Scenic Flights

Fly Fiordland. Fly Fiordland provides a range of scenic flights in its three Cessna fixed-wing aircraft; including to Milford and Doubtful sounds, and on the rare occasion that weather permits, an overfly of the most remote place in New Zealand, Dusky Sound. Prices don't include a cruise in Milford Sound, but you can add this as an option. 52 Town Centre, Te Anau, Southland, 9600. 03/249--4352; 0800/359--346; www.flyfiordland.com.

Southern Lakes Helicopters. Once you've seen the movie Ata Whenua at Fiordland Cinema you'll want to take to the air and see some of this scenery for yourself (or do the flight first and see the movie after). Either way this helicopter company, privately owned by renowned helicopter pioneer Sir Richard "Hannibal" Hayes, has operated successfully here for more than 35 years. The Southern Lakes pilots have a wealth of knowledge and experience flying in this World Heritage area and offer a range of airborne services. Lakefront Dr., Te Anau, Southland, 9600. 03/249–7167; 0508/249--7167; www.southernlakeshelicopters.co.nz. From NZ$230.

Wings and Water Te Anau. Wings and Water Te Anau operates scenic flights with a floatplane that takes travelers to some of the region's most inaccessible areas, including a 10-minute trip over Lake Te Anau, Lake Manapouri, and the Kepler Track and longer flights over Doubtful, Dusky, and Milford sounds. Lakefront Dr., Te Anau, Southland, 9600. 03/249–7405; www.wingsandwater.co.nz. From NZ$95.