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While a trip to Milford Sound is an unforgettable experience on its own, there are many exciting ways to enhance your visit to the area. From soaring over glaciers in a helicopter to exploring underground cave systems, add-on activities can transform your Milford Sound trip into an even more extraordinary adventure. Here we explore some of the key activities you can add to your trip to enrich your Fiordland experience.
Scenic Flights
Helicopter Experiences
One of the most spectacular ways to experience Fiordland National Park is from the air. Helicopter flights offer a dramatic perspective of this landscape, revealing hidden valleys and remote glaciers that are otherwise inaccessible.
When booking independently, you'll find numerous operators offering various flight options, with prices typically ranging from NZD$390-$1900 per person depending on departure location, duration, and inclusions.
It's worth checking review sites like TripAdvisor to compare current deals and read recent visitor experiences.
Milford Sound Luxe Tours Day Tour + Heli Flight
For those seeking a seamless experience, Milford Sound Luxe Tours offers a combination package that includes a thrilling helicopter flight as part of your Milford Sound day tour from Te Anau.
Following your Milford Road journey and Milford Sound cruise, you can be checked in with the Milford Sound Helicopter team and taken on an extraordinary aerial adventure above the area.
The 30-minute flight soars over mountain peaks until you reach Tutoko Mountain, Fiordland's highest peak. Here, you'll experience a truly memorable moment as your helicopter touches down on an ancient glacier.
The glacier landing offers a rare opportunity to step onto pristine alpine ice and drink pure glacier water while surrounded by some of New Zealand's most dramatic mountain scenery.
After taking in the panoramic views and capturing photos, you'll lift off again to discover hidden alpine lakes and lush West Coast forests before landing at a remote location to rejoin your tour vehicle for your trip back to Te Anau – saving 40 minutes of road travel in the process.
Cost: NZD$955 per adult, NZD$869 per child.
Small Airplane Flights
These flights typically depart from Queenstown, with prices ranging from NZD$585-$693 per person for independent bookings. Several providers provide these flights from Queenstown. Browse sites like TripAdvisor to compare current deals and read recent visitor experiences.
Altitude Tours Milford Sound Tour, Cruise & Scenic Flight
If you’re touring to Milford Sound from Queenstown, Altitude Tours offers a package for their small-group Milford Sound tour (maximum 16 people).
You’ll receive a day tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound and a Milford Sound Cruise followed by a breathtaking 45-minute return flight back to Queenstown.
You’ll receive aerial views of the Southern Alps, glaciers, and braided rivers. During the flight, you'll gain a new appreciation for Fiordland's vast wilderness and the remarkable geography that shaped this landscape.
Cost: NZD$518 per adult
Te Anau Glowworm Caves
Hidden beneath the mountains on Lake Te Anau's western shore lies a network of caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms. This remarkable underground world offers a completely different perspective on Fiordland's natural wonders.
The adventure begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to reach the caves' entrance at Cavern House. The name Te Anau itself means "place of rushing water" in Māori, and you'll understand why as you enter the cave system. The experience combines geological marvels with magical bioluminescent displays.
You'll walk alongside underground streams and over water-carved rock formations before boarding a small boat in absolute darkness. In the quiet of the caves, you'll drift silently beneath a canopy of living lights – thousands of glowworms creating a star-filled sky above you.
The Te Anau glowworm caves tour is run by Real NZ and costs NZD$135 per adult and NZD$65 per child
Milford Sound Luxe Tours’ Day Tour + Glowworm Caves package.
If you’re doing a Milford Sound day tour and also want to see the glowworm caves, you can book Milford Sound Luxe Tours’ Day Tour + Glowworm Caves package for two brilliant nature-filled days. You will embark on your Milford day tour (including a Milford Sound cruise) on the first day, then you’ll meet the glowworm tour boat near the centre of Te Anau the following day for your luminous underground cave tour.
Cost: NZD$429 per adult, NZD$269 per child
Doubtful Sound Day Tour
While Milford Sound is an incredible location to visit, Doubtful Sound offers an equally captivating but distinctly different fiord experience. Its remoteness – with no direct road access – creates an atmosphere of genuine wilderness that's increasingly rare in today's world.
The journey to Doubtful Sound begins with a cruise across the serene waters of Lake Manapouri, followed by a drive over the stunning Wilmot Pass. This isolated route takes you through some of Fiordland's most pristine rainforest.
You will then get to experience a Doubtful Sound cruise aboard the Patea Explorer, spanning approximately three hours. Your experienced nature guides will share their deep knowledge of the region's ecology and history.
