Milford Sound Helicopter Tour from Queenstown with Two Alpine Landings
Lift off from Queenstown and cross alpine plates, glacier tongues and rainforest-choked valleys on a 90‑minute helicopter loop to Milford Sound. Two remote alpine landings give you a rare, feet‑on‑the‑ground perspective of Fiordland’s raw geology and sweeping waterways.
The Experience
Before You Go
Layer for rapidly changing conditions
Temperatures drop quickly with altitude—use a warm midlayer and windproof shell for landings and exposed moments.
Declare accurate weight
Operators require accurate passenger weights for safety and balance; update the supplier if your weight changes after booking.
Protect camera batteries
Cold drains batteries fast—carry spares and keep them close to your body until you need them.
Arrive 30 minutes early
Check in at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for briefing, weight checks and any last-minute weather updates.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Tukuko Glacier vantage en route—offers dramatic crevasse patterns not visible from the road
- •A short shoreline walk at Milford Sound landing for quiet views away from cruise crowds
Wildlife
- •Fiordland crested penguin (rare)
- •New Zealand fur seal
Conservation Note
Fiordland is part of a UNESCO World Heritage area; operators follow strict guidelines to limit disturbance on landings and minimize fuel and noise impacts where possible.
Māori used routes through Fiordland seasonally for hunting and pounamu trade; European exploration and mapping intensified in the 19th century, revealing Milford Sound to the wider world.
Photographer's Notes
- • From the helicopter bubble for wide fiord panoramas
- • Alpine landing edge for glacier textures
- • Low pass over waterfalls for motion and scale
What to Bring
Windproof shellEssential
Blocks rotor wind and alpine chill during landings.
Sturdy closed-toe shoesEssential
Needed for short walks on rocky or icy surfaces at landings.
Sunglasses and sunscreenEssential
Bright reflections off snow and water increase UV exposure in all seasons, especially summer.
Spare camera batteries
Cold temperatures reduce battery life—extras ensure you don’t miss key shots.
Common Questions
How long is the helicopter flight?
The full experience is approximately 90 minutes including two alpine landings.
Will I need to pay extra for hotel pickup?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included; confirm your pickup time with the supplier after booking.
What happens if the flight is canceled for weather?
If weather cancels your flight, you can rebook a similar scenic flight at other Helicopter Line bases (Mount Cook, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef) or get a refund per the provider policy.
Are children allowed?
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by a fare-paying adult; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.
Do I need to declare my weight?
Yes—accurate weight info is required at booking and reconfirmed at check-in for aircraft balance and safety.
Can I bring large camera equipment?
Most DSLR or mirrorless setups are fine; check with the operator if you plan to bring bulky tripods or long lenses due to cabin space limits.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
1.5 hours (90 minutes)
Location
Queenstown, Otago
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required—able to climb in/out of a helicopter and walk short distances over uneven alpine terrain.
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