Milford Sound Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown
5
Milford Sound Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown
By Over The Top - The Helicopter Company
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 1-99, max of 2 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
- Scenic Helicopter tour
- Bose noise cancelling headsets to hear the guide clearly
- Professional pilot / guide
- Applicable landing and facility fees
- National Park fees
- Complimentary pickup and drop-off
- Alpine Landing
- Entry/Admission - Milford Sound
What's not included- Food & Beverage
- Start:Traveller pickup offered.
- 10 Tex Smith Lane, Otago 9300, New ZealandBlue Hanger 10 Tex Smith Lane Frankton Queenstown
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7500P8- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Pricing is based either per person or per helicopter at one rate
- Subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Minimum passenger numbers apply for Shared flights
- There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements on shared flights. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- Comfortable shoes are recommended as you will be walking in uneven terrain
- A warm layer is recommended to bring with you or wear
- You will be contacted either the day prior or the day of your booking to confirm based on weather conditions
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 2 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7500P8
From
$1,770.00
per adult (price varies by group size)
Select date and travellers
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Itinerary
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- kathleeninBaja0 contributionsOver the Top doesn’t even come close to what this trip was for us!Our Captain “ Choppy” Paterson was full of wonderful amazing surprises for us! She has so much knowledge of the entire area! She’s a professional and fun pilot. It was the thrill and trip of a lifetime. Please don’t wait to do this!Written 10 January 2025
- patkramer0 contributionsHighly Recommend this Incredible Experience!Staff, pilots were professional, competent, experienced and personable!! We felt very safe and the views were AmazingWritten 26 October 2024
- 807damianp0 contributionsOnce in a lifetime OpportunityFantastic Morning Trip Captain Heath was very knowledgeable and whilst we missed a snow landing due to cloud, kept our safety paramountWritten 18 October 2024
- maureenk1560 contributionsBeing on top of the world among snow-capped peaksIt was magnificent to encounter the snow-capped mountains close up and land on the glacier. It was breathtaking, and we are filled with gratitude for having had this experience. All staff were fabulous and added to the day's experience.Written 13 October 2024
- WilBG0 contributionsThe most perfect window into what must be one of the most beautiful places in the world.This was the second time I have flown with “Choppy” and the Over the Top team - they are so professional and create the most fabulous experience - I could not recommend them highly enough.Written 2 September 2024
- PapaG0010 contributionsThe Best of the Best.THE ABSOLUTE BEST. This trip was for a special reason - a Proposal. I booked, called the Team and let them know what I was needing - a Glacier Landing or similar, where I can propose. Not a problem. Even when the weather was being tricky to predict, they kept me informed, moved our flight date around, kept calling me to make sure I knew what was going on. Gareth and Derek did an amazing job getting us up in the air. Finally, when there was a break in the weather, up we went. We can not say enough about how amazing our Pilot, Heath, was. Informative, personable, warm, kind, excellent pilot and a GREAT photographer and videographer. He made the whole experience, which was already surreal, even more spectacular. THANK YOU HEATH. We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of dealing with OTT. Amazing staff, incredible equipment and unbelievable experience. THANK YOU ALL.Written 17 August 2024
- Kris C0 contributionsBreathtaking ExperienceThis trip was everything we could have asked for and more. The team are extremely professional. They add valuable guidance and local knowledge. Would 100% recommend this experience. Couldn’t have asked for more.Written 3 August 2024
- DRM8880 contributionsIncredible experienceIncredible experience- stopping off at Lake Erskine was something we will never forget, with great views of Milford Sound. Would highly recommend to all. The team at OTT were in constant contact when our initial flight got cancelled because of the weather, we booked on to the next morning no issues.Written 5 July 2024
- 418f_timab0 contributionsGreat experienceWonderful views, great experience, felt very safe with our pilot. Nice views of Milford sound, the peaks, rivers and lakes. Stopover at snowWritten 16 June 2024
- ellensE4698ZQ0 contributionsOnce in a Lifetime ExperienceWow! This was an experience of a lifetime. Our pilot Ben was funny, engaging, and knowledgable -- and a fantastic photographer. He also took the time to show up incredible sites, including landing near a glacial lake, a beach at the Milford Sound, and on a glacier! We absolutely loved every minute of our trip with Over the Top. We couldn't recommend this experience more for anyone looking to experience Milford Sound!Written 25 April 2024
