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Southern Alps Air - Scenic Flights
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Southern Alps Air - Scenic Flights

See all things to do
See all things to do
Southern Alps Air - Scenic Flights
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About
Try the Milford Sound Glacier Flight & Cruise from Wanaka with Southern Alps Air. WHY? because of where Wanaka is located geographically in relation to Milford Sound you will FLY FURTHER - the circular flight path is 1hr 30mins. SEE MORE glaciers, waterfalls, the Olivine Ice Plateau & Mt Aspiring up close + more. SAVE TIME The drive from Wanaka to Milford Sound is 10hrs return. Enjoy the Milford flight & 2hr Mitre Peak Boat Cruise and you need only allow 4 hours return. Option of Heli Glacier Landing while at Milford Sound. ALSO Mt Cook & Mt Aspiring options or the amazing FLY-WALK-JETBOAT Experiences of Siberia Experience or Blue Pools Nature Experience. Our experienced team provide a friendly and professional service. During your flight, enjoy a personalized commentary and uninterrupted views from your window seat. Qualmark and Enviro endorsed locally owned and operated family business. Department of Conservation approved operator with an excellent safety record.
Wanaka, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Tours and Tickets by Southern Alps Air - Scenic Flights
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(141 reviews)
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(11 reviews)
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(30 reviews)
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5.0
237 reviews
Excellent
229
Very good
4
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Nads. W
11 contributions
Ah.MAZING
Oct 2023 • Couples
This was the most incredible experience!!!
Our pilot Henry was fantastic and took us on a really safe adventure to Milford sound and back.
The cruise through the sound was honestly just an added bonus of this flight experience.
The views were spectacular. Truly something special to see.
If you're considering doing this, just do it. You won't be disappointed!
Written 29 October 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Hi Nadine, Thank you for such a lovely review! We love it when we hear about how much our customers enjoyed their time on this tour! All the best, The team at Southern Alps Air
Written 29 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bad_Seed4
Canberra, Australia691 contributions
Only way to see Milford Sound
Sep 2023 • Couples
Ryan our pilot did a great job. It was a cracking day, absolutely clear -and his flew us safely and well to our boat and even came out with us because the the weather was so good. When I heard that all the bus people on the boat had 5+ hours either way to get there, it made me glad that we had chosen the flight option, it really was a delightful way to go. It is the only way to see Milford Sound.
Written 20 September 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Hi there! We are so pleased that you had a great day and enjoyed your tour with us. Thank you for flying with Southern Alps Air. All the best!
Written 29 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Duchess T
3 contributions
Fabulous flight with Ryan
Jul 2023 • Couples
Ryan our pilot was awesome. Pointed 0ut all the possible points of interest, warned of any turbulence , looked after us brilliantly. Did the cruise at milford and return flight from wanaka. Definitely recommend
Written 7 August 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Thank you very much for a great review. We are so happy to know you had a great time! Best wishes The team at Southern Alps Air
Written 29 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jessie B
1 contribution
Best NZ Experience
Apr 2023
Amazing experience with Southern Alps Air from start to finish. We went back and forth (over the course of about four phone calls) with the team to book in for a Milford Sound "brief landing" flight and the receptionist was so patient with us - which is beyond helpful when trying to coordinate a few different people!

Then, on the flight, we had one member with us who was a nervous flyer, but our pilot Winston was so comforting and took every measure to make sure she was at ease, even going so far as to warn us when the plane was going to turn or what was going to happen next.

The flight itself was glorious and smooth, it was a perfect day for flying. Winston was very casual about letting us wander Milford and let us go off on our own, agreeing on a meeting spot before we headed back to the plane.

All-in-all, this was our most favourite thing we did in New Zealand. Obviously the trip itself was gorgeous, but the team at Southern Alps Air was what really made it stand out! Thanks so much from the Canadians!
Written 25 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Hi Jessie, Thank you very much for such an awesome review. We know it can be tough trying to organise a group, but we are always happy to help our customers optimise their experience with us and accommodate where we can. How lucky that you got such a stunning day to fly, thanks for flying with us! Hope you enjoyed the rest of your holiday in New Zealand and come back soon! All the best, The Team at Southern Alps Air
Written 8 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hailz_777
Melbourne, Australia51 contributions
Best way to see Milford Sound and the alps
Mar 2023 • Couples
Fantastic way to see the alps and Milford sound. Views were just amazing and got to see so much. Informative and talented pilots, our second pilot was particularly fantastic and clearly loved his job. Original flight was cancelled due to the weather and we stayed back in Wanaka an extra half day to make sure we didn't miss out on doing this flight. One of our highlights on our recent trip to NZ, highly recommend
Written 24 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Hello! What a great review, thank you so much. Our pilots are very passionate about their jobs and love flying! We are so happy the weather played nice and you we able to go on the flight, thank you for flying with us. All the best, The team at Southern Alps Air
Written 8 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ClockworkNellie
Essex, UK313 contributions
Superb - do it! So glad we did!!
Mar 2023 • Couples
Having bumped into a lady walking she recommended this outfit to us as her son Jake works there as a pilot. So glad she did as we had a first-class experience. The staff in the office (Anne) and others helping out were great. Our pilot Henry was great and the flight to Milford Sound and back was amazing. Loved the cruise too. Boat wasn’t overcrowded either. Would highly recommend. Great value considering the awesome memories we take away!
Written 7 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Hi there! We are so glad Jakes mother, Michelle, recommended us to you! So lovely to hear you had a great experience with our staff and enjoyed the flight and cruise! Thank you for the fantastic review :) All the best, The team at Southern Alps Air
Written 20 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tony tylenda
Williamsville, NY5 contributions
An extremely memorable experience that should not be missed!
Feb 2023 • Couples
The flight from Wanaka over the southern alps, and on to Milford sound, gave us views that truly took our breath away!! This flight is one of the highlights of our four week journey through New Zealand. If you get an opportunity do not miss this experience!
Written 5 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Thank you very much for this great review! We are so happy to know you enjoyed your flight with us. We hope you had a great time in New Zealand. Best wishes, All the team at Southern Alps Air
Written 20 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Katie
Auckland Central, New Zealand26 contributions
Extraordinary New Year’s Eve!
Dec 2022 • Family
Most amazing day and experience! Flight had been cancelled on the 30th Dec due to bad weather but we got up on New Year’s Eve in the most extraordinary weather. Thanks so much to the crew and our pilot - what a way to end 2022!
Written 14 January 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.
DSAIslay
Los Alcazares, Spain66 contributions
Awesome flight and cruise.
Jan 2023 • Couples
The ladies at the checking at Waneka were professional, knowledgeable and friendly.
The pilot, who was also the tour guide, kept us informed and his knowledge of the glaciers and the Milford Sound was excellent.
All in all a fantastic tour with spectacular scenery.
Written 3 January 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Thank you!! We are glad we could share the Milford Sound Fly Cruise Fly experience with you.
Written 6 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Smaschman
Baden-Württemberg, Germany22 contributions
Awesome!
Dec 2022 • Family
The Fly/Cruise/Fly experience ist awesome! The whole family loved it!

Flying from Wanaka we had the chance to see heaps of great sights such as mountains , glaciers, lakes, coastline and of course the flight in and out of Milford.

Staff on-ground and pilot were fantastic!

Thanks for the great & definitely unforgettable experience!
Written 11 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.
SOUTHERNALPSAIRNZ
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. We are glad you enjoyed it and we hope you have a lovely Christmas. Adele and the Southern Alps Air team
Written 16 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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SOUTHERN ALPS AIR - SCENIC FLIGHTS (Wanaka) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go