The Milford Sound fly cruise fly experience is the single best excursion we have EVER been on. This adventure is a stunning combination of flying the skies over the Southern Alps and cruising the seas of Milford Sound.
The scenic flight takes off in Queenstown New Zealand and flies over breathtaking views of the mountains before flying through Milford Sound and landing on a short runway at the end of the fiord. From there you’ll board a ship and cruise the ins and outs of the sound for over 2 hours. You’ll be able to spot seals, dolphins, birds, and if you get lucky, maybe even a whale!
If you are looking for an incredible way to see the New Zealand Fiordlands, the Milford Sound fly cruise fly is a once in a lifetime experience and absolutely worth it on your New Zealand trip. Here is exactly what to expect on the Milford Sound fly cruise fly excursion.
Now, should you see Milford Sound or nearby Doubtful Sound? Check out our blog post on Milford Sound vs Doubtful Sound.
Milford Sound Flight – Over the Southern Alps
The Milford Sound fly cruise fly excursion starts, as you might expect, with a flight! You’ll board a plane in Queenstown, and take off beginning the flight over beautiful Lake Wakatipu.
Lake Wakatipu is a stunning lake from the base. However, when you look at it from above, you’ll get a whole new perspective.
After awhile, you’ll pass the shore of the lake and head into an alpine wonderland. The Southern Alps are as beautiful as any mountain range on earth.
You’ll fly right over high, snow-capped peaks, such as Mount Bonpland, Mount Christina, Flat Top Peak, Mount Madeline, and Mount Tutoko. You will fly close to Lake Quill and Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in the Southern Hemisphere.
After a half hour in the air, the Southern Alps pass behind you and give way to the vast expanse of the Tasman Sea. You’ll circle back and cruise right towards a large, beautiful inlet known as Milford Sound.
Your scenic flight ends with flying the full length of Milford Sound as you approach the town itself, and more importantly, the airport. You’ll land and catch a shuttle bus to the dock, where you will meet your boat!
Cruise Milford Sound
The Milford Sound cruise is the meat of the Milford Sound fly cruise fly excursion. You’ll cruise for a few hours through New Zealand’s most popular tourist attraction.
What makes Milford Sound so popular? Beauty. The high peaks of the Southern Alps fall away at cliffs hundreds of feet high. The cliffs plunge deep into the depths of Milford Sound, making the water a deep, dark blue.
On the cliffs and mountainsides, greenery grows untouched by humans. Additionally, if there has been any rain in the past few days, you’ll see enormous waterfalls flowing over the cliffs down into the sound.
Mitre Peak is the jewel of Milford Sound. This mountain gets its name from the shape, jutting out 5,500 feet about the water. The view of Mitre Peak with Milford Sound in the foreground is a beautiful photo.
On the Milford Sound cruise, you’ll have free tea and coffee, as well as lunch if you order that when you book your excursion. On your cruise, take along a camera and capture a few of your favorite photo opportunities. However, also take time to put your phone or camera away and enjoy the experience without the distractions of technology.
At the end of your Milford Sound cruise, you’ll have a free shuttle back to the airport to catch the flight back from Milford Sound to Queenstown. However, if you do have any additional time on shore, there are a few really quick walks that offer excellent views of the sound and Mitre Peak.
Exploring Milford Sound on Foot
Milford Sound is beautiful by boat, by plane, and also on foot! There are a few short walks that start right in town (which is a very small area) that will bring you both to a lookout and right to the water’s edge.
Milford Sound Foreshore Walk
The Milford Sound foreshore walk brings you on a boardwalk that gives the opportunity to actually dip your feet into the water! You’ll get a perfectly framed view of Mitre Peak, and the chance to see the sound up close and personal.
If you get the chance to do this hike bright and early in the morning, or at dusk, then you may get lucky and have the water calm enough to be reflective. Then you’ll get a stunning reflection of Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, and the surrounding landscape.
The Milford Sound Foreshore Walk is just about a quarter mile, and takes less than a half hour. Take your time and enjoy the views!
Milford Sound Lookout Track
The Milford Sound Lookout track is another short walk, at a quarter mile out & back. The walk takes about 30 minutes, depending on how fast you go and how long you spend at the viewpoint.
This hike gives the chance to see Milford Sound from a higher-up lookout. The walk itself is short but is basically a staircase the entire way. The benefits of that staircase is the view from a higher elevation!
In addition to this article, we also published a video detailing this wildly incredible adventure! This was truly the best excursion we’ve ever been on. Check out our video on the Milford Sound fly cruise fly excursion with Milford Sound Scenic Flights and Mitre Peak Cruise.
Milford Sound Flight – Back to Queenstown
It’s now time for the flight back to Queenstown. After exploring Milford Sound by boat and by foot you’ll head back to the tiny airport and board your flight.
There is a good chance your pilot will take a slightly different route back to Queenstown so this is not the time for a cat nap! The views will continue to impress you out your plane window. If there is a certain lake or view you’re dying to see, ask your pilot! Ours was nice and willing to fly us past Lake Quill and Sutherland Falls on our return flight.
Book your Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly excursion now!
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