New Zealand's Most Modern Light Aircraft Fleet

Glenorchy Air operates six aircraft purpose built for sightseeing, each carrying between 7 and 13 passengers. Every aircraft is high wing with a single aisle, so every seat is a window seat. Since The Stokes Family took over in 2019, the fleet has been upgraded with four new turboprop aircraft from Cessna and Daher and a twin engine piston from Tecnam, alongside one proven GippsAero GA8.

Maintained to the Highest Standard

Every Glenorchy Air aircraft is maintained by Performance Aviation in Wanaka. The turboprop fleet runs on Pratt and Whitney PT6A engines and the GippsAero GA8 on a Lycoming piston engine. Glenorchy Air holds full CAA certification and has flown scenic routes across the region for more than 30 years.

Our Aircraft

Every Milford Sound question we are asked by travellers has its own guide, covering everything from choosing between the Fly Cruise Fly and Coach Cruise Fly to travelling with kids.

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX

Custom built by Cessna in Kansas, USA in 2020 and 2021

Daher Kodiak 100

Built by Daher in Idaho, USA in 2020

GippsAero GA8 Airvan

Built by GippsAero in Australia

Tecnam P2012 Traveller

Custom built by Tecnam in Capua, Italy in 2026

Entering service Summer 2026

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

Glenorchy Air operates a fleet of six aircraft for scenic flights from Queenstown to Milford Sound, Aoraki Mount Cook and Stewart Island, made up of the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX, Daher Kodiak 100, GippsAero GA8 Airvan and, from summer 2026, the Tecnam P2012. Each aircraft seats between 7 and 13 passengers, and every aircraft is high wing with a single aisle, so every seat on every flight is a window seat. All Glenorchy Air aircraft are maintained by Performance Aviation in Wanaka, all pilots complete training that goes well beyond what the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand requires, and Glenorchy Air has operated scenic flights in the region for more than 30 years.   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.