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The Ultimate Milford Sound Experience by Helicopter from Queenstown
5
LIKELY TO SELL OUT*

The Ultimate Milford Sound Experience by Helicopter from Queenstown

By Over The Top - The Helicopter Company
Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-99
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket


  • Scenic Helicopter tour
  • Gourmet Lunch hamper including a variety of cheeses, chutneys, semi dried tomatoes, olives, fresh bread, fruit, salad, smoked & cold meats
  • Gourmet Beverage hamper including Champagne, NZ Beer, bottled water, juice and soft drink.
  • Picnic Rug
  • Picnic chairs (on request)
  • Bose noise cancelling headsets to hear the guide clearly
  • Professional pilot / guide
  • Applicable landing and facility fees
  • Complimentary Pickup and Drop-off
  • Entry/Admission - Over The Top - The Helicopter Company
What's not included
  • Gratuities


Start:Traveler pickup offered.
  • 10 Tex Smith Lane, Otago 9300, New Zealand
Pickup details
  • Subject to availability
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Infants must sit on laps
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7500P7

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Pricing is based 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
    • 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
    • Please provide any dietary requirements
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

    • 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: 7500P7

    From
    $5,759.03
    per group (up to 5)
    Select date and travelers

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 1
      The Milford Ultimate is Over the Top’s trip of a lifetime. Relaxed and unhurried, you can make the most of each incredible environment your pilot takes you to. With four diverse landings, you will experience pristine alpine lakes; Sutherland Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Zealand; majestic Milford Sound; uninhabited wild yet beautiful beaches with the opportunity to stroll along the shore, glaciers high in the Alps and the fiords coastal rainforests. Stroll on an uninhabited beach, soar amongst mountains, dine at a remote alpine lake suspended above Fiordland. Learn of the age-old glaciers and prehistoric rainforests in a habitat seldom frequented by man. This relaxed and interpretive expedition distils the essence of New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery. This trip includes a gourmet picnic hamper of delightful cheeses, cold meats, breads, salads and fruit. Sip champagne and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages at a location far from where others may travel.
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Over The Top - The Helicopter Company
      405
      Queenstown, New Zealand
      Joined in March 2011
    • kathleeninBaja
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Over 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 January 10, 2025
    • patkramer
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highly Recommend this Incredible Experience!
      Staff, pilots were professional, competent, experienced and personable!! We felt very safe and the views were Amazing
      Written October 26, 2024
    • 807damianp
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Once in a lifetime Opportunity
      Fantastic Morning Trip Captain Heath was very knowledgeable and whilst we missed a snow landing due to cloud, kept our safety paramount
      Written October 18, 2024
    • maureenk156
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Being on top of the world among snow-capped peaks
      It 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 October 13, 2024
    • WilBG
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The 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 September 2, 2024
    • PapaG001
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The 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 August 17, 2024
    • Kris C
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Breathtaking Experience
      This 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 August 3, 2024
    • Meander50275458597
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A spectacular experience
      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!
      Written July 17, 2024
    • DRM888
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Incredible experience
      Incredible 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 July 5, 2024
    • 418f_timab
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience
      Wonderful views, great experience, felt very safe with our pilot. Nice views of Milford sound, the peaks, rivers and lakes. Stopover at snow
      Written June 16, 2024
    • 546kend
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Worth every penny
      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 May 7, 2024
    • ellensE4698ZQ
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Once in a Lifetime Experience
      Wow! 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 April 25, 2024
    • 279deanr
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Magical trip with a great pilot
      Davey (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 April 16, 2024
    • Barclay25
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A must do in New Zealand. Beautiful, comfortable helicopters with talented pilots.
      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 April 6, 2024
    • Nexusnc
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The best compay
      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
      Written April 5, 2024
    See all 405 reviews
    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.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles19 reviews
    Excellent
    19
    Very good
    0
    Average
    0
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    0

    thetraveller99
    Auckland, New Zealand99 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sep 2020
    We wanted to have a special experience and this trip ticked ALL the boxes. We were looking at many other trips and operators, but were recommended to OTT by someone who knows them professionally. I was looking at cheaper options, but felt you do not often get disappoint if you upgrade. This proved to be correct as their attention to detail was superb - from pre departure to arrival back at queenstown. The 4 landings they do make this a one off experience. We had walked the Milford Track a couple of years earlier so going to the top of the Sutherland Falls and having lunch at Lake Quill was the highlight though my sons loved a snowfight on a glacier! Our pilot Michael was excellent; highly experienced with loads of interesting stories.
    If you can afford the time and the Eurocopter, then you will not be disappointed. I'd travel with them again tomorrow if we could!!
    Written September 19, 2020
    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 Ian for your kind words. The Ultimate is one of our favourites and exactly that - 'the Ultimate', as it really showcases the diversity of the landscape in the Fiordland National Park with multiple landing locations. Our EC130 Eurocopter is a beauty with panoramic viewing and i'm sure you have some great photos from on board. I will pass on your kind words to Michael and our crew and we look forward to welcoming you back to take your breath away again in the future. Kind Regards Katie
    Written October 22, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Craig K
    Granger, IN13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2022
    What a fantastic experience to enjoy seeing the Milford Sound ,Fiordland, beaches and other spots by helicopter. We need two helicopter for the nine family members and it was amazing because we landed and enjoyed each spot together. The weather was not conducive to do our Glacier landing , but I can tell you it wasn't missed. They more than made up for not landing at the Glacier by landing at a special place. My grandchild age 7,10,11,16 all had the time of their lives. Each helicopter had room for two people in front and it ended up the grandchild wanted those seat and had great inaction with our pilots.
    We had plenty of time at each spot to walk around and enjoy the scenery. Our grandsons and granddaughters enjoyed climbing the safe rocks and beach excursion.
    There was some question of airsick or fears doing the helicopter by the parents, but rest assure once we lifted off this fear was quickly erased by how smooth they were able to control the helicopter.
    I question the if the young ones would get bored and not enjoy the picnic ,but was surprise to see them all interacting together. To hear our grandchildren interact with the pilot and their continues talking was amazing. What fun.
    We spent two weeks travel and doing many activities in New Zealand , but I can tell you both of our families told us a highlight of our trip was this Helicopter experience. I highly recommend Over The Top Company .
    Written January 15, 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.

