Southland on New Zealand’s South Island offers some of the most stunning helicopter experiences in the world. With dramatic fjords, towering peaks, and waterfalls, it’s an area that rewards aerial exploration. We especially love the Grand Tour from Milford Helicopters, which gives you a comprehensive view of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park, including landings on mountain tops and views of the highest waterfall in New Zealand. This kind of adventure truly captures the essence of Southland’s rugged beauty.
If you’re after a quicker, more focused flight, the Milford Sound: Aerial Helicopter flight over Mitre Peak offers a breathtaking 15-minute tour with spectacular photo ops. For those wanting a remote wilderness experience combined with a landing in Doubtful Sound, the Doubtful Sound Helicopter Tour with Landing provides a full hour of soaring above granite mountains and exploring unspoiled nature up close. Each of these options offers something different, whether it’s a quick scenic flyby or an immersive mountain landing.
1. Grand Tour | Helicopter Flight | Milford Helicopters
This all-encompassing tour of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park is perfect if you want a full taste of Southland’s grandeur. The 45-minute flight includes two mountain top landings, giving you the chance to step out amid jaw-dropping scenery. Your knowledgeable pilot provides in-flight commentary via two-way communication, sharing insights about the landscape as you soar over fjords, waterfalls, and rugged peaks. One highlight is the chance to see Sutherland Falls, the highest waterfall in New Zealand, plunging nearly 1,900 meters.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of spectacular views and unique landings, making it more than just a flyby. Passengers consistently praise the experience, citing the opportunity for stunning photography and personalized guidance. The price of $598 per person is on the higher side, but the inclusion of multiple landings and expert commentary adds value. Best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, immersive experience and don’t mind splurging for top-tier adventure.
Bottom Line: If you want the complete Milford Sound experience from the air with memorable landings, this is your best bet.
2. Milford Sound: Aerial Helicopter flight over Mitre Peak
For around 15 minutes of pure scenic beauty, the Milford Sound: Aerial Helicopter flight over Mitre Peak delivers breathtaking views of Piopiothahi Milford Sound, Bowen Falls, and the iconic Mitre Peak. This flight is ideal if you’re self-driving in Milford and want a quick but stunning aerial overview of the sound. The route also offers great photo opportunities and the chance to see Stirling Falls, a lovely waterfall in Milford Sound.
Your pilot provides inflight commentary via two-way communication, enriching the experience with interesting facts about the landscape. The flight starts at the Milford Sound Highway, with a brief safety briefing before takeoff. It’s a great choice for travelers short on time but eager to see the essential sights from above.
This tour is particularly suited for those already in Milford who want a memorable flight without a big time commitment. The brief duration makes it perfect for adding onto other activities or as a first taste of helicopter travel in New Zealand.
Bottom Line: A quick, focused flight offering unforgettable views of Milford Sound’s most famous features—ideal for time-conscious travelers.
3. Te Anau: Doubtful Sound Helicopter Tour with Landing
This 1-hour helicopter tour from Te Anau combines soaring above the remote wilderness of Doubtful Sound with a landing in a secluded area. You’ll enjoy views of granite mountains, waterfalls, and native forest as your pilot navigates the pristine landscape. The highlight? Landing in a remote spot where you can step out and experience the silence and beauty of untouched nature.
The tour includes a transfer from Te Anau, making logistics simple for travelers based there. Small groups and an experienced pilot ensure a personalized experience. The sense of adventure is palpable here—landing in a wilderness location away from crowds allows for some truly special moments. The visuals of waterfalls cascading into the sound and the rugged terrain are unforgettable.
This tour is best suited for those who want a deeper connection with nature, are comfortable with small group sizes, and appreciate remote wilderness. The longer duration and landing add a layer of richness that shorter flights can’t match.
Bottom Line: An immersive, scenic helicopter experience that offers a genuine wilderness adventure and spectacular views of Doubtful Sound.
How to Choose
When deciding between these helicopter tours, consider your budget, time availability, and what kind of experience excites you most. The Grand Tour provides a comprehensive, landings-included adventure for those seeking a full immersion. The 15-minute Mitre Peak flight is perfect if you’re short on time but want a memorable bird’s-eye view. Meanwhile, the Doubtful Sound landing tour suits travelers craving a remote connection and a longer, more personal experience.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, as helicopter tours are popular and fill quickly. Think about your fitness level and interest in remote lands: a landing experience in Doubtful Sound is more physically engaging, while a quick flight over Milford is straightforward.
Final Thoughts
Southland’s helicopter tours offer a range of breathtaking perspectives on some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery. If you’re after a full, immersive experience, the Grand Tour from Milford Helicopters is hard to beat. For those wanting a quick yet spectacular look at Milford Sound’s highlights, the Mitre Peak flight is perfect. And if you’re seeking an authentic wilderness adventure, landing in Doubtful Sound from Te Anau provides a memorable, up-close encounter with nature.
No matter which you choose, these aerial adventures are memorable ways to see Southland’s rugged beauty from a perspective few get to experience. Book early, pack your camera, and prepare for some of the most awe-inspiring views you’ll ever see.