New Zealand · QUEENSTOWN SCENIC FLIGHTS

15 Scenic Flights over the Southern Alps from Queenstown

50 tours  ·  from $144 a head

From the air the Southern Alps make sense: Milford, the glaciers and Lake Wakatipu in one sweep. These 15 flights compare plane against helicopter, time in the air and whether you land on snow.

Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown - Cruising Milford Sound from the water
Milford Sound Tours, Queenstown Day Trips, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

1.Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,792 reviews · from $462Our pick

True South Flights takes you from Queenstown to Milford Sound by small aircraft for a cruise of about 1 hour 45 minutes, then flies you back by a different route. Expect aerial views of lakes, valleys, waterfalls and snow-covered peaks, pilot commentary, and a maximum of 13 passengers. Selected central Queenstown hotel pickup is included.

“Amazing Trip, pilot top form took us very close to the Alps, would highly recommend this trip Watch out for the sand flies”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat - Pickup, check-in, and the flight out
Milford Sound Tours, Queenstown Day Trips, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat

2.Milford Sound Full-Day Trip by Plane & Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,558 reviews · 5 hours · from $447

Fly from Queenstown over the Southern Alps and Fiordland, then cruise Milford Sound for two hours beneath Mitre Peak and close to waterfalls. Every aircraft seat has a window, and the return flight takes a different route. Pilots such as Jared, Andy, and Mike have led trips, though your pilot will depend on the day.

“Amazing the best part of my NZ stay and experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch) - Landing beside Milford Sound
Lunch Experiences, Milford Sound Tours, Queenstown Day Trips, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch)

3.Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown (incl Lunch)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 672 reviews · from $518

Fly with Air Milford from Queenstown across the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, then cruise past Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls with a nature guide. Lunch is included, and the return flight follows a different route. The small-group tour takes about five hours, with a maximum of 12 people.

“I couldn’t recommend both the experience and the company highly enough. The organisation in the run up to our trip and on the day was excellent. We were collected at the time stipulated, enjoyed a beautiful scenic flight with excellent nRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown - Milford Sound from Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea
Milford Sound Tours, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

4.Milford Sound Cruise with Round-Trip Flights from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 377 reviews · from $476

From Queenstown, take a small-group flight over Fiordland to Milford Sound, then cruise the fjord for about two hours toward the Tasman Sea. A different flight path brings you back over the Southern Alps. A window seat, pilot commentary, light refreshments, and pickup from selected Queenstown locations are included. Lunch is extra, and flights depend on weather.

“The best experience we had in Queenstown. The pilot was amazing and the boat crew was fantastic. Everything worked together flawlessly. Must Do!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight - Lake Te Anau: a pause before Fiordland
Milford Sound Tours, Queenstown Day Trips, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

5.Milford Sound Small Group Tour from Queenstown with Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 324 reviews · from $557

Ride from Queenstown in a 16-seat Mercedes van with a local guide, stopping at Lake Te Anau, Mirror Lakes and scenic points along Milford Road. Take a two-hour Milford Sound cruise, then return by fixed-wing plane in about 45 minutes if conditions allow. Guides such as Alana, Tommy and Pam are praised for their local stories and well-timed photo stops.

“The staff and tour guides were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the entire experience even more enjoyable. The trip was well-organized, and the highlight was undoubtedly the breathtaking helicopter ride, which offered stunning views and a unique perspective. We truly appreciated the attention to detail and the warm hospitality throughout the journey.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Queenstown: Milford Sound Flight and Cruise - From Lake Wakatipu to the Southern Alps
Milford Sound Tours, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Milford Sound Flight and Cruise

6.Milford Sound Flight and Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 283 reviews · 4h 30m · from $403

Fly from Queenstown to Milford Sound in a fixed-wing aircraft, with a window seat and commentary from your pilot. After a forest walk and a 1-hour-45-minute fiord cruise beneath Mitre Peak, fly back by a different route. Pilots such as Jim, Will, and Annabel have been praised for their friendly, clear commentary, though your pilot may vary.

