Milford Sound Heli-Cruise-Heli + Earnslaw Burn Landing | 5hr

A High-Altitude and Deep-Water Adventure in Milford Sound

If you’re craving a truly comprehensive way to see Milford Sound, this 5-hour heli-cruise-helixperience combines the best of both worlds. For around $987 per person, you’ll fly over lush rainforests, soaring alpine lakes, and rugged mountain peaks, then descend beneath towering cliffs for an intimate boat cruise. The highlight? An exclusive helicopter landing in Earnslaw Burn, a remote wilderness area where waterfalls tumble from glaciers and native plants thrive. The trip includes a locally produced picnic lunch, multiple scenic landings, and insightful commentary from your pilot — all designed to give you a real taste of Fiordland’s wild beauty.

We particularly love the opportunity to view Milford Sound from the air before arriving by boat, which provides a spectacular perspective of the sheer scale and grandeur of the landscape. The landing in Earnslaw Burn offers an uncommon chance to explore an isolated glacier-fed valley, often called one of New Zealand’s hidden gems. On the flip side, a possible consideration is the dependence on weather, as mountain clouds or rain could cause route adjustments or delays.

This trip is perfect for adventurers who enjoy a mix of flying, boating, and remote wilderness exploration. Whether you’re a nature lover, an avid photographer, or simply eager for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the combination of aerial views, water-level cruising, and landings offers a well-rounded perspective on Fiordland’s breathtaking scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Multifaceted Experience: Combines helicopter flights, boat cruise, and landings for a complete Fiordland adventure.
• Remote Wilderness: Land in Earnslaw Burn, a seldom-visited glacier basin full of waterfalls and alpine flora.
• Spectacular Views: Fly over Milford Sound’s cliffs and peaks, then cruise beneath Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls.
• Wildlife Encounters: Potential sightings include fur seals, dolphins, and possibly Fiordland crested penguins in season.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Includes a picnic lunch, hotel pickup/dropoff (optional), and expert commentary.
• Weather Dependence: Flights may be rescheduled or routes adjusted due to weather, so flexibility helps.

An In-Depth Look at the Milford Sound Heli-Cruise-Heli Experience

The Itinerary: From Sky to Sea to Wilderness

This tour begins with pick-up from your hotel or a convenient location in Queenstown, setting off for the helicopter base. Once aboard, you’ll take off for an aerial journey over Fiordland’s rainforests, lakes, and mountain ranges, with the pilot providing commentary on landmarks and geography. This flight alone is worth the price, offering breathtaking vistas of Milford Sound’s iconic peaks and waterfalls that are best appreciated from the air.

Your helicopter then lands directly in Milford Sound, where you’ll join a trusted cruise operator for a scenic boat cruise lasting approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. During this cruise, you’ll glide beneath impressive cliffs, passing the Hanging Gardens, Fairy Falls, and the majestic Stirling Falls. Passengers often comment on the up-close views of Mitre Peak, which looms over the fiord, making it a perfect spot for photography. Wildlife sightings such as New Zealand fur seals, dolphins, and, in spring or early summer, the rare Fiordland crested penguin, are common delights.

The Landings: From Water to Wilderness

After the cruise, you’ll return to the helicopter for a scenic landing in Earnslaw Burn, a remote glacier-fed valley often described as a hidden gem. You might find yourself standing among native alpine plants, watching waterfalls cascade from the glacier above, or spotting native wildlife in this untouched environment. The Earnslaw Glacier itself is a striking feature, hanging dramatically over 300 meters above the valley floor — a spectacular sight that’s hard to find elsewhere.

This exclusive landing is what elevates this tour above typical Milford Sound excursions. It’s an opportunity to experience the untouched wilderness and see the natural landscape from a different perspective — something most travelers only dream of.

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Practical Details: What to Expect and Consider

The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, starting in the morning, making it ideal for a day trip. It’s a shared experience, with 6 to 9 passengers on each helicopter, so expect a small-group atmosphere — intimate but still lively with fellow travelers. Seating is allocated for safety and balance, based on weight, which might mean you don’t get to choose your seat, but that’s a small trade-off for such an adventure.

Weather can influence the schedule, as mountain flying requires good visibility. Routes and landings are subject to change for safety reasons, so maintaining flexibility is wise. You’ll want to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera — the scenery is extraordinary, and you’ll want to capture it all.

What’s the Value?

At nearly a thousand dollars, this is a premium experience, but it offers a level of immersion and exclusivity that few other tours can match. The combination of aerial views, boat cruise, and remote landing creates a well-rounded experience that highlights the scale, beauty, and serenity of Fiordland. Many reviewers find that the value lies in the diversity of perspectives — from the sky, the water, and the wilderness.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip suits adventurous travelers eager for a multi-sensory experience of Milford Sound. If you appreciate aerial photography, wildlife spotting, and exploring remote landscapes, this tour hits the mark. It’s also a good fit for those comfortable with small-group tours and helicopter travel, and who can handle the potential for weather-related adjustments.

Travelers who want a comprehensive view of Fiordland’s natural phenomena—from glaciers to waterfalls—will find this experience rewarding. It’s especially appealing if you’re looking for something more exclusive and personalized than standard cruise or bus tours.

Final Thoughts: Is it Worth It?

This Milford Sound heli-cruise-helixperience delivers a rare combination of aerial splendor, waterborne adventure, and wilderness exploration. It’s designed for those who want the ultimate snapshot of Fiordland’s grandeur in a single day. The scenic flights offer unmatched views, while the landings enable you to step into the scenery and breathe it in firsthand.

While the cost is higher than simple boat or bus trips, the value lies in the diversity of experiences and the chance to see places most visitors never reach. It’s a good pick for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and photographers eager to capture the extraordinary.

If you’re seeking a well-rounded, immersive, and spectacular adventure that combines flying, cruising, and walking in some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, this tour is likely to leave you with memories for a lifetime.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The experience includes a 5-hour trip with a helicopter flight, a boat cruise through Milford Sound, a picnic lunch, and scenic landings in Milford Sound and Earnslaw Burn. Hotel pickup and dropoff are optional.

How long is the boat cruise?
The cruise lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving you time to enjoy the scenery, waterfalls, and potential wildlife sightings.

What should I bring?
Pack comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera. Since weather can be unpredictable in Fiordland, layers are recommended.

Is the experience suitable for everyone?
It’s best for those comfortable with small-group helicopter rides and outdoor exploration. Wheelchair accessibility is available, but check with the provider for specific needs.

What about weather conditions?
Flights are weather-dependent, and routes or landings may be rescheduled or adjusted for safety. Flexibility and patience are helpful.

How many people are on the helicopter?
Each helicopter typically carries 6 to 9 passengers, making it an intimate experience but still allowing for shared adventure.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which offers some peace of mind if weather looks uncertain.

This tour offers a comprehensive taste of Milford Sound’s wild beauty, perfectly suited for those who value diversity in their adventure—flying over towering peaks, cruising beneath waterfalls, and stepping into untouched wilderness. It’s a memorable way to see a world-famous landscape from multiple angles, making it a worthwhile splurge for travelers craving something extraordinary.

You can check availability for your dates here: