Flying over Fiordland from Te Anau offers the smartest way to grasp this remarkable corner of New Zealand. These helicopter tours pack the region’s highlights – Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, and the twin lakes Manapouri and Te Anau – into efficient aerial experiences ranging from 45 minutes to 3 hours.
I especially love the small-group flights that include landing stops – they give you those pinch-me moments when you’re standing in spots that early Māori and European explorers took days to reach.
The Doubtful Sound route is a particular favorite, where waterfalls seem to cascade endlessly down steep fjord walls.
Check out these top helicopter tours from Te Anau, rated for value and memorable experiences.
Key Points
- The Dusky Sound Helicopter Scenic Flight offers a 45-60 minute aerial tour of New Zealand’s remote wilderness area, priced from $635.18 per person.
- The Te Anau: Milford, Dusky, and Doubtful Helicopter Flight is a 3-hour adventure over Dusky, Doubtful, and Milford Sounds, featuring three mountain landings.
- The Taste of Fiordland Helicopter Scenic Flight is a 20-minute scenic flight from Te Anau with an alpine landing, priced at $252.87 per person.
- The Discover Doubtful Sound Helicopter Scenic Flight provides a scenic tour of Fiordland National Park’s Doubtful Sound, including a landing and lunch.
- These helicopter flights and tours in Te Anau offer stunning aerial views, small group sizes, and flexible booking options, making them top choices for visitors.
Dusky Sound // Helicopter Scenic Flight
The Dusky Sound Helicopter Scenic Flight offers a breathtaking aerial tour of one of New Zealand’s most remote and untouched wilderness areas.
Starting from the Te Anau Airport, you’ll embark on a 45-60 minute helicopter journey over the stunning Dusky Sound. This 5-star experience, priced from $635.18 per person, accommodates up to 6 travelers at a time.
You’ll soar over rugged mountains, ancient forests, and pristine waterways, capturing stunning aerial views that few visitors ever get to witness.
The tour operates daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, between May 7, 2024, and August 31, 2025, making it an ideal addition to your South Island itinerary.
To secure your spot, you can reserve your flight now and pay later. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome.
Infants must sit on laps. Most travelers can participate, so don’t miss this chance to see Dusky Sound’s natural beauty from the skies.
Read our full review: Dusky Sound // Helicopter Scenic Flight Review
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Te Anau: Milford, Dusky, and Doubtful Helicopter Flight
Soar above the breathtaking landscapes of Fiordland on this 3-hour helicopter adventure over Dusky, Doubtful, and Milford Sounds.
You’ll experience the remote, 350-island Dusky Sound, accessible only by air or boat. Then, witness the ‘Sound of Silence’ in Doubtful Sound, featuring impressive waterfalls and Crooked Arm.
Finally, marvel at the eighth wonder of the natural world, Milford Sound, including the Pembroke Glacier, Sutherland Falls, and iconic Mitre Peak.
This small-group tour is limited to 6 participants and is wheelchair accessible. With a professional and experienced pilot, you’ll enjoy three mountain landings during the 3-hour scenic flight.
A full safety briefing is provided, and you’ll need to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing. No drones or selfie sticks are allowed, and all flights are weather dependent.
Based on one 5-star review, this is an unforgettable way to experience the stunning landscapes of Fiordland.
Read our full review: Te Anau: Milford, Dusky, and Doubtful Helicopter Flight Review
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Taste of Fiordland // Helicopter Scenic Flight From Te Anau
Explore the stunning landscapes of Fiordland on this 20-minute helicopter scenic flight from Te Anau. Soar over the pristine national park, taking in aerial views of Lake Manapouri and Lake Te Anau.
Land at an alpine location for unforgettable photo opportunities before returning to your hotel.
This tour offers an immersive experience, with a knowledgeable pilot providing clear narration through provided headsets. At just $252.87 per person, it’s an affordable way to witness Fiordland’s breathtaking beauty from the air.
The flight operates daily from May to August, with a maximum of 12 travelers per group.
Accessible to all, the tour includes hotel pickup, transfer to the launch pad, and return transport. Wheelchair users and those with infants are welcome, while service animals are allowed.
Do note the weight limit of 287 lbs per passenger, with an additional seat required for those over 130kg. Secure your spot with a flexible booking that allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Taste of Fiordland // Helicopter Scenic Flight From Te Anau Review
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Discover Doubtful Sound // Helicopter Scenic Flight From Te Anau
Discover Fiordland National Park‘s Doubtful Sound on a scenic helicopter tour. This unique landscape features rugged mountains, lakes, and lush native rainforest, accessible only by air. Weather permitting, you may land at an isolated location for panoramic photos.
The tour includes landing and facility fees, headsets for clear communication, live commentary from the pilot, and a provided lunch. You’ll be part of a small group, with a maximum of 6 travelers per flight. This isn’t a private flight, but you’ll have ample opportunity to take in the stunning vistas.
The meeting point is at 42 Aviation Drive, Manapouri 9679, New Zealand, where you’ll check in at Te Anau Helicopters, Te Anau Airport. The tour duration and end point will be back at the meeting location. Flexible departure times are available.
Booking is easy, with confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability. There’s a minimum of 2 adults required per booking, and child rates are applicable when sharing with 2 paying adults.
You can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience and the reserve now, pay later option.
Read our full review: Discover Doubtful Sound // Helicopter Scenic Flight From Te Anau Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
You’ll find a range of exhilarating helicopter flights and tours from Te Anau, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking scenery of Fiordland. Whether it’s a flight over the serene Dusky Sound, the majestic Milford Sound, or the remote Doubtful Sound, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience. These tours offer a unique perspective and a chance to truly appreciate the natural wonders of this stunning region.