“From start to finish we had a flawless experience, helped by glorious sunshine which made for unforgettable vistas”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Flight and Nature Cruise - Landing beneath Mitre Peak
Milford Sound Tours, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Flight and Nature Cruise

7.Milford Sound Flight and Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 247 reviews · 4h 30m · from $373

Fly about 35 minutes each way in a 12-seat Cessna, with a pilot pointing out glaciers, alpine lakes and remote valleys. In Milford Sound, spend 1 hour 45 minutes on a small-boat cruise past Stirling Falls, Mitre Peak and possible wildlife. The four-and-a-half-hour trip includes central Queenstown pickup, morning tea and in-flight commentary.

“This experience left us in awe from beginning to end. The panoramic flight was simply fabulous, soaring over dramatic peaks and endless wilderness felt like stepping into another world. Milford Sound itself is a natural masterpiece, and the boat cruise added a peaceful and breathtaking dimension to the day. Everything was well organized, smooth, and full of wonder. We left truly uplifted and would go back any time. A must-do in New Zealand!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch - The valley, lakes and short walks
Lunch Experiences, Milford Sound Tours, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

8.Premium Milford Sound Tour Including Cruise, Flight & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 200 reviews · from $511

Travel from Queenstown through Fiordland with a small-group guide, stopping at Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Mirror Lakes and more. Cruise Milford Sound for about two hours, then fly back over the mountains to Queenstown if weather allows. A picnic lunch, snacks and water are included. Guides vary, with Hannah, Danny, Chris and Kristine among those who have led trips.

“Wonderful drive to Milford Sound followed by lovely boat tour and flight back to Queenstown. All three parts of the tour were led by friendly and helpful operators. Colin gave a great bus tour and Ben gave a great flight tour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown - A Milford Sound Cruise Beneath the Cliffs
Milford Sound Tours, Queenstown Day Trips, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown

9.Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 177 reviews · from $490

From Queenstown, fly with a pilot guide across the Southern Alps and Fiordland to Milford Sound, then take a 1-hour-45-minute nature cruise near cliffs and waterfalls. The tour includes reserved cruise seating, hotel pickup from central Queenstown, and return flights. Pilot assignments vary; pilots named on past trips include Emma, Hank, Jim, and Tom Watson.

“Had a great time. Beautiful views and experiences. This is an amazing part if the world. Did have a bit of turbulence on the way back, pilots did a great job at minimising the effects. Got us home safe and sound.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight - A 50-minute flight, not a ground tour
Queenstown Glacier Landing Flights, Queenstown Helicopter Tours, Queenstown Lake Cruises, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight

10.Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Helicopter Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 175 reviews · from $378

This 50-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown crosses Skippers Canyon and the Rees Valley to the glaciers and waterfalls of Mt. Aspiring National Park. You may land on a glacier, though summer conditions can change the landing plan. Your pilot provides English commentary, and pickup is available from selected Queenstown locations.

“Utterly superb. How amazing to stand on a glacier. The views were breathtaking. The pilot was great and very informative. An absolute highlight of our trip to stunning New Zealand.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown - The glacier or alpine landing
Half-Day, Milford Sound Tours, Queenstown Helicopter Tours, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

11.Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 173 reviews · from $887

Trade the long road journey for a helicopter flight from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with about 1 hour 15 minutes of flight time, a one-hour cruise, and a glacier or alpine landing in Fiordland National Park. Expect a small group of up to six, hotel pickup and drop-off, and pilot commentary. The landing spot depends on conditions.

“Fantastic trip. Will our Pilot was great, landing on the glacier was a great experience. The weather was beautiful for the Milford Sound and we even saw a pod of dolphins. Highly recommended.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Queenstown: Pilot's Choice Helicopter Flight with alpine landing - Stepping onto the alpine landing site
Queenstown Glacier Landing Flights, Queenstown Helicopter Tours, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Flight with alpine landing

12.Pilot’s Choice Helicopter Flight with alpine landing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 168 reviews · from $245

Take a six-passenger helicopter from Queenstown over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, then step onto an alpine landing at 1,538 meters for about 10 minutes. Your pilot provides commentary, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included. Snow may be present seasonally, so bring warm clothes and sturdy footwear.

“Everyone should do this when in Queenstown. 100% recommended. So great to fly over the mountains and land on a snow covered ridge.”

