Queen Charlotte Sounds scenic flight: Remote beach landing

You land on a remote beach that has no road access.

A scenic flight over Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds in the Marlborough District, with a 20-minute landing on a remote beach in the Outer Sounds where you step onto untouched wilderness. The tour runs about 75 minutes total and includes a live English-speaking guide and hotel pickup. Infants can travel on an adult's lap, and the flight suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic flight and wilderness stop

• Fly over Queen Charlotte Sound
• Pass by strong tidal rips
• View Tuatara habitat from air
• Stop at remote beach

The experience

Flying is the only way to see the full sweep of these three sounds in a single outing. The route takes in the Queen Charlotte walking track that runs along most of the sound, the Pelorus Sound tidal rips (some of the strongest in New Zealand), and Stephens Island, home to over 40,000 Tuatara that have survived since the dinosaur age. The plane lands on a remote beach in the Outer Sounds, where you have 20 minutes to walk the sand and soak in the isolation. There's no road to this beach, so the landing is the only way to reach it.

Hotel pickup is included, and your guide travels with you and speaks English throughout. The whole experience runs about 75 minutes from takeoff to landing back at the airfield. Infants ride on an adult's lap, and the flight is suitable for all fitness levels, so the physical demands are minimal. You're seated the entire time except for the beach stop.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup.
• live English-speaking guide.
• 20-minute landing on a remote beach in the Outer Sounds.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:15, 11:00 and 12:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Pelorus Air

Is this one for you?This is a shared flight with a live guide, so you're not piloting. You're seated and watching the landscape unfold below. It suits anyone with a free afternoon who wants to see all three sounds without spending a full day on the water, and the remote beach landing is the payoff for choosing air over a boat tour.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I bring my baby on the flight?

Infants are required to sit on an adult's lap during the flight. Small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed on board.

What exactly is Stephens Island and why is it special?

Stephens Island is home to over 40,000 Tuatara, prehistoric reptiles that have survived unchanged since the dinosaur age. You see it from the air as part of the flight route over the sounds.

How long is the stop on the remote beach?

The landing on the remote beach in the Outer Sounds lasts 20 minutes, giving you time to walk the sand and experience the wilderness before the flight returns.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup is included in the tour. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer to meet at the airfield.

What are the Pelorus Sound tidal rips?

The Pelorus Sound contains some of the strongest tidal rips in New Zealand. You see them from the air as part of the scenic route over the sounds.