Blog

The Kea Chronicles

We’ve just been awarded Qualmark Silver – Tourism New Zealand’s official mark of quality

A little birdie (Kea to be exact), dropped in to deliver some exciting news this week! We have officially been awarded the Qualmark Silver Sustainable Tourism Business Award! As New Zealand tourism’s official mark of quality, this award means you can book your scenic flight adventure with us with confidence, knowing we’ll provide a quality, safe, and sustainable experience coupled with kiwi hospitality.

“Qualmark has broadened the scope of its evaluation criteria to recognise those businesses that are focused on protecting what makes New Zealand unique and special.  Your award can be proudly displayed as evidence that  Glenorchy Air  is committed to protecting our beautiful natural environment, enhancing connections with our local communities, whilst also delivering a quality, safe experience for all visitors.”

Qualmark New Zealand

Silver Sustainable Tourism Business Award

A Silver Award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations.  Proactive leadership and management ensure that a culture of high performance is evident throughout the entire business.  The business will have a real focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to ensure the tourism product they deliver is a genuine, constantly improving sustainable experience.

Light Footprint – An environmentally friendly and holistically sustainable experience

Safe & Sound – Where safe principles and practices are part of every experience

Warm Welcome – Where you will always find a genuine welcome and true New Zealand hospitality

After the most trying 18 months we’ve ever had, adapting to a changing world and catering to a domestic market, we are so proud of what our team here at Glenorchy Air has accomplished. During this time, we created new products, the true star being our Sunrise Flight around Mt. Aspiring, whose beauty can be seen all over our passenger’s Instagram feeds. Venturing further south, we started our Stewart Island Fly | Explore | Fly where you can explore Ulva Island, marine farms and meet the local birdlife. Our latest and greatest, the Milford Sound Ultimate Overnight Experience, delivers two days immersed in Milford Sound’s spectacular beauty by land, water, and air. We want to thank our incredible team for their huge effort during this time, from cheerfully taking our passenger’s first phone call or email, to our pilot’s taking the “long way home” to show off their favourite hidden alpine lake.

Book online with us today, knowing you’re supporting a local, family-owned tourism business committed to our team, our customers, our community and our environment.

Share this blog post ⟶

Read the latest blogs

Read the latest blogs

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.