Glenorchy Air – Epic Stewart Island Fly Explore Day Adventure

From $769.00 NZD Per Adult

Fly over The Remarkables and Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island, where you’ll spend a self-guided day exploring untouched beaches, forests, and birdlife.

The experience

Discover the untouched natural beauty of New Zealand’s southernmost destination with the Stewart Island Fly Explore adventure from Glenorchy Air. This exhilarating fly-in, fly-out package offers the perfect mix of freedom, nature, and scenic wonders — all at your own pace.

Your day begins with a breathtaking scenic flight from Queenstown. Soar over the iconic Remarkables mountain range, tracing the meandering Oreti River and crossing New Zealand’s rich southern farmland. As you approach the coast, dramatic views of Foveaux Strait, Dog Island, and Ruapuki Island unfold beneath you.

Touch down at Ryan’s Creek Airstrip, perched high above the quaint Oban township, where your Stewart Island adventure truly begins. The best part? You get to explore entirely on your own terms.

Stewart Island Fly Explore is a self-guided experience, giving you total freedom to choose how your day unfolds. Fancy a relaxed stroll along the beach? Or maybe you’d prefer to venture into the lush native forests in search of rare birdlife, including the elusive kiwi in its natural habitat.

You could spend hours birdwatching or simply unwind in the peaceful, uncrowded town of Oban with a coffee and fresh seafood lunch. There’s no itinerary here — just pure island life at your pace.

Nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers alike will find plenty to fill the day.

When it’s time to leave, head back to Ryan’s Creek Airstrip for a final scenic flight to Queenstown. The return leg offers more stunning aerial views over the rugged southern coastline, the vast Southland plains, and towering mountain ranges.

Important details:

  • Return scenic flights with Glenorchy Air

  • Self-guided day on Stewart Island

  • Scenic highlights: The Remarkables, Oreti River, Foveaux Strait

  • Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor adventurers

  • Operated by Glenorchy Air

The Stewart Island Fly Explore package is the perfect escape for travelers wanting a flexible, immersive New Zealand experience. Ditch the crowds, skip the tour groups, and discover one of the country’s most unspoiled destinations on your terms.

The highlights

The details

Duration
Duration: Full Day
TIME OF TOUR: 9 AM
Exploration Time : 5 HRS
Check In
Check In closes 30 minutes prior to departure time.
Location: Queenstown Airport, Terminal Building Sir Henry Wigley Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300
Transport
Central Queenstown Pick Up.
Additional Inclusions
N/A

The restrictions

Physical
Please note that this adventure involves walking on and off the aircraft as well as exploring Stewart Island on foot. You should be comfortable with moderate walking and able to navigate uneven terrain.
Accessibility
All air operators are required by law to take into consideration where they seat passengers with disabilities, and whether passengers seated near emergency exits are able to assist with emergency evacuation if required. Where a passenger is able to physically assist in their own evacuation in the case of an emergency, with prior notification, we can make arrangements for them and their wheelchair to be carried on board our aircraft. We have found that where a passenger can stand with assistance, we can safely help them to negotiate the aircraft steps and seat them clear of the exits.
Carriage of passengers with a limited mobility in sightseeing aircraft presents unique challenges for both passengers and staff, and therefore please accept our sincerest apologies but it would be unlikely we are able to have you fly with us. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your circumstances and we can advise on an individual basis.
Unfortunately, not all the operators who we organise the Milford Sound Cruises with are not wheelchair friendly.
Pregnancy & Babies
This activity is suitable for pregnant women, offering a gentle self-guided experience on Stewart Island.
Children
Our child ages are 3-14 and infant age is inclusive of 2 years.

The common questions

Cameras are recommended, but carried at your own risk.
Dress for the weather – comfortable clothes, closed toe shoes are a must.
Bring a small bag to keep your belongings with you.
Weather checks are made 1 HR before your departure time.
Our standard cancellation policy of written notice 48 hours prior for full refund applies for this activity. For more information please refer to our terms and conditions.

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