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The Kea Chronicles

We’re a Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award Winner for 2021!

We’re exceptionally proud to be awarded the Traveller’s Choice Award from Tripadvisor, showing we’re in the top 10% of attractions worldwide! Alongside this award, we’re also proud to announce that we are the #1 Rated Outdoor Activity in Queenstown on Tripadvisor.

 

This award celebrates attractions that consistently deliver fantastic experiences to travelers, having earned great traveler reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. In this particularly challenging year, we’ve shown our great kiwi and Australian passengers the beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand and we can’t thank them enough for supporting our family-owned business. We also want to thank our wonderful and dedicated team here at Glenorchy Air.

“Congratulations to all the winners of the 2021 Travelers’ Choice Awards,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor. “I know the past year has been extremely challenging for tourism businesses. What has impressed me is how businesses adapted to these challenges, implementing new cleanliness measures, adding social distancing guidelines, and utilizing technology to prioritize guest safety. The Travelers’ Choice Awards highlight the places that are consistently excellent - delivering quality experiences time and time again even while navigating changing customer expectations and new ways of working. Based on a full year of reviews from customers, this award speaks to the great service and experience you provided guests in the midst of a pandemic.

Here are a few glowing reviews from this past year:

Glenorchy Air and Milford Sound Cruise
One of the best tours I have done from start to finish. Glenorchy Air were excellent in every way, from booking the flight to the day itself. James and his team were incredibly professional, the aircraft was near new and the flight itself simply amazing, taking you to breathtaking views in every direction. The cruise was just as amazing, scenery, dolphins, waterfalls you name it we saw it. Highly recommend.
Stunning
This is the second time I have taken a Sunrise Flight with Glenorchy Air - both times were incredible and the service was faultless. Must do experience if you are visiting Queenstown - you won't see anything else like it. The staff are friendly and helpful and Jim, our pilot, was a delight - as well as very knowledgeable of the surrounding landscapes.
Queenstown to Stewart Island day trip
New plane, friendly professional experienced pilot (thanks again Jim!). Awesome views, bucket list experience, and that was just the flights! Stewart Island itself, woow. Isolated paradise. We'll be back with the kids for a longer stay. Loved it.
Best Day Ever #2!
Another incredible experience with Glenorchy Air! This time we did the Fly Cruise Fly to Milford Sound from Queenstown. What a glorious day we had. We even had a pod of dolphins visit us on the cruise! Can not fault the whole experience from the professional and friendly staff and pilots to the amazing atmosphere surrounding the adventure! Can't wait to return for the third time!

To read more reviews, please visit Tripadvisor.

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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.