Family Owned Scenic Flights Since 1992

Glenorchy Air is a family owned scenic flight company based at Queenstown Airport, New Zealand. We fly small groups over the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, Aoraki Mt. Cook and Stewart Island. When you book with us, you are flying with a local family who cares about every part of your day. Our team will welcome you at the terminal and look after you from check in to landing. Along the way our pilots will share the stories behind the peaks.

Family Owned

Founded by the Rutherford Family in 1992, it has been owned and run by the Stokes Family since 2019

#1 in Queenstown

Top rated Tour and Activity on Tripadvisor

Queenstown Airport

We've been based at Queenstown International Airport since 2001

A New Zealand First

Home to the country's only Daher Kodiak 100 Series II's and Tecnam P2012 Traveller

The Family Behind Glenorchy Air

Glenorchy Air was founded in November 1992 by Robert and Janet Rutherford, who started out with a single Cessna 185. Within two years they were flying guests to destinations across the South Island, and in 2001 they moved the operation into the Queenstown Airport terminal, where we are still based today.

In 1999 Glenorchy Air played its own part in film history. During the filming of The Lord of the Rings, Glenorchy Air flew members of the cast and crew, including Sir Ian McKellen. It remains one of the proudest chapters in our story.

The Stokes family bought Glenorchy Air in July 2019. James leads the company as CEO. He is a pilot himself, and before taking the helm, he flew with Glenorchy Air as Training Captain and Flight Examiner.

Since 2019 James and the team have rebuilt the company around three things. A modern fleet, a highly skilled team of local pilots and ground crew, and a warm welcome for every guest. Queenstown is home for the Stokes family, and they want you to love it as much as they do.

What Defines Glenorchy Air Today

Four things sit at the heart of who we are and how we look after every passenger.

Safety Comes First

Every Glenorchy Air pilot is trained and assessed to the highest standards of competence and safety. It guides every decision we make.

Local Pilots

Our pilots call Queenstown home and know the Southern Alps and Fiordland intimately. They love sharing that knowledge with every guest.

A Local Family Business

Glenorchy Air is owned and run by a Queenstown family. We take pride in our community and in every guest who flies with us.

Investing in the Future

We have built a modern fleet equipped with the latest avionics and safety technology, giving our pilots and guests the very best in the air.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glenorchy Air

Glenorchy Air was founded in November 1992 by Robert and Janet Rutherford. It began with a single Cessna 185.

Glenorchy Air is owned by the Stokes family, who purchased the company on 1 July 2019. James Stokes leads Glenorchy Air as CEO and his wife Kirstin is Brand Manager.

Glenorchy Air is based at Queenstown International Airport, inside the main terminal building on Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Queenstown. The company has operated from this base since 2001.

Glenorchy Air flies fixed-wing aircraft including the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, Daher Kodiak 100 Series II, GippsAero GA8 Aivan, and a Tecnam P2012 Traveller. They own the only Daher Kodiak 100’s and Tecnam P2012 Traveller in New Zealand. All of their aircraft have a guaranteed window seat.

Recognised Across the Tourism Industry

Queenstown's #1 Rated Tour and Activity, Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor Traveller's Choice Best of the Best Winner

Winner, Excellence in Customer Experience, Queenstown Business Awards 2025

Qualmark Gold Award Recipient

Our Pilots and Ground Crew

Get to know the leadership, pilots, and ground operations team who carry the Glenorchy Air story forward.

Glenorchy Air is a family owned and operated scenic flight company based at Queenstown Airport in Queenstown, New Zealand. The Stokes family has owned Glenorchy Air since 1 July 2019, and James Stokes leads the company as CEO. Guests check in for every Glenorchy Air flight inside the Queenstown Airport terminal on Sir Henry Wigley Drive. Glenorchy Air operates fixed-wing scenic flights from Queenstown to Milford Sound, Aoraki Mount Cook and Stewart Island in a modern fleet with every seat a window seat. Glenorchy Air is rated the #1 tour and activity in Queenstown on Tripadvisor, won Excellence in Customer Experience at the Queenstown Business Awards 2025, and holds a Qualmark Gold Award. View all of our scenic flights here ⟶

Scenic Flights
How long is this trip?

This is a Half Day experience. From check in 30 minutes before departure, to landing back at Queenstown Airport, is approximately 5 to 5 1/2 hours. Please note, this does not include time for self-driving or using our complimentary transfers. If you have plans immediately either side of your experience with us, please let us know.

What time is best to fly?

It’s always a good time to fly! If the option is there, we would suggest either our 9.00am or 1.30pm departures. Please note, our 1.30pm departure time is only available at certain times of the year. Whilst we cannot guarantee it, Milford Sound can sometimes be a little bit quieter at these times.

What should I bring?

We suggest you bring the following with you to make it a great day out:

  • Any essential medication
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray
  • Camera – make sure it’s fully charged
  • Warm clothing layers – you’ll want to enjoy the open-air viewing decks where it can get chilly
  • Sensible footwear
  • Bottle of water
How long is the scenic flight?

Your flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound are approximately 40 minutes each way.

How long is the cruise?

Your Nature Cruise through Milford Sound with our partners Southern Discoveries is 1 hour 45 mins.

Is food included with the cruise?

No, lunch is not included. When making your booking online, you have the option to add a picnic lunch for an additional cost that will be ready for you on the cruise. We have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available.

Complimentary tea, coffee and water is available. A selection of small snacks are available to purchase onboard. You are also welcome to bring snacks of your own.

Is there an indoor area on the cruise?

Yes, the cruise has a large indoor area with comfortable seating and tables.

What will I see on the cruise?

Your cruise through Milford Sound is on a boat with a large open-top deck and comfy interior cabins with full-height windows for optimal viewing. Take in the stunning scenery of Mitre Peak, Stirling Falls, Copper Point, and the Tasman Sea. Keep an eye out for seals, dolphins and penguins.

Is the cruise suitable for an infant?

We would say the cruise is suitable for all ages.

Is there a nappy changing facility/station available inside the cruise?

Yes, there is a nappy changing facility onboard the cruise.

What happens if the weather prevents us from flying back to Queenstown?

Our pilots will always look at the forecast for the full duration of your trip and if we feel like the weather may change, we will not leave Queenstown. Due to the weather-dependent nature of flying in the Southern Alps to Milford Sound, it is unfortunate that there are very rare occasions where the forecast changes on us and although uncommon, it can be a case that we are unable to operate the return flight. The safety of our passengers is always our highest priority and in the unlikely event that this ever occurs, we will arrange coach transfers back to Queenstown. We fully appreciate the inconvenience this will cause and do everything we can to look after our passengers.