There are few better ways to spend a sunny summer’s day than to witness some of the most spectacular, mountainous scenery and jaw dropping vistas New Zealand has to offer. We here at The Rees were lucky enough to experience just that on a Milford Sound and Glacier flight offered by Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, the chief operators in heli flights here in Queenstown.

Without over exaggerating, it was quite possibly the most incredible and unforgettable excursion either of us have had the pleasure of experiencing.

Our flight began with us soaring northwest over the famous ‘Dart River’ out towards Glenorchy which flows through the rugged terrain of Mount Aspiring National Park. Not only is this area well known for its natural beauty but also played host to a number of Lord of The Rings Filming locations. From there we continued up and over the National Park through clear blue skies to reach Milford Sound, the unofficial Eighth Wonder of The World.

Upon arriving in style into Milford Sound we disembarked the chopper and boarded the Southern Discoveries Cruise vessel. The cruise alone is stunning but with added informative commentary offering extensive background information about the wonders of Milford Sound you will be left in utter awe. There were many highlights throughout the cruise including the immense Stirling Falls waterfall, the herd of seals nestled on the rock shore and the imposing Mitre Peak being just a few of our favourites.

The journey home was simply next level. Not only were we again treated to the beauty of the Southern Fiordlands but just after departing Milford we descended upon the glacier at the summit of Mount Tutoko. We were both like children at Christmas (as you can see from the photos!) with involuntary smiles plastered across our faces due to the nature of what we were witnessing.

This is truly a once in a lifetime experience and one that will stay with the both of us for the rest of our lives.

If you want to hear more about the wonders of Milford Sound and the stunning job the guys at Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters are doing, nip by the concierge desk and we’ll fill you in.

Euan Wilson/Brittany Butler

Aviation Aficionados