This trip isn't cheap, but it has got to be one of the highlights of any visit to New Zealand's South Island. The trip is actually a bit "might be on, might be off" due to the weather, which can be quite bad at times. A small twin-engine plane took us to Milford - piloted by a man who really knew what he was doing - thank goodness! A very skilled pilot & very knowledgeable about the area. The cruise was breathtaking, & we were lucky enough to see dolphins closeup where the Sound enter the sea. If you can afford it, the trip does everything driving to Milford would do & more, but takes 40 minutes rather than 5 hours each way! Worth thinking about if time is short!

The flight to Milford Sound is fantastic. Amazing scenery that I have never seen before. Our pilot, Matt, was as great a tour guide as he was a pilot. The boat ride on the Sound was breathtaking. We were able to get really close to a huge waterfall. The boat left from the dock that was only a short walk from the plane landing area. I totally recommend this activity.

Milford Sound is amazing. A must see if you are blessed by decent weather as we were. Our party of four used Southern Alps Air flying out of Wanaka (book at the tourist place in the main street). This involves an incredible scenic flight cross the alps and then a cruise of the Sound itself. It's not cheap but it's seriously fantastic. The scenery is truly amazing. New Zealand really is the most naturally beautiful place in the world. The event was very well managed and conducted. The only variable is the weather and no one can control that. If you get nice weather and you can afford it, definitely do it.