One of the ultimate ways to experience the dramatically beautiful scenery of New Zealand is via a scenic flight over the Southern Alps that stand magnificently between Queenstown and Milford - fly overhead as an amazing landscape unfolds several thousand feet below you and reveals glacial lakes, waterfalls, deep valleys and summits that pierce the clouds. Enjoy informative commentary from your experienced pilot along the way before landing at the Milford Sound airstrip where you'll be transferred to the harbour to begin your amazing nature cruise.
The cruise will send you off on for a firsthand view of Milford Sound's rainforest, towering rock walls and huge range of wildlife as your experienced nature guides share stories with you of the history and geography of the fiord while being happy to answer your questions. See cascading waterfalls up close, keep an eye out for dolphins, seals and penguins, and much more!
Inclusions
- Luxury glass-roofed coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound,
- Extended Nature Cruise along the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea
- Wildlife spotting for dolphins, seals and penguins
- Nature guide providing informative commentary
- 35 Minute Scenic flight back to Queenstown
- Interpretation handouts: English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Thai
Exclusions
- Lunch is at an additional cost and can be pre-ordered and paid for at the time of booking
- RealNZ is now cashless, please be prepared to make cashless payments onboard
Itinerary
- Luxury glass-roofed coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, an extended Nature Cruise along the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea and a scenic flight back to Queenstown
- On boarding a luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown, travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through rolling countryside to Te Anau for a morning tea break. From Te Anau, the coach then continues along the spectacular Milford Road through impressive alpine scenery. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way
- The coach driver provides a commentary and interpretation material is available in foreign languages. On reaching Milford Sound board a Nature Cruise for a leisurely cruise the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea
- Nature Cruises have a relaxed and flexible itinerary that allows plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife and have special appeal for the independent traveller
- An on board nature guide with specialist knowledge of the region’s history, flora and fauna provides detailed interpretation in English with a roving microphone
- There is plenty of time available to explore points of interest and view the spectacular alpine scenery including waterfalls, rainforest and the towering peaks; and keep a lookout for wildlife including seals, dolphins and penguins when in season
- Lunch options and complimentary tea and coffee are available on all vessels
- Following the cruise, there is a coach transfer to the Milford airport for the return flight to Queenstown (weather permitting)
- During the 35 minute scenic flight, there are panoramic views of the spectacular alpine scenery including glaciers, rivers, lakes and rainforest. Transfers are provided to accommodation on arrival at Queenstown airport
Time
- Trip duration is approximately 10 hours and 10 minutes
- 6.55am - 4.10pm from 1 Oct to 31 Dec and between 1 Jan to 30 Sep
What To Bring
- Non-slip shoes/boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm sweater/fleece jacket
- Sunscreen/sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Camera
Additional Information
- Flights weather permitting
- Suitable for all ages
- Child rates apply for 4 - 14 years
- Infants 0 - 3 years carried free of charge where the infant sits on parent's knee, otherwise child rates apply
- If you are unable to fly back due to weather conditions, you will return to Queenstown by coach
- If due to weather conditions the scenic flight does not operate, you will have their flight sector ticket endorsed
- Food can be purchased on-board and items include paninis, pies, sandwiches, soup of the day, sausage rolls, muffins and cakes, fruit and confectionary. All vessels have a fully licensed bar (menu subject to change without notice)
Booking Information
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control. We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
- Prices are seasonal and are constantly changing. The from price displayed may not always be the price you are going to pay, as once you click on your specified date, the price will change to reflect the price for that date/season. Please note that in some cases where you cannot click on a date to obtain the price, please call us so we can assist you
- Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction