We operate with a proactive approach to safety, continually exceeding industry standards and regulatory requirements. Our Safety Management System (SMS) is a living framework that identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks before they arise. Safety to us is not static and is always evolving and we actively seek out new advancements in aviation safety and integrate them into our operations. Our team regularly reviews safety practices and maintains a culture of openness and accountability.
Our pilots are not just experienced aviators, they are also trained safety professionals. Our team undergoes regular flight training, emergency procedure drills, and proficiency checks. With thousands of flight hours logged in New Zealand’s diverse flying conditions, they have the expertise to guide you safely to and from your destination.
Essential to our safety commitment is our aircraft maintenance program. Our fleet is the most modern in all of New Zealand and is maintained to the highest standard. Every plane undergoes rigorous pre-flight inspections and routine maintenance. The dedicated maintenance team at Performance Aviation in Wanaka follows an exacting schedule of checks, ensuring that every flight takes off with confidence.
Our team will provide you with a comprehensive safety briefing before takeoff, ensuring you know how to the safety equipment onboard and understand emergency procedures. Each seat pocket on every aircraft contains a Safety Instructions card with important information on emergency procedures, equipment usage, and exit locations. Your cooperation helps us create a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone onboard.
Key Safety Information
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.
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.
We suggest you bring the following with you to make it a great day out:
Your flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound are approximately 40 minutes each way.
Your Nature Cruise through Milford Sound with our partners Southern Discoveries is 1 hour 45 mins.
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.
Yes, the cruise has a large indoor area with comfortable seating and tables.
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.
We would say the cruise is suitable for all ages.
Yes, there is a nappy changing facility onboard the cruise.
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.
