Milford Sound Helicopter Tour: An Honest Review

So, you’re thinking about doing a helicopter tour over Milford Sound and the West Coast? It’s, like your dreaming of those towering fiords, maybe the rugged beaches, from a bird’s-eye view. Is that you? It sounds wonderful. I am right there with you! The ‘Milford Sound West Coast Beach Helicopter Tour 75 Mins’ promises just that. Anyway, here’s what you could really expect from this flightseeing adventure, with some candid observations to actually help you decide if it is, perhaps, the right splurge for you.

Is Milford Sound by Helicopter Worth It?

Before even considering the helicopter bit, arguably, the question is, “Is Milford Sound really all that?”. We think about what it has to offer. The hype is real, anyway. Often called the eighth wonder of the what’s considered to be our globe, this place might be breathtaking. You have got waterfalls cascading down sheer cliffs, dense rainforests clinging to the mountainsides, plus, just that striking stillness of the fiord itself. And maybe you get lucky, and the sun is shining! You get tour options from boat cruises, hikes and kayaks which give that ground-level appreciation. Though, the helicopter tour might be something else entirely. Maybe it provides you an unmatched sense of scale and grandeur, and lets face it. Arguably it saves you a bit of time getting there too, I mean you fly over everything! Is that so convenient? From high above, apparently, the intricate details of the landscape are that bit more obvious – the way the glaciers carved out the valleys long, long ago, and the way the Tasman Sea crashes against the rugged coastline. Is the helicopter worth the cash? Definitely a conversation you have with yourself, especially, that canny comparison to more budget-friendly cruises, maybe kayak rentals. Now there’s the toss-up. However, in terms of delivering ‘wow’ moments, often a helicopter tour just delivers the goods in a pretty dramatic manner.

What Does the 75-Minute Tour Include?

The “Milford Sound West Coast Beach Helicopter Tour 75 Mins” usually isn’t your simple loop around the Sound. Is that what you are thinking? Many providers, more or less, promise an amplified scenic experience. So, typically, the tour goes that bit further than the expected views of Milford Sound. Anyway, it should also incorporate some dramatic coastline and mountain views, alongside, of course, those requisite alpine lakes and forests, if all is going well. Usually, these tours feature at least one landing, possibly on a remote West Coast beach, so you are able to actually set foot in this untouched part of the globe. I am just checking in with you that we are aligned! Anyway, that ground time may not be prolonged – often about 15-20 minutes – though arguably it offers a remarkable break to absorb all you’ve witnessed from the air. You stretch your legs too! Often, these experiences feature experienced pilots who also double as guides, which arguably they do pretty well too. Is that useful for you? And you can find commentary giving insights in relation to the history, geology, and wildlife. Now, just in case you are like me and can only concentrate on listening to something every so often, that info shouldn’t be that unrelenting! It can be tricky trying to also take pictures. Often the operators fly small helicopters so usually your pilot sits right there in the main seating part and isn’t that sectioned away. Weather conditions often change the tour and landing options quite suddenly, as is their want, as flying gets that bit too tricky. You know that weather can shut things down and ruin your best plans? It happens all the time and not a huge amount can be done about that. So, some tours also feature drinks and nibbles at that beach location. Arguably, not a main attraction, and if a tour gets shortened they might ditch this. But always double check if that is actually super-important.

Highlight: The West Coast Beaches from Above

Anyway, the spotlight of this tour could definitely be the chance to see the West Coast beaches. What are your preferences anyway? From above, these beaches could be strikingly dramatic. In that case it makes all the difference flying over! Often you would see rugged shorelines stretching for miles, battered by the relentless Tasman Sea, now a bit blue on a bright day. Is that quite wonderful? The isolation of these spots just amplifies their beauty; actually, many of these beaches are inaccessible by road, so gaining an aerial perspective turns it into a special experience. The colors might also just surprise you too, given all the greens and greys of inland parts. They change by the season of course. And yes! you can also take the boat along the coast and there is no way that isn’t fabulous!

And you just get time to feel a million miles from all those people when you set your feet on one of these remote beaches. Arguably a chance to breathe in that salty air, grab a few shots, then that quiet time to respect the remoteness. So, arguably its a highlight which distinguishes this tour from only a Milford Sound scenic flight.

What You Need to Know: Planning Your Flight

So, when you are getting your tour sorted, here are some essential points to actually keep in your thoughts. Right then, what would you say? Weather, for instance, has to be the big factor around here. So, in Fiordland, rain happens… A LOT. Now sometimes sunshine might just break through too! Helicopter tours tend to be seriously affected by wind and visibility, as should be plain. Arguably it means that flights will frequently be cancelled or rerouted for safety’s sake. Keeping flexible alongside a contingency plan really is advisable. We do like that. Anyway, the best time for views could typically be during the summer months (December–February), the chances of getting those bright, clear days are increased during that time of the year. Is that for you, right? Still, it’s worth understanding that Milford Sound definitely has its moody charm as well, even when shrouded in mist. So it’s worth your effort no matter what. But there could definitely be less to see during poor conditions.

Are bookings essential? Definitely so! These tours are often super sought-after, especially during peak season, and maybe with only a handful of helicopter companies actually operating out of Milford Sound/Te Anau, space often fills pretty fast. Just an easy tip that actually does matter!

Consider, too, the departure point, so many flights actually depart from Te Anau, it’s just a town which is around a 2-hour drive from Queenstown. Te Anau makes sense if, more or less, you are self-driving or going the bus route. Should the helicopter depart from Queenstown, anyway it would likely add transit time, so costing more. Which sounds a lot if it is all being crammed into that timeframe you allocated.

Check, naturally, those inclusions closely – Does the price include transport to/from your accommodation? That landing fee? What about food/drinks? Find any hidden extra costs beforehand. Maybe just ask. What a clever you!

Things to consider about a helicopter tour of Milford Sounds

Arguably, it will provide the tour-of-a-lifetime but maybe, like your budget option cruises of buses you will discover those advantages and downsides. We do like things to be transparent! Is that clear to you?

• The tour’s time, as in how much you are paying for each moment of enjoyment.
• Do not go in the low seasons (winter time there), given how the tours do operate but so infrequently, and that poor light.
• Take into consideration your budget for activities for Milford Sound. It is that big trip for everyone! Maybe consider splitting for 10 or 20 minutes for just the flight over the mountain.
• Can you balance the pro/con list, so it feels better for you and for others. Given those family helicopter options out there.

My Recommendation?

Anyway, is the ‘Milford Sound West Coast Beach Helicopter Tour 75 Mins’ actually worth your hard-earned money? More or less, that can depend on your priorities. The ‘wow’ factor could be undeniable, arguably if the weather is in your favor! It is wonderful I think! It does give access to isolated spots along with that broad aerial views might offer an unmatched sense of the region. Now, the cost factor makes it more of something really exceptional, so justifying the spend versus similar scenic alternatives would come into play.

Should you decide to splurge, just make sure you understand every small detail: research tour operators, read those reviews, often check out inclusions/exclusions. Flexibility might be a byword too! That unpredictable Fiordland weather may change plans even at the last minute. Keep that smile even if your plans do go awry.

Often, providing it meets expectations then, forking out on this helicopter tour definitely represents an unforgettable method to respect the majesty and wilderness of Milford Sound and its neighbouring West Coast beaches.

And you get great Instagram snaps too!