Sunrise

Mt. Aspiring + The Glaciers

New Zealand's only fixed-wing Sunrise Scenic Flight.

Book your winter adventure now! Sunrise flights start back up 1 June 2025.

Adult

15+ years old

Price from
$ 499
NZD
  •  

Child

3-14 years old

Price from
$ 399
NZD
  •  

Infant

0-2 years old

Under 15kg/33lb
Free
  •  

Duration

2 Hours

Departure

Varies with Daybreak

Flight Time

1 hr 15 mins

Minimum Age

No minimum

Availability

June - August

Trip Includes

Highlights

Book your Sunrise Mt. Aspiring + The Glaciers

Book your seat now for Winter 2025!

Sunrise FAQ's

What time is the weather call?

Due to the early nature of this sunrise flight, we will email you with a tentative weather call the night before your flight based on the initial forecast.

You will then need to call us on 0800 676 264 40 minutes before your flight for an updated weather check, check in will be 20 minutes prior to departure. 

What time is departure?

Our departure times change weekly across the season with the changes in sunrise. We will make a weather call the evening before your flight and reconfirm with you the exact timings of your departure for that day. This is only likely to be 5-10 minutes different to that showing on your booking.

How long is this trip?

From check in 20 minutes before departure, to landing back at Queenstown Airport, is approximately 1.5 hours. Please note, this does not include time for self-driving out to Queenstown Airport. If you have plans immediately either side of your experience with us, please let us know.

What should I bring?

We suggest you bring the following with you to make it a great day out:

  • Any essential medication
  • Camera – make sure it’s fully charged
  • Warm clothing layers – our aircraft are heated, but layers are advised. 
  • Top Tip – wear black or dark clothing to avoid reflections in your photos
  • Sensible footwear is essential
  • Bottle of water
How long is the sunrise scenic flight?

Your sunrise flight up to Mt. Aspiring and back to Queenstown is approximately 1 hour 15 mins.

Do you offer sunrise flights to Milford Sound?

Sunrise flights to Milford Sound are available on request. Please Contact Us. Typically, we’d always recommend Mt. Aspiring as it offers much better light in the golden hour. Milford Sound itself falls in shadow at sunrise, so it isn’t an ideal destination at that time of the morning.

Do you offer sunset flights?

Due to CAA regulation, we are not able to carry out sunset flights as our aircraft have to be back on the ground at least 30 minutes before evening civil twilight (sunset). Please Contact Us if you’d like to discuss a late afternoon/evening flight.

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.