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The Kea Chronicles

We’re a Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award Winner for 2022!

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 of 223 Rated Tour & 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. With the New Zealand border slowly opening up to the world, we've been excited to show those visitors from near and far 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.

Here are a few glowing reviews from this past year:

Excellent service and experience!
Absolutely stunning experience! The scenery was indescribable; a must-see when traveling to Queenstown. The flights to and from the Milford Sound were so comfortable, and the plane was just superb. James was an excellent guide, and provided lots of commentary about the scenery along the way there and back. I can’t wait to do another flight with Glenorchy Air on one of their many flight experiences.
A super trip over Mount Aspiring
We flew with Jim our pilot on Good Friday around Mount Aspiring to view the Glaciers. It was a perfect day, weatherwise and Jim was a perfect pilot, giving a good, knowledgeable and interesting commentary, whilst also flying the Cessna 206 very professionally. All the organisation beforehand and afterwards, including the pickup and drop off worked flawlessly - especially because ours was a relatively short notice booking. We'd certainly recommend this as a very special activity on a blue sky day.
Highly recommended, great pilot, great airline, amazing day trip
Absolute stunner, fabulous day trip from Queenstown to Stewart Island thanks to Jim our incredibly friendly and truly excellent pilot and the team at Glenorchy Air. Modern, safe aircraft, friendly, helpful and excellent staff. Highly recommended.
Absolutely Stunning trip
We had amazing day flight from Queenstown to Stewart Island which included a boat ride over to Ulva island once we were there. We thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the trip and highly recommend Glenorchy Air. We were picked up at our hotel by Jim who was punctual, friendly and really knowledgeable about our trip and he had some great recommendations for us fir once we were there. Our pilot was Will and he was outstanding, looked after us in the air pointing out all the sights as we flew and also looking after us on the ground. Highly recommend!!

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.