You might also encounter rare wildlife like bottlenose dolphins playing in the wake of your boat, New Zealand fur seals lounging on rocky outcrops, or even spot the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
The Doubtful Sound tour and crusie is run by our partners at Real NZ and costs NZD$379 per adult and NZD$195 per child if booked through Luxe Tours.
Milford Sound Luxe Tours' & Doubtful Sound Day Tour Package
You can book just a Doubtful Sound day tour through our Milford Sound Luxe Tours website, or you can book a Milford Sound and Doubful Sound Day Tour package. With this package, you will embark on your Doubtful Sound tour the day after your Milford Sound tour for two incredible days of Fiordland adventures.
Cost: NZD$635 per adult, NZD$399 per child
Guided Hiking Experiences
Fiordland National Park offers countless hiking opportunities, and you can do many of these hikes on your own. However, joining a guided walk can add depth to your understanding of the unique Fiordland environment with the added convenience of transport organised for you.
Lake Marian Guided Day Walk
Trips & Tramps offers an inspiring small group guided day hike to Lake Marian, limited to six walkers for a personal experience. The journey begins with a scenic drive along Milford Road to the Lower Hollyford area.
The trail starts gently, following a series of waterfalls before ascending through a diverse forest of fuchsia, ribbonwood, and ancient beech trees.
Your guide will share stories about Fiordland's natural environment and history while making regular stops for photography and bird-watching.
The climb culminates at Lake Marian, a stunning alpine lake cradled in a hanging valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks – the perfect spot for a wilderness picnic.
Cost: NZD$299 per adult
Private Kepler Track Experience
For a more exclusive experience, the Private Kepler Track Guided Walk offers flexibility and personalised attention. After being collected from your Te Anau accommodation, you'll take a water taxi to access a beautiful section of the Kepler Track.
The walk meanders alongside Lake Te Anau through pristine beech forest and native ferns. Your private guide can tailor the pace and focus to your interests, whether that's bird-watching, photography, or learning about native plants.
Cost: NZD$650 for 1-3 people
Combined Milford Sound Tour and Hiking Options
Trips & Tramps Milford Sound Day Tour
All Milford Sound day tours will include some Milford Road stops, and Luxe Tours’ Milford Sound day tour includes two short nature walks. However, if you’d like to have more substantial walking opportunities in your Milford Sound day tour, Trips & Tramps offers an itinerary with extended nature walks of up to a total of 2.5 hours, weather permitting, in their day tour from Te Anau to Milford Sound (including a Milford Sound Cruise).
Cost: From NZD$275 per adult, NZD$210 per child
Trips & Tramps Private Milford Sound Day Tour and Hike
For the ultimate in flexibility and personalisation, you could consider a private tour and hike package. This experience can be tailored to your specific interests and energy levels.
A highlight option is the afternoon ascent of Key Summit on the Routeburn Track, a 2.5-hour hike that rewards you with panoramic alpine views.
Without the constraints of a larger group, your guide can adjust the itinerary based on weather conditions, crowd levels, and your personal preferences. This flexibility allows you to discover hidden gems and quiet moments away from the main tourist flow.
While a Milford Sound cruise isn't included in the base price of this option, it can be easily arranged on request through their partnership with Mitre Peak Cruises.
Cost: NZD$1,155 for 1-3 people
Tips for Choosing Add-on Acivities
Timing Considerations
Activity Scheduling
Consider energy levels when planning multiple activities
Allow buffer time between experiences
Factor in travel time between locations
Weather and Booking
Some activities are weather-dependent
Check cancellation policies
Consider booking weather-alternative options
Advance Planning
Popular add-ons often book out in peak season
Some activities have limited daily spaces
Early booking is essential
Physical Considerations
Activity Levels
Be realistic about your fitness level
Consider combining active and passive experiences
Check age restrictions and physical requirements with providers
Equipment and Clothing
Verify what's provided during experiences, such as refreshments and restroom facilities
Pack appropriate gear for each activity
Prepare for weather changes with layered clothing and a waterproof jacket
Whether you're seeking aerial views, underground wonders, or hiking adventures, these add-on activities can significantly enhance your Milford Sound experience. Consider your interests, budget, and time constraints when selecting additional activities, and remember to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Combining different experiences - such as a traditional Milford Sound tour and cruise with a scenic flight or underground glowworm tour- can provide diverse perspectives on Fiordland's diverse enrvironment and create a truly unforgettable experience.