Doubtful & Milford Sounds

 

Doubtful Sound to Milford Sound: A Fiordland Scenic Helicopter Experience

This unforgettable helicopter flight over Doubtful and Milford Sounds is the ultimate way to explore Fiordland. With two iconic fjords, four scenic landings, and constantly changing views, this is one for the bucket list.

We begin in Queenstown. After take-off, we fly past the rugged Remarkables and cross the sparkling waters of Lake Whakatipu. From there, we head south over the peaceful Mavora Lakes, towards the vast sweep of Lake Te Anau.

As we enter Fiordland National Park, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. Towering peaks, thick rainforest, and deep valleys fill the landscape. Soon, we reach Doubtful Sound. It’s wild, remote, and absolutely breathtaking from above.

Next, we turn inland to discover Campbell’s Kingdom. This hidden alpine basin is home to a lake and waterfall. It’s a prehistoric-looking spot that few people ever get the chance to see.

The adventure continues as we track north across untouched wilderness. On the way to Milford Sound, we pass Lake Quill and the thundering Sutherland Falls. Then the West Coast appears, and Milford Sound comes into view. You’ll fly above Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, and Stirling Falls, soaking in the full scale of this dramatic fjord.

Before we return to Queenstown, there’s one last stop. We land in the stunning Earnslaw Burn.* This secluded alpine valley is framed by waterfalls and a hanging glacier. It’s remote, cinematic, and only accessible with Heliworks.

To finish, we cross the Richardson Mountains and follow the winding Shotover River back home. It’s the perfect ending to a once-in-a-lifetime flight.

Call us to add a cruise to this already amazing charter!


Why Book a flight over Doubtful and Milford Sounds with Heliworks?

  • Explore both Doubtful and Milford Sounds in one epic flight
  • Enjoy four helicopter landings, including glacier and alpine lake stops
  • Access exclusive remote locations like Earnslaw Burn and Campbell’s Kingdom
  • Take in the raw beauty of Fiordland from the sky with uninterrupted views
  • Fly with a trusted local operator known for experience, access, and flexibility

*In winter months (June – August) the Earnslaw Burn does not have as many fast flowing waterfalls compared to our spring and summer months (September – March). It is still a stunning and magical location to visit during winter as there is usually extra snow coverage on the glacier and throughout the valley.

 


3.5 hour experience


4 Scenic landings


Glaciers


Waterfalls


Mountains


Lakes

This experience is only available as a private charter. We have private charter rates available for our Squirrel helicopters, our twin-engine Squirrels and our 9-seater BK.

Find out more about our fleet.

Squirrel (up to 6 passengers): $15,015 per helicopter

H130 (up to 6 passengers): $18,900 per helicopter

Twin Engine (up to 6 passengers): $22,840 per helicopter

BK117 (up to 9 passengers): $25,580 per helicopter

Prices are valid from 1 April 2026 - 30 September 2027. On our shared departures, you may be in a helicopter with up to 9 people.

We offer complimentary return transport from downtown Queenstown, near the Athol Street bus stop. Please make sure to book this in addition to your flight experience. If you are self-driving, we are based in Frankton and we have plenty of parking available.

  • Wear comfortable covered shoes
  • Bring along or wear warm clothing, including a jacket
  • Remember to bring your camera, sunscreen and sunglasses

Bookings
• We recommend booking in advance via our online booking calendar.
• For the purpose of aircraft weight and balance and in accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority rules and regulations, we require all passenger weights at the time of booking. Once we have received and reviewed this information we will be able to confirm the booking.
• Our booking system will ask for your credit card details, which are securely stored to confirm your booking, however we will not charge your card until the day of your booking.
• Please note a surcharge will be incurred for credit and contactless payments.

Your flight
• You will need to contact us one hour prior to your departure time for a weather check.
• Flights depart on demand and are subject to availability.
• Flights depart from our Heliworks Queenstown base in Frankton.
• Advertised times away, flight and landing times are approximate and can be subject to weather conditions. On occasion, flight paths and landing locations may change at the pilot’s discretion.

Pricing
• Our prices change annually from 1 October. Please select your preferred date of travel on our booking system or view the pricing section to view pricing schedules.
• Prices are in NZ currency and include Goods and Services Tax.
• We reserve the right to change prices at any time without further notice. However, if we have confirmed an advance booking the quoted price will not be altered.

Payments
• We accept EFTPOS, Visa, Mastercard and cash. Please note a surcharge will be incurred for credit and contactless payments.

Cancellations
• Any cancellations made within 24 hours of departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee. If passengers ‘no-show’ for a flight, 100% of the fare will apply. If we cannot operate due to weather and as a result, passengers are unable to fly, no cancellation fees will apply.

 

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