Check availability →Read our full review

50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown - The value of a 50-minute flight
Queenstown Glacier Landing Flights, Queenstown Lake Cruises, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown

13.50-Minute Glacier Explorer & Earnslaw Burn Flight, Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 139 reviews · from $446

From Queenstown, take a 50-minute helicopter flight over alpine lakes, Skippers Canyon and the remote Earnslaw Burn valley, then touch down on a snowy glacier in Mount Aspiring National Park. The small-group flight includes hotel transfers and pilot commentary. Past flights have featured pilots such as Luke, Alfie and Jeremy.

“Absolutely unreal experience!! Definitely worth it! Pilot was very knowledgeable about the area. Stopping on the mountain was just incredible!”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, Scenic Flight - Stops that make the drive worthwhile
Milford Sound Tours, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

From Queenstown: Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, Scenic Flight

14.Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 113 reviews · 9 hours · from $465

Travel from Queenstown to Milford Sound by coach, stopping at places such as Mirror Lakes and The Chasm, then cruise the fiord and fly back with a guaranteed window seat. Drivers including Greg, Stan, and Craig have led informative, entertaining journeys. The flight route depends on weather and may include Lake Quill and Sutherland Falls.

“It was perfect from the coach ride and the driver being very well educated, the cruise, to the flight back. Everything was overwhelmingly perfect”

Check availability →Read our full review

Queenstown: Remarkables Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing - The view from the helicopter
Queenstown Glacier Landing Flights, Queenstown Helicopter Tours, Queenstown Scenic Flights, Queenstown Ski Trips, Queenstown Tours, Tour Reviews

Queenstown: Remarkables Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

15.Remarkables Helicopter Flight & Alpine Landing

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 91 reviews · from $149Best value

Take a 20-minute helicopter flight above Queenstown and land on the Remarkables Spur, weather permitting, for views over the Wakatipu basin, Coronet Peak, and Cecil Peak. Your English-speaking pilot provides commentary on local geology, gold-mining traces, and film locations. Pilots have included Archie, Michael, Jack, Kurt, and Alfie.

“Fantastic - stunning scenery that you can only see by trudging up a mountain through the snow or grabbing a lift on a helicopter. Definitely do this. Our guide/pilot Archie was personable, friendly and skilled. It’s something else seeing these mountains from the top, crunching through the snow and breathing in the cold mountain air.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Queenstown Scenic Flights

★ 5.0Milford Sound Tour: Cruise & FlightFrom $5517 reviews
★ 4.5Milford Sound Scenic Flight from QueenstownFrom $33040 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound and Big Five Glaciers Scenic FlightFrom $34347 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Scenic Flight with Landing from QueenstownFrom $40724 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Helicopter Flight and Cruise from QueenstownFrom $1,27218 reviews
★ 5.0Stewart Island Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy AirFrom $52624 reviews
★ 5.0The Grand Circle Scenic Helicopter FlightFrom $30830 reviews
★ 5.0Grand Alpine Helicopter Flight – QueenstownFrom $3963 reviews
★ 5.020 minute Queenstown Scenic FlightFrom $14332 reviews
★ 5.0Milford Sound Grand Tour Helicopter Scenic Flight Departing from Milford SoundFrom $5554 reviews
★ 4.5Glacier Galore Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford SoundFrom $3695 reviews
★ 4.9Doubtful Sound: Scenic Flight with 2 LandingsFrom $63617 reviews
★ 4.8Te Anau: 30-Minute Fiordland National Park Scenic FlightFrom $23041 reviews
★ 5.0Helicopter Flight and Gin Tasting TourFrom $4503 reviews
★ 3.9Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight TransfersFrom $1,0159 reviews

Keep browsing

Milford Sound ToursDoubtful Sound CruisesTe Anau ToursQueenstown Day TripsMount Cook Day Trips
Scroll to Top

Explore Queenstown

Pick a river, a peak, a cellar door or a fiord.

On the water

Lake CruisesJet BoatsMilford CruisesDoubtful SoundRafting

In the air

Scenic FlightsHelicoptersGlacier LandingsParaglidingBungy

Food and wine

Wine ToursGin & BeerFood ToursFarm Visits

Trail and track

Guided WalksBike Tours4WD & QuadsHorse TreksSki Days