    guest_abroad_111
    Missoula, MT22 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My disclaimer in writing this review is that this was the most expensive vacation activity I have ever paid for. It took months to convince my wife to book it and I will still be paying it off well after we return. That said, this easily ranked as one of our top 10 life experiences EVER and was worth every penny. When I am on my death bed, I will undoubtedly remember the breathtaking scenery we witnessed that day with our pilot Rene, for whom I have immense respect. Words fail to describe just how mind-blowing this tour was.
    Written December 31, 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.

    Lynn O
    106 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What an amazing and unforgettable experience …I still can’t believe it! Our pilot (Steve) was impeccable both in his flying skills, knowledge, and customer service!! He was fun and interesting and took us to places I would have never thought possible. The variety of scenery and diversity of terrain, as well as, his skill and talent in landing in the many different environments was impressive. We also appreciated the young man in the office (sorry…forgot his name) that greeted us and went over procedures and the areas that we would cover. He was friendly and very professional. An all around memorable and exciting day! Very highly recommend …a definite bucket list trip!!
    Written May 21, 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.

    Peter W
    Bethesda, MD37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2023
    Our Milford Sound scenic flight with Ben was spectacular, one of the highlights of our trip. The scenery was gorgeous. We landed four different times, from lakes to beaches to glaciers. The picnic lunch spread was great. And Ben was not only a skilled, safe pilot but also a superb guide and host for a few hours. Highly recommended.
    Written January 31, 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.

    John Bongard
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely first class !! James was the best pilot/guide you could ask for. We couldn't think of a better way to spend a special day together as a family. Thankyou Choppy and the team !!
    Written September 12, 2020
    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 John! We really appreciate your amazing review, we are certainly lucky to have our beautiful backyard and i'm sure you have some super photos that have captured these magic places. I will pass on your kind words to James, Choppy and the team, and we look forward to welcoming you back to take your breath away again in the future. Kind Regards Katie
    Written October 22, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Ian Stewart
    Lorne, Australia2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sep 2022
    There are times in your life when you say "should I or shouldn't I", and my hesitation on whether or not to embark on the investment of a lifetime experience were quickly reinforced as one of the best experiences EVER! Our family group of four were looked after through every step of the journey, and our pilot/guide, Rene, went over and above to ensure our experience went without a hitch, and kindly helped put at ease my concern with heights. The ground crew were equally as helpful/professional and provided us as a family group with memories that will last forever - Thank you!
    Written September 28, 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.

    Tim and Carole
    South Miami, FL2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2019
    Had a terrific half-day tour in an immaculate Airbus helicopter flown by Ryan. Very knowledgable about the area and a terrific pilot. I recommend over the Top and Ryan very much.
    Written November 16, 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.
    Thank you cat_abbott, we appreciate your feedback, It was certainly a pleasure having you on board with us and sharing our beautiful backyard. Will pass on your kind words to Ryan and we look forward to welcoming you back to fly with us again. Kind Regards Katie Over The Top Helicopters
    Written January 24, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    amanda_to_go
    Austin, TX4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2018 • Couples
    I can't imagine a better way to experience the majestic beauty of Fjordland. We made 4 different stops, all gorgeous and almost completely different environments. We were pretty lucky with the weather, seemed like a clear day, but our pilot, Ryan, was worried about clouds rolling in. He did a great job of ensuring our safety while we enjoyed ourselves. I was very impressed with that. The last stop of the tour was where we had a nice spread of cheeses and meats for a picnic lunch in a gorgeous setting. We spent two weeks in New Zealand and this was still the highlight of our trip. I cannot recommend it enough.
    Written January 13, 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.
    Thank you Amanda_to_go! We really appreciate your amazing review and are certainly lucky to fly our passengers to some of the most stunning locations in the world on a daily basis. The Milford Ultimate is one of our unique excursions in which showcases the best in what Fiordland has to offer in it's natural beauty. It was a pleasure having you on board with us and sharing our beautiful backyard, thank you for choosing us. I will pass on your kind words to Ryan and we look forward to welcoming you back to take your breath away again in the future. Best wishes, Katie Over The Top Helicopters
    Written January 27, 2019
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    AMBasinger
    Wilmington, NC37 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This trip was incredible!! Dan showed us all around Queenstown aerially and then took us to see Milford Sound. We landed at several amazing places, always feeling very comfortable with Dan’s flying. He had us at ease the entire time so we could enjoy all these incredible sights. We finished with a picnic above Queenstown. The meal was fabulous and the scenery breathtaking. A must on any Queenstown trip!! Thank you Dan.
    Written January 13, 2018
    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.

    Showing results 1-10 of 19
    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    The Ultimate Milford Sound Experience by Helicopter from Queenstown provided by Over The Top - The Helicopter Company

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