Fiordland Explorer Tour
Eight days. Milford Sound, beach landings, and the southern spirit of New Zealand.
Steeped in variety, this tour encompasses the southern spirit of New Zealand. From the moment we meet in Queenstown, your days will be filled with stunning scenery, clear airways and fantastic flying.
You will be based at Wanaka, a scenic town nestled at the foot of New Zealand's fourth largest lake. With easy access to the airfield plus a great variety of walks, vineyards, shops and restaurants, this location offers something for everyone.
From here you take day trips, with one night away in the coastal city of Dunedin. You unpack once and each day take only what you need. It also allows tremendous flexibility for weather within the itinerary.
Tour highlights
- Fly to world famous Milford Sound via Te Anau and the Milford Track
- Beach landing at Big Bay (tide permitting)
- Mt Aspiring, the 'Matterhorn of the South', flanked by glaciers
- Croydon Aircraft Company and vintage Tiger Moth option at Mandeville
- The untamed Catlins coastline to Dunedin
- Fully hosted: accommodation, dining, and all logistics handled
Your itinerary
Queenstown arrival and mountain flying introduction
You will be met by your personal host and instructor at Queenstown Airport. After your briefing, fly to Geordie Hill Station near Wanaka for morning coffee and hot scones to welcome you to the Flyinn experience. Today is your introduction to mountain flying, plus familiarisation with Wanaka Airport and the region. Toward the end of the day, transfer to Wanaka and settle into your apartment before a short scenic walk into town for your choice of dining.
Milford Sound and the Big Bay beach landing
Fly to world famous Milford Sound via Te Anau, the Wilmott Pass and the Milford Track. Spectacular deep fiords and rainforest run up onto weathered peaks, with waterfalls dropping hundreds of feet into the fiords below. Land at Milford Sound, walk to the Bowen Falls, then fly to Big Bay and land on the vast beach (tide permitting). Return to Wanaka via Aspiring National Park in the late afternoon light.
Croydon Aircraft Company, the Catlins coast, and Dunedin
Navigate a southern route via the Nevis or Kawarau river valleys, landing at the immaculately kept Mandeville Airfield to visit Croydon Aircraft Company, where vintage aircraft are restored. There is the option to fly a Tiger Moth here. Continue south over Southland to intersect the untamed Catlins coastline, tracking past cliffs, beaches and river mouths to Taieri Airfield and Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh of the South'. Dinner and drinks with your hosts included.
Glaciers, high country stations, and backcountry strips
The middle days of your tour explore the Southern Alps, braided rivers and high country sheep stations, with landings on grass strips most pilots only read about. Your guide adapts each day's flying to the weather, so every day delivers. A rest day is built in to enjoy Wanaka: walks, vineyards, golf, or simply the lake.
Final flight and farewell
A final morning flight over the region before returning to Queenstown, where your Flyinn adventure ends with memories, logbook entries and stories most pilots will never believe.
