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The Kea Chronicles

Sustainability Spotlight: Ghost Diving New Zealand

Glenorchy Air is delighted to show our support for the amazing efforts of Ghost Diving New Zealand. Their mission is to actively promote environmental awareness and conservation through their efforts to remove rubbish and debris from the sea floor and coastline.

Ghost Diving NZ is the New Zealand branch of an international organisation that collaborates worldwide to remove lost fishing gear from the seafloor and coastline. Ghost Dive NZ has embraced this concept and diversified to retrieve rubbish and debris as well as ‘ghost gear’ disposed of in New Zealand’s waters to protect marine life.

Ghost Fishing’ is a term that describes what happens when derelict fishing gear ‘continues to fish’ after it has been lost, dumped or abandoned at sea. Lost fishing gear, or ‘Ghost Gear’ are among the greatest killers in our oceans and increasingly we are seeing more and more discarded man-made trash, particularly plastics, having being equally harmful to our marine environment.

We are proud to support this Wellington based crew on their annual clean up mission in Fiordland National Park, an area of remote Fiordland you would think would be pristine, unfortunately not!!

How you can help

If you want to get involved in the clean up our precious planet, become a member, buy merchandise, spread the word, follow their clean up missions, and donate if you can! It all goes a long way in showing support to support the clean-up crew consisting entirely of voluntary scuba divers, free divers and shore crew!

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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.