Stewart Island

Rakiura

Stewart Island Scenic Flights and Day Trips from Queenstown

Rakiura Stewart Island is one of New Zealand’s most remote and unspoilt destinations, renowned for its wildlife, conservation success stories, rich cultural heritage and spectacular coastal landscapes. With native birdlife, protected ecosystems and a strong connection to nature, Stewart Island offers a very different experience from New Zealand’s more visited tourism destinations.

From Queenstown, Glenorchy Air makes it possible to experience Stewart Island in a single day. Whether you’re exploring the predator-free sanctuary of Ulva Island, discovering the stories and heritage of Rakiura or immersing yourself in the island’s unique wildlife and natural beauty, every journey reveals a remarkable part of New Zealand that few visitors experience. With experienced local pilots, guaranteed window seats and breathtaking scenic flights, travelling to Stewart Island becomes part of the adventure itself.

Summer Only

Stewart Island

Ultimate Day Trip

The ultimate bucket list-worthy day trip! This guided trip on Stewart Island starts with a multistop road tour, taking you through the cultural and historical side of the island. Next, you’ll continue on a marine and land-based guided experience, including a cruise around Paterson Inlet and a walk on Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary.

Summer Only

Stewart Island

Fly | Explore | Fly

Explore Stewart Island at your own pace. This excursion is a true kiwi experience. Fly with us from Queenstown to the remote Ryan’s Creek Aerodrome on stunning Stewart Island. This is a self-guided day where you can choose how you spend your time, from an adventure-packed itinerary to spending a leisurely day birdwatching or walking.

Winter Only

Stewart Island

Charter Flights

Want to spend a day on Stewart Island during winter when our self-guided and guided tours aren’t available? Charter a flight down to Stewart Island for the day. This product includes a roundtrip flight from Queenstown with a landing at Ryan’s Creek Airstrip.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Stewart Island

Where is Stewart Island?

Rakiura Stewart Island is located off the southern coast of New Zealand’s South Island. As New Zealand’s third-largest island, it is known for its dramatic coastlines, native forests and remote wilderness areas. Flying from Queenstown, it takes approximately 1 hour each way.

Is Stewart Island worth visiting?

Yes. Rakiura Stewart Island is one of New Zealand’s most unique destinations, renowned for its native wildlife, untouched landscapes, rich cultural heritage and relaxed pace of life. Its remote location and strong focus on conservation offer a very different experience from many of New Zealand’s more visited destinations.

What is Stewart Island famous for?

Stewart Island is famous for its wildlife, conservation projects, walking tracks, Māori history and remote natural beauty. Around 85% of the island is protected as Rakiura National Park, making it one of New Zealand’s most important conservation areas.

What wildlife can you see on Stewart Island?

Stewart Island is home to a wide variety of native wildlife, including tūī, kererū, kākā and other native bird species. The island’s predator-free sanctuaries and conservation initiatives make it one of New Zealand’s best wildlife destinations.

What is Ulva Island?

Ulva Island is a renowned predator-free sanctuary located off Stewart Island. Protected native forest and successful conservation programmes have created an environment where many native bird species thrive, making it a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Why is Stewart Island called Rakiura?

Rakiura is the Māori name for Stewart Island and is commonly translated as “Land of Glowing Skies”. The name is associated with the island’s remarkable natural light displays and southern skies.

Can you visit Stewart Island in a day from Queenstown??

Yes. Our day trips from Queenstown offer the opportunity to experience Stewart Island’s wildlife, culture and natural beauty within a single day.

What makes Stewart Island different from other New Zealand destinations?

Unlike many of New Zealand’s more developed tourism destinations, Stewart Island is known for its remote wilderness, small population and strong connection to conservation. Visitors can experience a quieter side of New Zealand while enjoying remarkable wildlife, natural landscapes and authentic local character.

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.