotor wash, and the alpine landing.
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Needed for the brief walk during the Lake Quill landing on uneven ground.
Camera with polarizer
A polarizer reduces glare on water and enhances contrast in aerial landscape shots.
Secure camera strap or harness
Prevents loss of gear in strong rotor wash and during quick movements in the cabin.