Stewart Island Fly | Explore | Fly ex Queenstown
From $749 per person
Tucked just 30 kilometres across the Foveaux Strait from Bluff, at the end of New Zealand’s South Island, Stewart Island should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s New Zealand’s third-largest island and home to a small population of 400 people. Rakiura meaning ‘glowing skies’ offers a rare glimpse of a truly untouched NZ.
With return flights from Queenstown, this trip gives you an incredible opportunity to add our spectacular day trip to your Queenstown itinerary. Our flights offer you the flexibility to do your own thing, the island is full of hidden treasures.
Fly:
The flight will depart Queenstown in the early morning flying past the Remarkables south, we track along the Oreti River across New Zealand’s vast southern farmland until we reach Invercargill, Oreti Beach, Bluff, and Toetoes Bay on the stunning Southern Coast. We will then head over Foveaux Strait passing some of the smaller islands en route, including Dog Island, Ruapuki island. As we start to approach you will find yourself in a different world, soaring above some of Stewart Island’s untouched, rugged coastline. On approach, we will pass Horseshoe Bay and Half moon bay before descending on Ryan’s Creek airstrip on the hill overlooking the township of Oban. Spend the day exploring Stewart Island before departing back for Queenstown in the late afternoon.
Explore:
During booking, you’ll have the option to add on our top picks for exploring Stewart Island. With the time you’ll have available we recommend 2 activities maximum.
Our friends at Rakiura Charters & Water Taxis will take you on a guided tour of Paterson Inlet with full commentary from your local, knowledgeable skipper. They offer our passengers a combined Whalers Base History Tour and Marine Farm Tours, so you make the best use of your time as well as getting the best bang for your buck. The historic Whaler’s Base was used to repair whale chasers in between expeditions to Antarctica between 1923 and 1933 while the Marine Farms are in full operation, producing some of the world’s finest Salmon and Mussels.
Rakiura Charters & Water Taxis also offer water taxi transfers over to Ulva Island one of New Zealand’s most accessible predator-free islands. From here you could enjoy some of Rakiura’s most secluded beach fronts, such as Sydney Cove. If a day at the beach is not for you; Ulva Island offers several different walking tracks where you have the chance to meet the curious local wildlife. Our recommendation is for 1.5 to 2 hours on Ulva Island, however, if you are an avid bird watcher do let us know because you might like to extend your time to 3 hours.
If you’d prefer to explore by road, or possibly you’d like a land-based tour as well then add on the Classic Stewart Island Tour in partnership with Aurora Cab Company. Enjoy a 1.5-hour personal tour of Stewart Island, an exclusive experience filled with local knowledge and enjoyed at your own pace. See all of the main sights in and around Oban, head out as far as Lee Bay and the start of the Rakiura National Park, check out the Observation Rock Lookout and Ackers Point Historic Stone House. Perfect for those who would like a concise yet thorough introduction to what Stewart Island has to offer. The cost listed is per car, a maximum of 4 passengers.
If you aren’t interested in a guided tour, fully immerse yourself in this little piece of paradise and simply explore the Oban township and its beautiful coastal walking tracks and stunning lookout points.
However you spend your time in this special destination; our top tip is to treat yourself to some lunch at Kai Kart, famous for their fish & chips.
Fly:
After a day of exploring it is time to board your plane to marvel at the beautiful scenery as we head back to Queenstown.
Fly with us today and enjoy the real ‘island life’ adventure on New Zealand’s third-largest island.
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Destination
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Departure
Queenstown Airport -
Dress Code
Warm Clothing Recommended due to changeable nature of Alpine Weather. -
Included
Airport TransfersScenic Flight -
Not Included
15 minute helicopter scenic flight4x4 TourAccommodationAccommodation Pickup and dropoffAll MealsAlpine LandingAttractionBarossa ValleyBeach LandingBoat TourBreakfastBreakfast or LunchBungle BunglesCable Car TripCape LevequeCoach TourCygnet BayDinnerDolphin DiscoveryFerry TripFull day Bus TourGlacier LandingGreat Barrier ReefHeart ReefHelicopter FlightHiking TourHorizontal FallsJet Boat TourKakadu National ParkKata Tjuta (The Olgas)Katherine GorgeKayak TourKings CanyonLunchLunch (Full day only)Mount MaunganuiMt ConnerNo Booking or Credit Card FeesOptional Helicopter Flight (extra cost)Optional Lunch Stop (extra cost)Optional Winery Lunch (extra cost)Orakei KorakoPort Arthur Harbour CruiseRail TourRefreshmentsRod and TackleSnacksUluru/Ayers RockVolcano LandingWater and soft drinksWhale WatchingWhitehaven Beach
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Tour Location
Queenstown Airport Terminal, Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton, Queenstown
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Where do I catch my flight?
Complimentary airport transfers are included in your tour, however if you wish to drive yourself, checkin is located in the main terminal building of Queenstown Airport opposite the baggage claim carousel.
What if bad weather cancels our flight?
Our flights are weather dependent as we fly under visual flying rules (VFR). Pilots will conduct a thorough weather check 1 hour before each flight. If we cannot fly due to adverse weather conditions we will attempt to reschedule depending on the customers' schedule and flight availability. If we cannot reschedule, you will receive a 100% refund.
What should we bring?
Some essentials we suggest bringing with you on your tour:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray
- Camera with charge & memory
- Warm clothing layers
- Sensible foot wear
- Bottle of water
Our flights are not affected by the use of Mobile phones and are permitted on board. However, phones cannot be used whilst on the airfield with active aircraft around you. There is no phone signal in Milford Sound, phone calls will be unsuccessful after leaving Queenstown.
Do you offer a pick up from my accomodation?
Yes, We offer complimentary pick ups from various locations close to all central Queenstown Accommodation. Pick ups begin approximately 50mins before departure time. For a full pick up list please see the drop down list, when selecting your product, on the booking page.
I am self-driving to the Airport, where should I park?
There is paid parking in Car Park A at Queenstown Airport.
I am having trouble booking on the website, what should I do?
Please email us at info@scenicflightbooker.com and we will be able to help you complete your booking. If you’re booking a trip due to start within 24 hours please call us on 0800-951251 and a member of our reservations team will be glad to help.
Can the flights accommodate infants or toddlers?
- Children aged up to and including 2 years can travel for free if sitting on an adults lap. They must weight 15kg or less.
- We provide lap belt extenders, infant life jackets and ear defenders to help keep our young passengers comfortable.
- Children aged between 3-14 years are eligible for the child rate.
- Strollers/Pushchairs may be accommodated for. Please email us at info@scenicflightbooker.com with the approximate dimensions and weight and we can confirm if it will fit in our aircraft.
Are your prices in New Zealand Dollars? Do the prices include GST?
Yes, our prices are in New Zealand dollar and include all taxes and charges.
Do you cater for customers with disabilities?
We want everybody to experience our flights and will do our absolute best to cater for people who have disabilities. Safety is our top priority, so if we think that we would be able to give you the appropriate assistance that you need in the event of an emergency we would love to have you fly with us. If you do have a disability we just ask that you call us before booking your flight to discuss your needs.