Your scenic flight to Milford Sound departs from Wanaka Airport and takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage area of Te Wahipounamu. This includes two of New Zealand’s most picturesque National Parks – the Mt Aspiring & Fiordland National Parks. The landscapes are unspoilt, remote and best viewed from the air!

Mt Aspiring National Park
Stunning views of Mt Aspiring National Park

View remote alpine lakes nestled amongst soaring snowcapped mountain peaks and pristine glaciers, with vast rainforest and cascading waterfalls visible from every window seat! You will also see the huge ice basin known as the Olivine Ice Plateau.

Mt Aspiring National Park
Mt Aspiring and Glaciers – only viewed when flying from/to Wanaka!
Once landed safely into Milford Sound landing strip you will jump on your Milford cruise. We choose a smaller, more intimate vessel for our Milford Fly-Cruise-Fly tour as it makes experiencing the sheer mile high cliffs and waterfalls even more special. Complimentary tea and coffee is also provided.

You will cruise the 16km length of the Sound and out to the Tasman Sea (weather dependant). This allows you to appreciate the scale and grandeur of Milford Sound and its waterfalls. It also gives you lots of opportunity to spot our native wildlife. Seals & penguins often make an appearance and some lucky guests may also spot dolphins in the sheltered waters.

milford sound from the air on a scenic flight with southern alps air
A birds eye view of Milford Sound – called the “8th Wonder of the World”
Once your cruise arrives back at the wharf your pilot will be ready to escort you back to your plane for your return scenic flight to Wanaka. Return via the spectacular Dart Valley and over the famous township of Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu. This location was used extensively in the Lord of the Rings films with the mountains of the Dart / Rees Valleys forming the backdrop to Isengard.

Then fly over the striking blue water of Queenstown’s Shotover River. Gold was discovered here in 1862 and the river became one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world.

Finally, you will return to Wanaka and land back at the airport with photos and memories that are yours to treasure.