Review: Milford Sound Helicopters - What You Need to Know
- Alice Neilson - Fiordland Enthusiast & Writer
- 5m
- 5 min read
Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound can be explored by road, by boat, on foot, or, for those keen on a bird’s eye view, by helicopter.
For visitors who choose to explore Fiordland from above, Milford Helicopters provides a locally owned operation, backed by a highly experienced team who have spent years flying through Fiordland.
A quick note on transparency: Milford Helicopters is Luxe Tours’ helicopter partner. We work with them because their values of local ownership and care for the landscape align closely with our own.
The information shared here reflects both that partnership and consistent positive feedback from our guests.
Key Takeaways
Milford Helicopters is locally owned and operated by Te Anau residents Jenni and Gavin Burgess
Milford Helicopters is the only helicopter company based in Milford Sound
All flights include expert commentary from highly experienced pilots
Multiple tour options are available, ranging from 15-minute flights to comprehensive 45-minute plus tours
The company demonstrates strong commitment to sustainability and community support
Helicopter add-ons can be seamlessly integrated with Luxe Tours' Milford Sound day tours
A Locally Owned Operation
Milford Helicopters is a locally owned, family-run company operated by Te Anau residents Jenni and Gavin Burgess.
Their team flies regularly from Milford Sound, Te Anau, and Stewart Island, giving them exceptional regional knowledge and experience.
Being the only helicopter company based directly in Milford Sound provides both practical and economic advantages. With helicopters already stationed at the Milford Sound Airport, there's no need to fly in from other locations before beginning scenic flights, proving efficient operations and competitive pricing.
Safety and Expertise
Safety is Milford Helicopters’ top priority, and all flights are operated by highly experienced pilots with extensive knowledge of Fiordland’s terrain and weather conditions.
Passengers also receive clear, engaging commentary delivered through two-way headsets. Pilots share insights into the region’s geology, wildlife, and cultural history, allowing guests to understand the environment as they fly through it.
This combination of technical expertise, local knowledge, and clear communication ensures that passengers feel safe, confident, and fully engaged from takeoff to landing.
Milford Helicopters Tour Options
Mitre Peak
This flight circles the iconic Mitre Peak, offering views of Bowen Falls and the sheer granite walls surrounding Milford Sound.
The Mitre Peak flight is ideal for travellers who want a quick helicopter experience or are limited on time but still want that unforgettable aerial perspective.
Duration: 15 minutes
Price: $445 per person
Glacier Galore
This option includes dramatic views of Milford Sound before venturing to Tutoko Glacier, the highest peak in Fiordland National Park. The experience includes one remote landing where you can step out onto mountain terrain, breathe the crisp alpine air, and capture stunning photographs.
Duration: 30 minutes
Price: $595 per person
Sutherland Falls
Fly over the famous Milford Track and Arthur Valley to witness the spectacular Sutherland Falls, a thundering cascade over 500 metres tall. The remote landing here gives you time to appreciate the scale of one of the world's tallest waterfalls.
Duration: 30 minutes
Price: $595 per person
Grand Tour
The ultimate Fiordland helicopter experience combines the highlights of multiple tours into one adventure. You'll see Milford Sound, Tutoko Glacier, and Sutherland Falls, plus enjoy two remote landings. This tour offers the most comprehensive experience of Fiordland's diverse landscapes.
Duration: 45 minutes
Price: $895 per person
Coach Special
This tour is one of the add-on options for Luxe guests, designed for visitors on coach tours, allowing you to experience a helicopter flight while maintaining your itinerary.
After your cruise, you'll depart from Milford Sound Airport by Helicopter, enjoy spectacular views ot Tutoko glacier, a remote landing, and then reconnect with your tour group at a designated spot along the Milford Road.
Duration: 30 minutes
Price: $695 per person
Queenstown Transfer
For those who travel to Milford Sound by coach but want to cut out the 5-hour return drive, this add-on tour option provides a scenic flight back to Queenstown. You'll fly over the Routeburn Track, Lake Wakatipu, and Glenorchy, with a remote landing included. It's both transport solution and adventure experience combined.
Duration: 45 minutes
Price: $995 per person
Te Anau Transfer
Another tour add-on option, this flight returns you to Te Anau with stunning views of Fiordland forests, alpine lakes, and the Milford Track.
The experience includes a remote landing and delivers you to Te Anau Airport, cutting the 2-hour return drive off your journey while providing unforgettable views.
Duration: 40 minutes
Price: $995 per person
Commitment to People and Place
Beyond their flight operations, Milford Helicopters demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and community involvement.
The company supports multiple charitable organisations with a particular focus on children's causes, including Heart Kids, Southland Regional Autism, and the 900 Degrees Child Safety Handbook.
Their community engagement extends to sponsoring local sports clubs, including the Fiordland Squash Club and the annual Fiordland Big 3 hunting competition.
Environmental initiatives also play a central role. They support the Department of Conservation's Tamatea/Dusky Sound restoration project, participate in pest control efforts to protect native flora and fauna, and work with DOC teams protecting endangered species like Kiwi, Kākāpō and Takahē.
Their internal practices focus on minimising environmental impact through waste reduction, recycling programs, and digital systems to reduce paper usage.
For Milford Helicopters, the Tiaki Promise (New Zealand's commitment to care for people, place, and culture) guides all aspects of their operations.
Recent Guest Experience
Many visitors choose to enhance their Milford Sound journey by combining a guided tour with a helicopter experience.
One recent Luxe Tours guest shared their experience of adding a helicopter flight to their Milford Sound day tour:
"The best tour company I've ever used from start to finish. We booked the Milford Sound trip with Helicopter flight... Nicky our guide was exceptional. She was so in
teresting, knowledgeable, engaging and had some great stories. She made the trip to the Sound really interesting (even for our 13 year old!)...
We then went to the heli port and had a helicopter ride. It was a surprise for our daughter and everyone at Luxe tours kept it one. The weather forecast wasn't great so we were unsure if it would happen but whilst we were enjoying our day they did anything they could to make it happen and kept us regularly updated, discreetly! Absolutely fantastic, truly memorable day, with a brilliant company."
This feedback highlights how seamlessly the helicopter experience integrates with guided tours, and the care taken to coordinate and communicate, even when weather conditions create uncertainty.
Milford Helicopters’ locally owned operation, experienced pilots, and commitment to the region provide an excellent flight option for travellers wanting to add something extra special to their Milford Sound visit.
Whether you opt for a short scenic loop or a longer glacier and waterfall experience, their flights offer an unforgettable complement to a day in Fiordland National Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the weather is bad for a Milford Sound helicopter flight?
Safety is the top priority, and flights may be cancelled due to poor visibility, strong winds, or other adverse conditions. If your flight is cancelled, you'll receive a full refund of the flight cost.
What should I bring for a Milford Sound helicopter flight?
You’ll need comfortable, layered clothing, as even on warm days, temperatures at higher elevations will be cool. For flights with landings, you’ll need sturdy footwear, as you may be walking on uneven terrain. You’ll also need a phone or camera for photos.
What time do I need to arrive for a Milford Sound helicopter flight?
You should arrive at the Milford Helicopters base 15 minutes before your flight departure time.
Who is the best Milford Sound helicopter company or flight?
Milford Sound Helicopters is the best option for a helicopter flight in Milford Sound. They are the only Milford Sound based company with several different flight options directly from Milford Sound, including short glacier or mountain landing flights, or flybacks to Queenstown or Te Anau.
