West Coast Private Charter Flight + Fishing Excursion

A private day on the West Coast's most storied waters.

West Coast Private Charter + Fishing Excursion

For 1-4 passengers from*
$
NZD
  •  

* For groups larger than 4, please fill out the form below for a personalised quote.

Duration

Full Day

Departure

8.00am

Private Flight Time

2 Hours

Fishing Time

Full Day

Availability

Year-Round

Trip Includes

Highlights

Book your West Coast
Private Charter Flight + Fishing Excursion

If you’re wanting to book our West Coast Private Charter Flight + Fishing Excursion, please fill out the form below and our team will get in touch with you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional questions or enquiries

How long is this trip?
This is a Full Day experience. From your private pick up to drop off is approximately 10 hours. 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
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Camera – make sure it’s fully charged
  • Warm clothing layers
  • Sensible footwear
  • Bottle of water
How long is the private scenic flight?
Your private flights between Queenstown and Haast are approximately 40 minutes each way. Your pilot will discuss with you the flight path they will take, but please let us know if there is a specific landmark you’d like to see and your pilot can look at accommodating your requests. Depending on the aircraft type, we will either land at Haast Aerodrome or Neils Beach Airstrip.
Where is Jackson Bay?

Jackson Bay is located on the remote and stunning West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand, about 50 km south of Haast. It’s the gateway to some of the most rugged coastline and pristine fishing grounds in the country.

Do I need a fishing license?
No license is required for saltwater fishing in New Zealand. Jackson Bay Charters will provide guidance on bag limits, legal sizes, and conservation rules.
What types of fish can we catch?
Depending on the time of year, you can expect to catch a variety of species including but not limited to blue cod, groper (hapuku), bluenose, tarakihi, kingfish, Southern Bluefin tuna, albacore tuna, and snapper. Seasonal conditions and fishing regulations apply to ensure sustainable and responsible fishing.
What is one of us doesn't want to fish?
That’s no problem. The boat and crew are set up for a relaxed day on the water whether you’re actively fishing or simply enjoying the scenery.
Is food included?
Enjoy your freshly caught fish cooked onboard for lunch, BBQ-style with fresh bread, for a true sea-to-plate experience. Complimentary tea, coffee, and water is included. Talk to us to organise a drinks package at an additional cost.
Will I see any wildlife?
The area you’ll be fishing in is known for seals, dolphins, seabirds, and sometimes penguins or whales.
Can I go diving on this trip?
No, diving isn’t possible on this itinerary. Guests fly back to Queenstown the same day, and diving requires a no-fly period afterwards for safety reasons.

West Coast Day Trips from Queenstown

Glenorchy Air operates a private charter flight from Queenstown to Haast Aerodrome and Neils Beach Aerodrome on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island, in partnership with Jackson Bay Charters. The full-day experience combines a private scenic flight over the Southern Alps with a fishing charter departing from Jackson Bay, targeting tarakihi, blue cod, snapper and kingfish.

The trip includes return private charter flights, road transfer between Haast Aerodrome or Neils Beach Aerodrome and Jackson Bay, a full day of fishing with an experienced local skipper, and a fresh-caught onboard lunch. The experience is designed for couples and small private groups, with departures from Queenstown Airport. Pricing is enquiry-based and varies by fishing type. contact Glenorchy Air directly for a tailored quote.

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.

West Coast Private Charter Flight + Fishing Excursion