The 9 Best Scenic Flights from Queenstown

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

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

Trade a long road journey for a 35-minute flight with Air Milford. Your pilot, possibly Corey, Emma, Antony, or Tim, narrates the Southern Alps, glaciers, and Fiordland. At Milford Sound, take a reserved-seat nature cruise with lunch, then fly back to Queenstown by a different route.

“My husband and I really enjoyed this flight, the narration provided by the pilot, the views that we were able to see from the aircraft. We also met some very nice people in our small group from all over the world. This is a really special experience…”

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

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

Travel with a local guide such as Tommy, Alana, or Shelly in a 16-seat Mercedes van, stopping at Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, and the Homer Tunnel. Cruise Milford Sound for two hours, then fly back to Queenstown in about 45 minutes, weather permitting. A picnic lunch is included.

“We loved this tour from start to finish! It was a long day, but so worth it. Nev was our tour guide, and he was an interesting guy! He picked us up at our hotel in Queenstown and explained so much about New Zealand along the way to Milford Sound. The van was comfortable and Nev provided just the right amount of narrative. He gave us all the ins and outs so we didn’t get lost in the crowds at our stops. The boat trip through Milford Sound was just wonderful, two hours long. After the boat trip, Nev introduced us to our pilot, Mike. We were really glad that…”

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3.Milford Sound Flight and Cruise

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

Fly with Glenorchy Air from Queenstown over Lake Wakatipu, Mount Aspiring National Park, glaciers, and Milford Sound. After a 1-hour-45-minute cruise beneath Mitre Peak, return by a different scenic route. Pilots such as Jim, Will, Joseph, and Annabel provide live commentary.

“We had an amazing trip. The weather was amazing and everything from the air was so beautiful - the highlight of our holiday. Our pilot, Annabel, was very knowledgeable and provided us with great information about what we were seeing. She checked in with our group to make sure we were all together to get back on the bus to return to the plane after the boat tour. Would highly recommend doing this tour.”

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4.Milford Sound Flight and Cruise ex Queenstown

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

Fly with Air Milford from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with pilot commentary over Coronet Peak, Glenorchy, Fiordland, and Mitre Peak. After landing, take a 1-hour-45-minute nature cruise with reserved seating, waterfall views, and possible seals, dolphins, and penguins before flying back.

“I still have yet to receive my refund as my trip was canceled due to the weather..... Growing very impatient. I put 5 stars as my friend used this tour and loved it. Still, I would like my money back considering I was approved for a refund 10 days ago.”

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

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

This four-hour trip pairs a 1-hour-15-minute helicopter flight from Queenstown with a one-hour Milford Sound cruise and a glacier or alpine landing. Hotel transfers, headsets, and landing fees are included. Pilots such as Alfie, Luke, Will, and Jeremy are praised for smooth flying and helpful local commentary.

“That you land after the cruise on top of a mountain. We were lucky enough for there to be snow in summer in January 2026”

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6.Milford Sound Coach, Cruise, Scenic Flight

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

Spend nine hours seeing Milford Sound from three angles: a Southern Discoveries coach ride with photo stops, a nature cruise with lunch, and a guaranteed-window-seat flight with Glenorchy Air. Guides such as Greg, Keith, Stan, and Craig have earned praise for sharp commentary and good humor.

“The bus ride was magical with our driver Greg. He filled the ride with lots of interesting information and jokes galore. We stopped at lots if cool places. Make sure you get Greg, he ia a gem. The food on the boat was better than the expected and Milford sound was beautiful and well worth the drive.”

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7.Milford Sound Scenic Flyover ex Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 99 reviews · from $409

Fly from Frankton over Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks to Milford Sound. Every seat is beside a window, and your pilot points out Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, lakes, waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. The 90-minute trip suits couples, families, and short-stay visitors.

“Fantastic experience from pick up to drop off and everything in between. Flight was great. Amazing views! Thanks for a memorable day!”

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8.Milford Sound Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy Air

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 89 reviews · from $340Best value

Fly with Glenorchy Air from Queenstown over Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy, the Dart Valley, glaciers, and Fiordland. After landing, take up to two hours for short walks near Milford Sound, including the Foreshore and Lady Bowen Falls. Pilots such as Jim, Annabelle, James, and Ivan provide commentary along the way.

“This trip was excellent! We couldn’t have asked for better weather, and even though the flight was smooth, our pilot (Annabelle) warned us every time there could potentially be bumps. She was very professional and informative on the flight, and friendly! Milford Sound is stunningly beautiful and worth the journey!”

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9.Franz Josef Glacier Hike & Scenic Flight

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · 6h 30m · from $1,015

Fly from Queenstown to Franz Josef with pilot commentary, then take a helicopter to the ice. Guide Sarah or another local guide leads a two-hour crampon hike through crevasses and ice caves. Weather may shift the trip to Tasman Glacier, so you get the best workable glacier option.

“Amazing trip. View was amazing on the plane to Franz Josef. Lily is an amazing pilot. Glacier hike was an a great experience. Sarah is great guide and I felt safe the whole time”

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