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The Kea Chronicles

Take a Sunrise Flight Around Mt. Aspiring

Imagine soaring through the crisp morning air, the first rays of sunlight casting a golden glow over snow-capped mountains and pristine valleys. A sunrise flight around Mt. Aspiring and the Southern Alps with Glenorchy Air offers this and so much more – a breathtaking start to your day that you will never forget.

The Magic of a Sunrise Flight

There’s something uniquely magical about watching the sun break from behind Mt. Aspiring, one of New Zealand’s highest mountains. As the darkness fades, the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colours – pinks, oranges and purples blending seamlessly into the deep blue of the early morning. The beauty is unmatched and experiencing it from your window seat amplifies the spectacle.

Why Choose a Sunrise Flight?

  • New Zealand’s Only Fixed-Wing Sunrise Scenic Flight: We are proud to offer New Zealand’s only fixed-wing sunrise scenic fight, providing an exclusive and unparalleled winter experience.
  • Perfect Pre-Slopes Activity: A sunrise flight is the ideal way to start your day before heading to the slopes. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Southern Alps from the air, then hit the slopes energised and inspired.
  • Unique Lighting: The angle of the sun at sunrise creates dramatic shadows and highlights, enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape. Photographers will find this light perfect for capturing stunning aerial shots.

What to Expect

  • Duration: The sunrise flight lasts approximately 75-minutes, giving you ample time to soak in the scenery and take heaps of photos.
  • Comfort: Our aircraft are designed for comfort and excellent visibility. Large windows ensure that perfect view. Every seat is a window seat. 
  • Expert Commentary: Our knowledgeable pilots provide interesting commentary throughout the flight, sharing insights about the geography and history of the region.

Tips for the Best Experience

  • Dress Warmly: While all of our aircraft have heated cabins, mornings in Queenstown in winter are chilly, so make sure the dress for the weather.
  • Bring You Camera: The unique lighting conditions make for spectacular photos, do don’t forget your camera or smartphone.
  • Be on Time: The magic of sunrise waits for no one! Please ring us 40 minutes before departure for your weather call and ensure you’re at our base at Queenstown Airport 20 minutes before departure for check in.

Our Sunrise Mt. Aspiring + The Glaciers flight is more than just a flight – it’s an unforgettable adventure that connects you to the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand’s rugged Southern Alps. Whether you’re a local looking to discover your backyard or a visitor seeking the experience of a lifetime, this flight is a must-do.

 

Book your sunrise flight today and witness the dawn of a new day from the best seat in the house – the sky!

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Hear from Our Happy Customers – Mt. Cook

At Glenorchy Air, we pride ourselves on providing unforgettable scenic flight experiences over some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. But don’t just take our word for it – hear from our happy passengers! Here are some testimonials that capture the magic of flying with Glenorchy Air to Milford Sound.

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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.