Our Fleet

Wakarere

At Glenorchy Air, we're all about making your flight a memorable experience. We operate the most modern fleet in New Zealand, carefully curated and all purposefully built for sightseeing. All of our high-wing aircraft have guaranteed window seats. This gives all of our passengers the best possible views and photo opportunities on every flight.

Our current fleet is 5 aircraft strong, with a carrying capacity ranging from 7 to 13 passengers. All of our aircraft are high wing, with a single aisle and feature window seats for all passengers. Since purchasing the company in 2019, we have completed a major fleet upgrade program, purchasing four state of the art turbo-prop aircraft from renowned manufacturers Cessna and Daher to operate alongside our proven GippsAero GA8.  We are proud to operate New Zealand’s most modern light aircraft fleet.

All of our pilots are trained to fly the aircraft well above the required NZCAA standards and all fleet maintenance is carried out by Performance Aviation in Wanaka. Our turbo-props are powered by the world’s most reliable gas turbine engine, The Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A. Our GA8 is powered by Lycoming, the industry leader in piston aircraft engines.

We’ve been operating in this region for over 30 years and are a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) certificated operator. Our modern fleet maintenance schedules comply with New Zealand Civil Aviation safety standards and our maintenance is carried out by Performance Aviation in Wanaka, New Zealand.

Custom built by Cessna in Kansas, USA in 2020 and 2021 for Glenorchy Air

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX

  • Luxury leather interior
  • Heated and air conditioned cabin
  • Turbo prop engine
  • Modern glass cockpit technology
  • Extensive safety features
  • Every passenger has a window seat
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Seating Capacity: 13 passengers
Engine: 867hp Pratt & Whitney PT6-140 Turbine Engine
Propeller: McCauley 4 blade
Cruise Speed: 150kts
Interior: Executive leather seats, the latest Garmin G1000 NXI glass cockpit avionics, expansive windows making every seat a window seat.

Built by Daher in Idaho, USA in 2020​

Daher Kodiak 100

  • Luxury leather interior
  • Heated and air conditioned cabin
  • Turbo prop engine
  • Modern glass cockpit technology
  • Extensive safety features
  • Every passenger has a window seat
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Seating Capacity: 9 passengers
Engine: 750hp Pratt & Whitney PT6-34 Turbine Engine
Propeller: Hartzell 4 blade
Cruise Speed: 170kts
Interior: Premium leather seats, the latest Garmin G1000 NXI glass cockpit avionics, expansive windows making every seat a window seat.

Built by GippsAero in Australia + designed for sightseeing

GippsAero GA8 Airvan

  • Leather interior
  • Heated cabin
  • Piston engine
  • Extensive safety features
  • Bubble windows for increased visibility
  • Every passenger has a window seat
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Seating Capacity: 7 passengers
Engine: 300hp Lycoming IO-540 Piston Engine
Propeller: Hartzell 2 blade
Cruise Speed: 120kts
Interior: Executive leather seats, 3 or 4 point harnesses, comfortable headsets to hear the pilots commentary, expansive bubble windows positioned next to every seat for the best views.

Custom built by Cessna in Kansas, USA in 2019 for Glenorchy Air

Cessna 206 Stationair HD

  • Luxury leather interior
  • Heated cabin
  • Turbo charged piston engine
  • Modern glass cockpit technology
  • Extensive safety features
  • Every passenger has a window seat
MORE DETAILS

Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
Engine: 310hp Lycoming TIO-540 Piston Engine
Propeller: McCauley 3 blade
Cruise Speed: 140kts
Interior: Executive leather seats, the latest Garmin G1000 NXI glass cockpit avionics, Bose Aviation noise-cancelling headsets, airbags in the seat belts, expansive windows making every seat a window seat.

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.