- 279deanr0 contributionsMagical trip with a great pilotDavey (our pilot) was I credibly knowledgeable and friendly whilst also making us feel safe and explaining how the pilots use their experience and knowledge of the area to ensure all flights are as smooth as possible and always with safety at the top of the agenda. It was a great trip and we even got to play a bit of impromptu golf off the top of one landing spots . Would not hesitate to recommend this trip and company.Written 16 April 2024
- 429leei0 contributionsOnce in a lifetime trip!!!AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING trip!!! One of the best things I have ever done. Did it as a family of 4 - views were absolutely incredible and managed to stop at the top of one of the mountains and throw some snowballs. The pilot (Choppy) was great, so good with the kids - even gave them free peanut butter sandwichs!Written 29 March 2024
- marygraceg20190 contributionsGreat Experience!Amazing views of Milford Sound and the surrounding mountain ranges. They had a great professional team. We would recommend this tour to anyone!Written 13 March 2024
- gerritk5030 contributionsMissed the boatOur scheduled Milford Sound landing was cancelled because of weather there. Instead we landed at a glacial lake and on a beach, where we sipped champagne. We think this was a better trip than the boat cruise would have been.Written 12 March 2024
- 722yashic0 contributionsMust do when in QueenstownThe views were amazing! Our pilot Liu was very informative He gave us insights on the towns and mountains when while we were passing them. We had 15 minutes on the mountain to walk around and take heaps of photos. The helicopter was shut down so it was serene and peaceful on the Top.The entire experience was excellent from the start till the end. Would definitely recommend Over the Top Helicopters.Written 29 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
14 reviews
Excellent
14
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0
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Tour55390324435
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
I researched countless heli cruise options for Milford Sound from Queenstown and ultimately chose Over The Top. I could not have made a better choice! We were a couple and we were joined by 4 other people.
The helicopter was large and looked new and it was very easy to see everything. The pilot, Renee, was extremely knowledgeable and confidence inspiring. He let us know that we'd switch seats on the way back, so the folks who sat in the front on the way there would sit in the back on the return. That removed any angst about who was sitting where. They also assisted us with getting our seat belts fastened properly. They also had a step stool for those who needed a little extra assistance getting on and off the helicopter.
The pilot narrated everything along the way.
We arrived at the sound and one of the guests was walking with a cane and was very slow (it was a significant distance from the helipad to the bus). As a result, by the time we got to the place where the boats embark, we had missed our boat. I'm sure it wasn't easy, but our pilot very calmly worked things out and we ended up getting a boat all to ourselves! It was a fantastic benefit. We saw the boat we would have been on, and it was crammed with people. So we really lucked out.
The pilot accompanied us on the cruise and augmented the captain's narrative with much helpful information. We were provided a picnic lunch upon our disembarking the boat and the pilot then took us to an area up in the mountains high above one of the lakes. He turned off the helicopter and we all got out and enjoyed our lunch while sitting on the local boulders with truly spectacular views.
Over The Top is the company to use if you want a truly memorable experience. We hesitated a bit to spend this much money (rather than the much cheaper bus-cruise-bus option), and we agreed that every penny was worth it and more.
The helicopter was large and looked new and it was very easy to see everything. The pilot, Renee, was extremely knowledgeable and confidence inspiring. He let us know that we'd switch seats on the way back, so the folks who sat in the front on the way there would sit in the back on the return. That removed any angst about who was sitting where. They also assisted us with getting our seat belts fastened properly. They also had a step stool for those who needed a little extra assistance getting on and off the helicopter.
The pilot narrated everything along the way.
We arrived at the sound and one of the guests was walking with a cane and was very slow (it was a significant distance from the helipad to the bus). As a result, by the time we got to the place where the boats embark, we had missed our boat. I'm sure it wasn't easy, but our pilot very calmly worked things out and we ended up getting a boat all to ourselves! It was a fantastic benefit. We saw the boat we would have been on, and it was crammed with people. So we really lucked out.
The pilot accompanied us on the cruise and augmented the captain's narrative with much helpful information. We were provided a picnic lunch upon our disembarking the boat and the pilot then took us to an area up in the mountains high above one of the lakes. He turned off the helicopter and we all got out and enjoyed our lunch while sitting on the local boulders with truly spectacular views.
