Milford Sound Glacier Flight & Boat Cruise
Wanaka
At a glance
Southern Alps Air offers breathtaking scenic flights over the most dramatic scenery in New Zealand, including Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks and the spectacular Milford Sound.
The company has been operating in the area for 40 years and its experienced pilots know all the best spots for photo opportunities as well as ensuring a safe and comfortable ride. Plenty of window seats in the fixed wing aircraft, means everyone gets a great view.
Milford Sound Glacier Flight and Scenic Boat Cruise:
By departing from Wanaka you get an extra 25 mins of scenic fight timeand get to see over 100 glaciers with amazing views of Mt Aspiring (named the Matterhorn of the South) and the Olivine Ice Plateau.
The Wanaka to Milford Sound trip begins with a 45 minute flight from Wanaka across the soaring Southern Alps and through two national parks taking in glaciers, icefalls, waterfalls, and rainforest, before flying the full length and enjoying the best views of Milford Sound.
After the flight, see the amazing scenery, cascading waterfalls and the iconic Mitre Peak from a different viewpoint, with a two-hour nature cruise along the 16km Sound with guided commentary. It's also an opportunity to spot seals, dolphins, and penguins and relax with complimentary tea and coffee.
The return flight is 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 movies with the mountains of the Dart / Rees Valleys forming the backdrop to Isengard.
Finally, you'll fly over the striking blue water of Queenstown’s Shotover River where Gold was discovered in 1862 and the river became one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world.
Book Now:
Please visit the Southern Alps booking page for pricing and bookings.
Flights operate all year round weather permitting. Advance booking is recommended.
Trip Highlights:
- Scenic views of Lake Wanaka & Mt Aspiring on this 4 hour trip
- Fly past 100 glaciers & over 2 pristine National Parks
- Stunning alpine lakes & vast temperate rainforests
- Land into Milford Sound – the “8th Natural Wonder of the World”
- Cruise the length of the Sound (16km) on a smaller, more intimate vessel
- View native wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins
- Return flight takes you via the Dart Valley and Glenorchy
- Fly over Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu & gold bearing Shotover River
- Informative, personal commentary from your experienced pilot
- Choice of morning or afternoon departures
- You can usually purchase lunch on the scenic boat cruise or a pre-ordered picnic lunch can be arranged
- Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary both in-flight and during the scenic boat cruise.
Other Scenic Flights:
Other scenic flight options are available from Wanaka to Mt Cook including Fox, Franz Josef and the Tasman Glaciers and Mt Aspiring & Glaciers.
