Few places in the world match the drama and grandeur of Fiordland and Milford Sound. Flying above these spectacular landscapes offers a perspective that ground-based tours simply can’t match—towering peaks, thundering waterfalls, and shimmering glaciers come alive from the air. Whether you’re after a quick scenic jaunt or an immersive snow landing, helicopter tours open up a new way to experience one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural wonders. Our favorites include a comprehensive Milford Sound Grand Tour, which combines multiple scenic highlights in one flight, and the Glacier Galore experience, for those eager to see ice formations up close. Each offers a different taste of Fiordland’s wild beauty, making it easier than ever to find a tour that suits your interest and adventure level.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best helicopter flights and tours, from short and sweet scenic flights to longer, more involved experiences. Curious about landings on snowy peaks or flying through ancient fjords? We’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll help you decide which tour suits your schedule, budget, and sense of adventure. For a rundown, check out the Milford Sound Grand Tour Helicopter Scenic Flight here, a top-rated experience that captures the full majesty of this region.
1. Milford Sound Grand Tour Helicopter Scenic Flight Departing from Milford Sound
At number one, the Milford Sound Grand Tour is a must for anyone wanting a full-picture view of Fiordland’s most famous sights. This 45-minute flight offers more than just a quick look—it’s a comprehensive journey over Mitre Peak, Sutherland Falls, and Tutuko Glacier, with optional snow landings on a mountain summit when weather allows. The flight’s live commentary and headsets ensure you won’t miss a detail, and the photos you take from the snow-capped peaks? They’ll be the envy of everyone back home.
What makes this tour stand out is its sheer variety. You get to see the towering Mitre Peak from different angles, swoop over Sutherland Falls—the highest waterfall in New Zealand—and glide past glaciers that seem untouched by time. If the weather cooperates, the snow landing offers an unforgettable chance to step onto alpine snow and take photos that truly capture the scale of Fiordland’s mountains. The tour includes a brief stop at Lake Quill, offering a peaceful vista that’s perfect for photos.
Good to know: This tour is rated 5 stars with four reviews, emphasizing its unforgettable scenery and professional commentary. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a full, immersive experience that combines multiple highlights in one flight. Expect to pay around $583 per person, which reflects the comprehensive nature of this trip. Bottom line: if you want a big picture adventure with plenty of photo opportunities and landings, this is your best choice.
2. Mitre Peak Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound
For a shorter, more focused experience, the Mitre Peak Scenic Flight delivers a quick but memorable look at the region’s most iconic mountain. Priced at around $293, this 15 to 25-minute flight departs Milford Airport and circles the main sights, including Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak itself. It’s perfect if you’re pressed for time but still want to see the grandeur of Milford Sound from above.
What makes this trip unique is its emphasis on Mitre Peak, which rises dramatically from the fjord. The flight also passes Bowen Falls, Milford’s highest at 162 meters, plunging into the sound below, offering breathtaking views that photos just can’t fully capture. The pilot guides you past these towering features, giving insights that bring the scenery to life.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a concise, high-impact flight without the full tour’s landings or multiple stops. It’s a great way to get a taste of Fiordland’s grandeur, especially if you’re short on time or budget. Reviewers note the stunning vistas and the chance to see Mitre Peak from a unique angle. At $292.59, it offers good value for a quick, memorable experience.
Bottom line: If you prefer a swift, scenic overview focused on Milford’s most famous peak, this flight will give you all the highlights in a compact package.
$292.59 per person
3. Glacier Galore Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound
Number three on our list is the Glacier Galore tour, which adds a dramatic touch of ice to your aerial adventure. This 25-minute flight, costing about $357, takes you past Harrison’s Cove, the Pembroke Glacier, and alpine lakes, culminating in a snow landing on Tutoko Glacier. The opportunity to set foot on glacial ice is what makes this experience stand out.
Departing from Milford, the flight offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and sheer cliffs, with close-up sightings of glaciers that seem frozen in time. The highlight is the snow landing on Tutoko Glacier, which allows you to take photos and simply marvel at the pristine white landscape. Afterward, the helicopter circles Mount Tutoko—the highest peak in Fiordland at 2,723 meters—giving you a sense of scale and majesty that photos rarely do justice.
This tour is perfect for those who want more than just a flyby and are interested in seeing glaciers up close. It’s a hit with travelers eager for a real snow experience, as one review states: “Views from above are spectacular… photos and videos won’t give the views justice!” The landing time is about 10 minutes, giving ample opportunity to soak in the icy scenery.
Bottom line: For an adventure that combines aerial sightseeing with a snow landing, Glacier Galore offers an unforgettable glimpse of Fiordland’s icy heart.
4. Sutherland Falls Helicopter Scenic Flight from Milford Sound
Rounding out our list is the Sutherland Falls Scenic Flight, a 30-minute journey priced at about $353. This flight is dedicated to showcasing the highest waterfall in New Zealand, Sutherland Falls at 581 meters. It departs Milford and follows the Milford Track up the Arthur Valley, offering a perspective that’s impossible from the ground.
What makes this tour distinctive is its focus on Sutherland Falls, with a close-up circle around the waterfall and an alpine landing above Lake Quill. This allows for incredible photos of the falls from above, along with views of Lake Ada and the surrounding peaks. Flying over the Milford Track, you get a sense of the scale of the wilderness, and the aerial view makes it clear why this area is so renowned.
Though fewer reviews are available, the emphasis on the tallest waterfall and scenic flight over the Arthur Valley makes this a compelling choice for waterfall lovers and those wanting a dedicated Sutherland Falls experience. Practical and focused, this flight suits travelers looking for a scenic flight with a special highlight.
Bottom line: If you’re fascinated by waterfalls and want a dedicated flyover of New Zealand’s tallest, this tour provides stunning views with minimal fuss.
$352.88 per person
How to Choose the Right Helicopter Tour in Fiordland and Milford Sound
When selecting your helicopter experience, consider your priorities: Do you want a full-day tour with multiple landings and scenic highlights? The Milford Sound Grand Tour offers the most comprehensive experience. If time is tight but you still want to see the region’s most famous peaks, the Mitre Peak Scenic Flight provides a quick overview. For a glacial adventure, Glacier Galore’s snow landing on Tutoko Glacier is hard to beat. And if waterfalls are your thing, the Sutherland Falls flight is the most focused option.
Budget and schedule also matter. The full tour is pricier but includes multiple landings; shorter flights are more affordable and easier to squeeze into a busy itinerary. Weather can impact snow landings, so booking early and being flexible can help you get the most out of your experience. Keep in mind that flights often depart from Milford Sound or Milford Airport, so plan your day accordingly.
In summary, for the most immersive adventure, the Milford Sound Grand Tour is hard to beat. For a quick fix, the Mitre Peak Scenic Flight is excellent, while glacier enthusiasts should consider Glacier Galore.
Final Thoughts
Fiordland and Milford Sound’s helicopter tours deliver unforgettable views and thrilling experiences. If you’re after a comprehensive adventure, the Milford Sound Grand Tour offers a perfect mix of scenery and landings. For those short on time but eager for a quick peek, the Mitre Peak Scenic Flight provides stellar views in a shorter timeframe. Glacier enthusiasts will love the icy spectacle of Glacier Galore, and waterfall lovers should not miss the Sutherland Falls flight.
No matter which you pick, booking early and checking the weather forecast can make all the difference. These flights are special opportunities to see New Zealand’s wild heart from an unforgettable perspective. So buckle up, and get ready to soar above some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet.