Here in New Zealand, we’re very proud of our native birds. Every year, Forest & Bird hold the Bird of the Year. New Zealander’s can vote for their 5 favourite native birds and then a winning species is announced.
This year, and every year, we’re backing the Kea. As well as being our company emblem, the Kea is the World’s only alpine parrot, is extremely intelligent and you’ll likely see one on your trip to Milford Sound or Mt. Cook with us. Voting runs until 5pm on the 10th of November 2019.
When you’re a pilot, aircraft owner, broker, and aviation writer, it takes a lot to be impressed by a flight. But when Mindy Lindheim—an accomplished content creator and contributor to aviation magazines like Twin & Turbine—took to the skies with Glenorchy Air, something shifted.
We were thrilled to host Mark Brown, Founder of 11 Aviation and renowned Kodiak expert, for an immersive training school.
At Glenorchy Air, we believe every flight should be an experience that stays with you long after you’ve landed. Welcome to More Than a Flight.
At Glenorchy Air, we are always looking for ways to make your journey more than just a flight. We want every experience to be immersive, informative, and unforgettable. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new in-flight commentary app, developed in partnership with Southern Discoveries!
Glenorchy Air has taken the Tiaki Promise – a commitment to care for the land, people, and culture of New Zealand.
Earlier this month, our Operations Manager Meagan George, embarked on a unique flight experience that took her across the vast Pacific from Hawaii to New Zealand to bring the newest addition to our fleet to Queenstown, just in time for the busy summer season.
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.
