Queen Charlotte Water & Wilderness Scenic Flight from Picton
Difficulty
easy
Duration
75 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for people of average mobility; only brief walking on sand at the beach stop.
Overview
A 75-minute light-aircraft circuit over Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds with a short beach landing in the Outer Sounds. Expect narrated geology, wildlife spotting, and a dramatic perspective on Marlborough’s drowned valleys.
Queen Charlotte Water & Wilderness Scenic Flight from Picton
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On a gray-pressed morning the twin-wing light aircraft shudders, taxis, and lifts off from Koromiko — the hangar a last human punctuation before the Marlborough Sounds swell into view. From the window the coastline unspools: fingers of water claim valleys carved by ice and sea, forested ridges stand like old cartographers’ lines, and the channels narrow into places that tides dare to boil.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a secure camera strap
Window shots require steady hands and a tether — lenses and phones can slip on bumps during takeoff and landing.
Dress in layers and windproofs
The aircraft is open to drafts and the beach stop can be much cooler than Picton, so a windproof mid-layer is crucial.
Arrive with weight info ready
Small aircraft reduce and redistribute loads; provide accurate passenger weights when booking to avoid delays.
Be camera-ready for the beach stop
The landing window is roughly 20 minutes — plan footwear and one bag so you can move quickly and enjoy shore time.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Tuatara (on Takapourewa/Stephens Island)
- Seabirds such as shearwaters and shags
History
Marlborough Sounds are drowned river valleys shaped by glaciation and sea-level change; Māori used these sheltered waters for seasonal food gathering and travel.
Conservation
Several islands in the Sounds are predator-free sanctuaries with active conservation projects; visitors are asked to minimise biosecurity risks and stay to marked areas during landings.
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Adventure Hotspots in Picton
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windproof jacket
Blocks draft in the aircraft and keeps you warm during the short beach visit.
Camera with zoom lens
A 70–200mm or equivalent helps capture distant wildlife and coastal details from altitude.
Polarized sunglasses
Cuts glare on sunny days and improves visibility over bright water.
summer specific
Sturdy, quick-dry shoes
Useful for the sandy, sometimes pebbly beach stop and any quick walks ashore.