Over The Top is the company to use if you want a truly memorable experience. We hesitated a bit to spend this much money (rather than the much cheaper bus-cruise-bus option), and we agreed that every penny was worth it and more.
Written 22 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barclay 254
Mississauga, Canada28 contributions
We had excellent weather to start. We felt extremely safe flying with Hamish who flew over spectacular heights with outstanding views. The glacier stop with a beautiful calm and stunning beauty then an awesome fly over New Zealand's steep mountain face thrilled us all. The cruise gave us a calm 2 hours viewing the majestic beauty of the fjord and mountains at water level. Seals and birds added to the excellent commentary as we learned about the area.
Written 6 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for choosing to fly with us and for your great feedback.
Written 12 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David W
Washington, District of Columbia, United States27 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
One of the highlights of a highlight-packed month in New Zealand. Hamish was a friendly, calm, and competent pilot who took us over spectacular scenery, accompanied us on the Milford Sound cruise, and then landed on an alpine lake on the way back to Queenstown. We have seen a lot of beautiful vistas from the hiking trails and enjoyed seeing them from the air We were novice helicopter riders so we didn’t know what to expect. Now we’re ready to do it again!
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the fantastic feedback and glad to hear you had a spectacular experience. We'd love to see you again.
Written 3 March 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vera M
Washington DC, DC9 contributions
Dec 2022
We had booked this tour from the States. All went smoothly from beginning at the Queenstown airport to end at same..
Steve, our experienced and knowledgeable pilot, provided helpful information and made sure that we took turns being in the front seat. He kindly took photoes at scenic points when requested. Wonderfu!!
To experience the wild beauty of this part of New Zealand, and to stand on top of a glacier, as we did on the return trip, was mind-boggling. We were also lucky, as the weather was perfect and visibility clear and this is not always the case. Highly highly recommend!
Steve, our experienced and knowledgeable pilot, provided helpful information and made sure that we took turns being in the front seat. He kindly took photoes at scenic points when requested. Wonderfu!!
To experience the wild beauty of this part of New Zealand, and to stand on top of a glacier, as we did on the return trip, was mind-boggling. We were also lucky, as the weather was perfect and visibility clear and this is not always the case. Highly highly recommend!
Written 26 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Penny L
Seattle, Washington, United States6 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
This company lives up to its name. Everything was totally over the top! Friendly staff, state of art choppers, and a genuine desire to make the experience unforgettable. The scenery is stupendous. We LOVED our pilot, Dave, who, as a native of Queenstown, knew so much about the area. He was skilled, knowledgeable, and lots of FUN! Highly recommend this tour & flying with Dave!
Written 15 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We certainly try live up to our name, but there's nothing better than guests like yourself that recognise we're not just another helicopter experience. Thanks so much for coming out with us to fly.
Written 18 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kennedy
5 contributions
My partner and I were visiting Australia and New Zealand for the first time and Queenstown came highly recommended. We were also strongly encouraged to take a helicopter ride out to Milford Sound by our travel organizer and we are so glad we went with Over the Top!
Right from when we were picked up at our hotel and transported to the airport, through check-in and boarding, we could tell Over the Top was carefully crafting an experience. I’ve forgotten the name of our pilot now, but he was great (and the back of his head is in one of the photos I’ve posted here!). Our pilot was not only a great pilot, but also a great aerial tour guide and photographer (very welcome when you’re standing on a glacier and need help capturing the moment). I expect all Over the Top pilots are of similar excellent caliber. The views were breathtaking and photos simply do not do it justice. I recall thinking as I took the photos that the photos were simply not capturing the sheer scale of southern New Zealand’s mountain range. It’s a must see.
The Milford Sound cruise was also amazing with similarly breathtaking views, I think because of the contrast of earlier being above the mountains and then later sailing between them. The only advice I’d give here is to make sure you pre-pay for the cruise buffet, as you’ll be hungry by the time you arrive at the boat and the cash-only sandwiches they sell for those who did not pre-pay for a meal do not compare to the feast you could be having. The cruise is offered by a different company, so make sure to confirm with Over the Top that food is included in your package when booking. Also, I was very glad to have brought sunglasses as the glare from the snow capped mountains and the pristine Milford Sound waters would be blinding otherwise.
