This Wanaka to Milford Sound return scenic flight offers all of the views and highlights of the Milford Sound & Glaciers Fly-Cruise-Fly, just without the boat cruise.
Enjoy a short landing at Milford Sound and a chance to take more photos. From the ground you will be able to get a true feel of the scale and splendour of the mile high cliff faces and incredible waterfalls. In addition there will also be the option for a short bush walk. Return to your plane and pilot to fly back to Wanaka over the Fiordland National Park and past Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu.
There has never been a better time to visit Milford Sound and appreciate this incredible area of New Zealand. We believe that everyone should see Milford Sound at least once in their lifetime!
Plus, by taking a scenic flight from Wanaka to Milford Sound you will see over 100 glaciers as well as the mighty Mt Aspiring from your window seat. You will also get an additional 30 minute flight time each way with us. Call us today or Book this Milford Sound Flight + Landing Now!
Take off from Wanaka Airport which is just a 10 minute drive from Wanaka Town Centre. Immediately you will have a scenic birds eye view of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea from the air. See the remote lake islands of Mou Waho and Stevenson’s Island with the stunning backdrop of the Southern Alps.
You will then fly across scenic Mt Aspiring National Park which is home to the region’s highest peak of Mt Aspiring (3,033 metres). Fly past this “Matterhorn of the South” as you view countless mountain glaciers and get glimpses of pristine blue ice and deep crevasses. As you fly your pilot will provide personal commentary and tell stories of the first explorers and the history of this unique landscape.
Your scenic flight continues as you cross into Fiordland National Park. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Area it contains an unspoilt wilderness of temperate rainforest, hanging valleys, glaciers, remote alpine lakes & dramatic mountain peaks. From your window seat you will have countless photo opportunities and the views will be beyond your wildest dreams. Everyone should fly this route in their lifetime!
From here you begin the descent into Milford Sound itself. Named the 8th Wonder of the World it was called Piopiotahi by Maori and was important to them for fishing and hunting. Originally overlooked by early European explorers (including James Cook) it was eventually “rediscovered” in 1812 and since then has continued to awe people with the sheer scale of its landscape.
From the air you will see how the dramatic mile high cliffs drop away into the water and the countless number of waterfalls that cascade down the rock faces. Milford Sound is truly a bucket list destination for kiwis and international travellers alike. Our pilots will never get tired of showing visitors this special place.
You will have the opportunity to make a brief landing in Milford Sound itself. Here you can exit the plane and from the ground get a true feel for the scale and grandeur of the fiord. You can also take a short bush walk among the native flora and fauna. If you do wish to take a boat excursion out on the Sound then you can do this on our Milford Sound Cruise option. Alternatively our Milford Sound Flyover trip is perfect for those on tighter time limits.
As your pilot takes off from Milford Sound you will once again have panoramic views of Milford Sound, out to the Tasman Sea. The return scenic flight is not rushed or repetitive, you will this time fly a different route which takes you around to the famous township of Glenorchy at the head of Queenstown’s Lake Wakatipu. Here you can view the braided Dart River, the scenic beauty of the Routeburn Valley (home of the famous Routeburn 3 day walk) and fly past Lake Wakatipu as you return over the mountains to Wanaka.
At the end of this trip you will have spent half a day to capture memories that will never leave you. Smiles are everywhere on this Milford Sound Trip!
Please Bring: Warm jacket, camera
Milford Sound has a dedicated landing strip, a short walk from the water. As soon as you land you get amazing views of Mitre Peak and can appreciate the scale of the mountains. There is a great, short bush walk nearby which your pilot can show you.
NZ Freephone: 0800 345 666
Phone: +64 (0)3 443 4385
Fax: +64 (0)3 443 8666
Email: info@southernalpsair.co.nz
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