We are dedicated to working with partners who embrace Manaakitanga (giving our guests a true sense of New Zealand hospitality) and value Kaitiakitanga (guardianship and protection of our environment) and providing our passengers with an experience that is as sustainable as it is spectacular.
We’ve been awarded the Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Award. As New Zealand tourism’s official mark of quality, this award shows our commitment to protecting the beautiful environment we operate in. We are very fortunate to work in many of the world’s most stunning locations, and we make conscience efforts to conserve those areas and support organisations that work to protect those areas, such as the Kea Conservation Trust.
We are closely following the development of pure electric aircraft and we plan to be the leaders in embracing this future technology. We have implemented our fleet upgrade program, replacing some of our smaller aircraft with larger, quieter and more efficient types. We chose these new aircraft as they are the most efficient aircraft in their class and are already certified to run on Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
We are working towards being the first Queenstown operator to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel when it is available in New Zealand.
We donate $1 per passenger who flies with us to the Kea Conservation Trust to preserve and protect these birds.
Learn more ⟶We support their important work in kiwi recovery, biodiversity projects and education.
Learn more ⟶Our donations go toward their annual clean up mission in Fiordland National Park and all across New Zealand coastlines.
Learn more ⟶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.
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.
We suggest you bring the following with you to make it a great day out:
Your flights between Queenstown and Milford Sound are approximately 40 minutes each way.
Your Nature Cruise through Milford Sound with our partners Southern Discoveries is 1 hour 45 mins.
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.
Yes, the cruise has a large indoor area with comfortable seating and tables.
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.
We would say the cruise is suitable for all ages.
Yes, there is a nappy changing facility onboard the cruise.
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.