Overall, a truly unforgettable experience. I’m writing this review almost a year after our experience and I still remember so many details. Over the Top strives for excellence and it is clear from the moment you arrive at their helicopter pad that your money was very well spent.
When my partner and I return to Queenstown we’ll be planning to take another trip with Over the Top!
Right from when we were picked up at our hotel and transported to the airport, through check-in and boarding, we could tell Over the Top was carefully crafting an experience. I’ve forgotten the name of our pilot now, but he was great (and the back of his head is in one of the photos I’ve posted here!). Our pilot was not only a great pilot, but also a great aerial tour guide and photographer (very welcome when you’re standing on a glacier and need help capturing the moment). I expect all Over the Top pilots are of similar excellent caliber. The views were breathtaking and photos simply do not do it justice. I recall thinking as I took the photos that the photos were simply not capturing the sheer scale of southern New Zealand’s mountain range. It’s a must see.
The Milford Sound cruise was also amazing with similarly breathtaking views, I think because of the contrast of earlier being above the mountains and then later sailing between them. The only advice I’d give here is to make sure you pre-pay for the cruise buffet, as you’ll be hungry by the time you arrive at the boat and the cash-only sandwiches they sell for those who did not pre-pay for a meal do not compare to the feast you could be having. The cruise is offered by a different company, so make sure to confirm with Over the Top that food is included in your package when booking. Also, I was very glad to have brought sunglasses as the glare from the snow capped mountains and the pristine Milford Sound waters would be blinding otherwise.
Overall, a truly unforgettable experience. I’m writing this review almost a year after our experience and I still remember so many details. Over the Top strives for excellence and it is clear from the moment you arrive at their helicopter pad that your money was very well spent.
When my partner and I return to Queenstown we’ll be planning to take another trip with Over the Top!
Written 17 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WOW - A year later and you've been kind enough to share your thoughts. Thank you so much for choosing to fly with us. All your feedback is duly noted.
We are constantly working at enhancing our experiences, particularly those where we work together with our valued 3rd party partners.
So glad we'll also be seeing you again when you and your partner return to Queenstown as there are so many more wonderful excursions we'd love to suggest showing you.
All the best and hope to see you soon.
Written 28 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ken D
New York City, NY7 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
I’ve been to 175 countries and major territories; the Milford Sound helicopter flight and cruise rates as one of my very best experiences!
Written 7 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WOW....now that is incredible to hear. Thank you so much for choosing to fly with us. We'd love to show you one of our other incredible less known experiences if you are ever back in our region.
Safe Travels !
Written 10 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nexusnc
Noumea, New Caledonia35 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
This company was perfect with us.
Special mention to Catherine ;-)
We had a splendid weather ans my niece saw the snow for her first time
Special mention to Catherine ;-)
We had a splendid weather ans my niece saw the snow for her first time
Written 6 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback and thanks for choosing to fly with us. Catherine is great with all our guests and very proud of the way she delivers the Over The Top Experience.
Written 12 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeff5123
Houston, TX94 contributions
A must do in Queenstown! Great trip both on the helicopter to Milford Sound and the cruise on Milford Sound. It’s about a 20 minute helicopter ride each way over the mountains with incredible views all the way. Then about a 90 minute boat ride through the fiord to the Tasman Sea and back. The fiord is also spectacular. If you drive to Milford from Queenstown, it’s 5 hours. So you must go by air. Rene, our pilot, was fantastic and made the trip so much fun. The ground staff were super friendly and helpful. Over the Top was indeed over the top!
Written 28 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mmkeenan5
Valparaiso, IN13 contributions
Dec 2019
We had this tour planned for the day after we arrived in Queenstown but because of the forecast it was rescheduled . We were whisked away shortly after we arrived at our hotel and the adventure didn’t end until we arrived back. The staff is extremely professional and knowledgeable! The tour is absolutely stunning! Landing on the glacier, unbelievable! Our pilot, Mike is skilled and knowledgeable. The staff on the small cruise was fabulous! This will be a very special memory for our family!
Written 20 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks mmkeenan5 for your great review.
You experienced mother nature's roller coaster, at it's best in our part of the world. We're thankful it all worked out in the end so you could experience Milford Sound in all it's glory and i'm sure you have some super photos to capture your family's magic moments.
I'll pass your kind words onto our team and Michael,
Best wishes,
Katie
Over The Top Helicopters
Written 24 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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