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26th October 2024

Discover Milford Sound in the most extraordinary way with a helicopter and cruise trip.

You’ll soar over snow-capped peaks, landing amidst untouched wilderness, and cruise through the tranquil fjord—all while enjoying the finest in luxury.

Our concierge specialist, Jade, was lucky enough to experience this. Keep reading as she will give you the inside scoop on how the day went.

Starting with an informative and easy to understand safety briefing, we were greeted by our pilot, Mark, who led the way to the helicopter. Spacious and comfy, with leather seats, brand new headsets and plenty of leg room, the machine set the tone for what was going to be a great day, travelling in style. Mark provided us with an overview our flight path for the day and off we went!

Taking off, we flew over the precarious Skippers Canyon Road and got a bird’s eye view of Coronet Peak ski field with its access road snaking up the mountain. The first of two national parks, we first flew through Mount Aspiring – absolutely adorned with snowcapped mountains. With the sun shining, the snowdrift was mesmerising.

A few minutes later we were gliding above the quaint township of Glenorchy and the distinctive braids of the Dart River. Glenorchy is a mecca for fishing, hiking, and Lord of The Rings fans! Quickly finding its place on the map, check out our blog here for other ideas of what to do in Glenorchy.

Smoothly flying on over Lake Harris, this was an amazing viewpoint of The Routeburn track – one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks. From Lake Harris to Lake Adelaide, we approached Darren Saddle, with a surprise waiting for us on the other side. Looking to my right was Tuteko Peak and Plateau, feeling so close I felt like I could reach out and touch it. Proudly claiming the title of tallest mountain in Fiordland, Tuteko sits at around 9000 feet! And there straight ahead, the crowning jewel of the day – Milford Sound.

Mark navigated the helicopter with expertise that made it seem easy, gently landing us on quite possibly the most beautiful, remote runway in New Zealand. 

From here, we were guided on to the cruise ship where we stopped for a quick coffee and cookie pitstop before setting sail. With seating both in and outdoors, and capped capacity, there was ample space for everyone to enjoy the cruise and take photos of the mighty Milford Sound. The skipper provided an informative voiceover, and helped point out wildlife for us to spot. Shutting down the motor so that we could quietly float on the water, I spotted a family of fur seals basking on the rocks, and another in the water who was busy trying to catch its lunch.  

The water was calm, and the sun was shining. You could really FEEL the peace and quiet of Milford Sound, with only bird noises and waterfall sounds around. The granite rocks tower high on either side, covered with a mixture of many types of flora and even gold ore – a remanent of New Zealand’s gold rush! Milford Sound is home to many ‘’resident’’ waterfalls that are continuously flowing. Of 365 days in a year, Milford Sound sees rain for around 182 of those…a trip following (or during) a rainstorm isn’t unheard of. However, the rain helps in keeping those precious waterfalls flowing and creating even more to admire.

Following a 2-hour cruise, we disembarked and opted to take a short 10-minute walk back to the hangar, rather than being driven. We took this time to soak up the last of the fresh Fiordland air, walk through the forest boardwalk, and of course snap one last photo!  Hopping back in the helicopter, we had one final stop to make before heading home.

Flying 15 minutes from Milford Sound, our helicopter pilot found a special mountaintop stop for our trip. We landed on the snow-covered Gorge Creek and the helicopter shut down. Stepping out, the snow was completely untouched making this a really magical experience. With Mount Earnslaw and the Rees Valley in clear view, Glenorchy and Lake Wakatipu, it felt like standing atop our very own slice of paradise. We took in the tranquillity and beauty, and then decided to throw a snowball or two!

We knew our Milford Sound trip was nearing the end as we jumped back into the helicopter one last time, but not before sealing the deal with a few final delights…

We flew directly over Moke Lake and the Moonlight Ridge, with a sweeping visit to a hidden mountain lake. From here we were soon above Arthurs Point, where the famous Shotover Jet was zooming down the river, as I spotted where our lovely Riverview Retreat is situated nearby.

Our trip was concluded as we touched back down at the hangar. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this trip and continued my day with a smile beaming from ear to ear. From the knowledgeable and friendly pilot, to the welcoming cruise team, everyone ensured that this trip ran seamlessly. 

A Milford Sound helicopter trip is more than just an excursion—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey that blends luxury, adventure, and the sheer magnificence of nature.

As specialists in luxury accommodation and bespoke experiences, MajorDomo is here to ensure that every detail of your journey reaches its potential. Whether it’s arranging transfers and tours, sourcing the best private chef, or curating memorable activities, we make it effortless for you to immerse yourself in the beauty of New Zealand with unmatched comfort and style. We are just a phone call away.