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What happens if my Milford Sound flight is cancelled due to weather?

Your safety always comes first. Glenorchy Air flights to Milford Sound operate only when weather conditions are suitable for flying. Fiordland’s weather can change quickly and our pilots assess conditions for every flight before deciding whether the flight will go ahead.

Our pre-departure weather assessment

One hour before your scheduled departure time, our pilots carry out a full weather assessment covering the route to Milford Sound, conditions over the Southern Alps, and forecasts for your return leg. This timing matters. One hour out gives us the most accurate picture available while still leaving enough time to reach you with a decision.

Fiordland’s terrain is part of what makes the scenery extraordinary and it’s also why we apply a genuinely conservative standard to flying conditions. Glaciers, alpine passes and narrow fiords demand clear visibility and stable conditions and our pilots will never take a flight into the air when those conditions aren’t met. This isn’t a judgement call left to chance on the day. It follows the same weather standards our pilots apply on every flight, regardless of season or how full the flight is booked.

If Milford Sound isn't flyable

Milford Sound’s weather is notoriously localised. Fiordland can be closed in while the rest of the region sits under clear skies. If Milford Sound specifically can’t be reached, but conditions elsewhere are good, we’ll first look at offering you an alternative scenic flight on the same day, such as a flight around Mt. Aspiring or a landing at Glentanner in Mt. Cook National Park. Both are spectacular in their own right and this option lets many passengers still get in the air and see the Southern Alps from above, even on a day Milford Sound is out of reach.

If your flight can't operate at all

If neither Milford Sound nor an alternative flight is possible, we’ll try to reschedule you to another time during your stay in Queenstown. If no suitable time works for your schedule, or if the weather doesn’t clear for the remainder of your trip, you’ll receive a 100% refund. There’s no cancellation fee, no partial refund, and no fine print to navigate. You either fly, in some form, reschedule, or get your money back in full.

Why booking early in your stay matters

We recommend booking your Milford Sound scenic flight early in your Queenstown stay, ideally in the first day or two rather than saving it for your last day. A flight booked early gives us several days of flexibility to reschedule around the weather if your original time doesn’t work out. A flight booked on your final day in Queenstown leaves us with nowhere to move it to, which means a weather cancellation is more likely to end in a refund rather than a rescheduled flight or an alternative in the air. If seeing the Southern Alps from above matters to you, giving yourself that buffer is the single most useful thing you can do when planning your trip.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Our flights are weather-dependent. Pilots will make a weather check 1 hour before each scheduled departure. If we cannot fly due to adverse weather conditions, we will attempt to reschedule depending on the passenger’s schedule and flight availability. If we cannot reschedule, passengers will receive a 100% refund.

If passengers choose to cancel a flight, fail to check in on time, or notify us of changes less than 24 hours prior to their departure, they will incur a 100% cancellation charge. Changes or cancellations made with more than 24 hours warning incur no penalties.

Please note: if you’ve booked through a third-party booking agent their terms and conditions may differ and will also apply. Refunds will go back to the original form of payment in NZD and Glenorchy Air is not responsible for any exchange rate fluctuations.

All of our Terms and Conditions can be found here.

Continue planning your trip. Explore our complete Milford Sound Travel Guide for travel tips, tour comparisons, and expert advice.

Explore the Milford Sound Travel Guide ⟶

Weather can affect a scenic flight to Milford Sound. Glenorchy Air has a clear policy for when it does. Pilots assess flying conditions before every departure to decide whether the flight can proceed. If Milford Sound isn’t accessible, an alternative scenic flight or a reschedule is offered instead. Passengers are never left out of pocket if a flight can’t go ahead. Glenorchy Air flies to Milford Sound from Queenstown Airport year round. View all of our Milford Sound flights here ⟶

#1 Rated Tour + Activity
in Queenstown on Tripadvisor

Scenic Flights

Milford Sound

Mt. Cook

Stewart Island

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.

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