Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Picton, New Zealand
- 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
An air tour is an ideal way to see the vast area of the Marlborough Sounds, much of which has no road access. Many visitors only see the relatively developed Queen Charlotte Sound, but on this tour by light aircraft you’ll fly above all four sounds. Be amazed by the views of mountains rising out of sunken river valleys, and even land at a remote, pristine beach in the outer sounds for 20 minutes.
- An easy way to appreciate the Marlborough Sounds landscapes
- Be amazed by the views of the sea, mountains, forest, and beaches
- Stretch your legs with a quick stop on an isolated beach
- A great tour for travelers short on time in this area
What's Included
- Landing by a remote beach in the Outer Sounds for 20 minutes
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.10:15 am
Itinerary
Queen Charlotte Track (Pass By)
French Pass (Pass By)
Stephens Island / Takapourewa (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Steven_P
This amazing flight was simply jaw dropping. Flying over the sounds was a photographer's dream. The landscape was amazing and the time spent in the sky allowed us to capture some great shots, with enough time to also just pause, soak up the views and see New Zealand at it's very best. Chris made the trip effortless with a pick up and drop off service from right outside the I Site centre, which is where the cruise shuttle buses drop people off. I will remember this trip for years to come. Thank you!
Reviews
5.0
based on 62 reviews
Monique_d, Apr 2026
A wonderful family run business! Views were amazing and definitely a must do in Picton of the Marlborough Sound.
viki_m, Mar 2026
This is an absolutely must do! Chris was friendly and knowledgeable throughout the flight. There were so many awe inspiring views and the perspective from above is so very different then what you see on the ground.
Steven_P, Mar 2026
This amazing flight was simply jaw dropping. Flying over the sounds was a photographer's dream. The landscape was amazing and the time spent in the sky allowed us to capture some great shots, with enough time to also just pause, soak up the views and see New Zealand at it's very best. Chris made the trip effortless with a pick up and drop off service from right outside the I Site centre, which is where the cruise shuttle buses drop people off. I will remember this trip for years to come. Thank you!
Nancy_M, Feb 2026
Great tour, spectacular scenery! Chris was fabulous too and worked us in early when weather was threatening.
Keith_B, Feb 2026
We had a fantastic flight. Richard was a great guy and very informative. We felt very safe with him. The scenery was stunning!! We were lucky enough to land near the beach and have time for photos. Highly recommend. Sally and Keith.
Anonymous, Jan 2026
It was the most amazing flight overlooking the beautiful scenery in Picton. We were in the air for about an hour and even landed on a grass airstrip that belonged in the family. The views were so beautiful
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We’re thrilled you enjoyed your scenic flight over Picton and the Marlborough Sounds, the views from above truly are spectacular. We really appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back again one day soon!
Susan_B, Dec 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed the flight over many incredible scenic areas. This is the best way to see and fully understand the topography of the region. The pilot was very knowledgable and we felt very comfortable at all times. The stop at the airstrip was amazing and we can absolutely recommend this trip.
Christiane_B, Dec 2025
Absolute amazing tour. Very well organized from start to finish. Got picked up in town, taken over to the plane that can seat 7 passengers and had the most gorgeous views as we flew over the sounds. Pilot provided commentary and we landed on the private beach. This tour is already a highlight of our trip and I would highly recommend it if you are visiting Picton!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed your scenic flight over the Marlborough Sounds and that the tour was a highlight of your trip. It’s great to know the pickup, commentary, and private beach landing all made your experience memorable. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Picton soon!
Ruth_S, Nov 2025
We were on a cruise ship and the pickup point in Picton was easy to find right next to the iSight tourist visitor centre which has free wifi.
Cliff, one of the owners was bang on time and picked us up in a minibus. He drove us to the airport which was 10 mins drive.
When we got there, Chris his son greeted us and was the pilot. He explained the route and timings and we set off.
The flight itself is really the best way to see Picton, just beautiful from the air to see all the sounds. You would not see that detail without the flight.
We landed part way on a grass clearing which was property they also owned and where they have a house. We also had the pleasure of meeting their dog, Suzy which was a highlight for my husband.
We had half an hour to enjoy the beautiful surroundings before heading back to the airport. Excellent, smooth take off and landings every time.
We think this is a must do tour for Picton and would do this again if we came back.
It takes about one and half hours. If you want to do other tours/ sites an early appointment might be good as some of the other places are a drive away.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your detailed and wonderful review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed your scenic flight over the Marlborough Sounds and that the pickup and transfer process made things easy. Cliff, Chris, and Suzie will be delighted to hear your kind words, it’s great to know they all helped make your experience memorable. We agree, seeing the Sounds from the air really gives a unique perspective on the stunning scenery, and we’d love to welcome you back for another flight if you return to Picton!
Karen_M, Nov 2025
Easily identified the van at the pick up location in front of the information center. Short ride to the field & then we were off. Flight was really nice; helped only 5 onboard. I sat in back so could easily see out both sides of the plane. Route took us over the sounds with spectacular views. Landed on private airstrip; family home of Pilot Chris. Chris was very informative & answered all our questions during the flight. Really enjoyed this tour.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted you enjoyed your scenic flight over Picton and the Marlborough Sounds, it’s such a spectacular way to see the region. We’re glad Chris made the experience informative and memorable, and that you loved landing on our family’s beach side airstrip. We really appreciate you joining us and hope to see you again soon!
Mary_R, Apr 2025
Plane is a 4 seater. Lots of opportunity for photos. We landed on a grass runway. Chris was an excellent pilot.
emily_d, Apr 2025
Fly over Picton and see the beautiful landscape for the air.
We were picked up in Picton near the welcome center and driven to a small airfield ten minutes away. The flight was amazing, but if you have ANY fear of small planes i would not recommend this.
We landed on a small landing field near a gorgeous beach & then flew back. The scenery is unforgettable and the pilot and his dad (Who drove us to the airfield) were personable and took safety first.
Do this if you love flying and seeing Picton from above.
alicia_p, Feb 2025
this is a small family run business. there are two brothers and one will pick you up and one will take you on the plane ride. narration was great. safety was a concern. we landed at a small runway strip out on a sound which their family actually owns. their father was a pilot. very peaceful. nice. highly recommend on time driving to and from cruise ship. pick up and drop off. definitely go. you will not be disappointed
Craig_M, Feb 2025
Really great views and amazing remote landing strip. Very skilled pilot and overall great organisation.
John_S, Feb 2025
The area is very beautiful to view from above. We were lucky to enjoy excellent flying weather and our pilot showed a high skill level landing at the remote grass strip. I recommend this excursion, strongly.
Preeti_m, Feb 2025
Picton’s Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour was EXCEPTIONAL and Gorgeous and Beautiful Scenery
Highlights included flying over 75 to 85 miles over Picton Marlborough Sounds
Stunning
Beautiful
Gorgeous
Breathtaking Views
Highest recommendation for Picton’s Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour
Charles_R, Feb 2025
Great flight experience. Get a bird's eye view of the sounds around Picton. Landing going uphill on a seaside grass strip and taking off downhill was a thrill. Thank you Chris for a great ride. It was well worth the price.
Carolyn_L, Feb 2025
A wonderful way to see the area from a different perspective. A fabulous experience highly recommended.
Judy_R, Jan 2025
Outstanding in every way. A very unique experience and the most beautiful and memorable views possible! Would highly recommend this.
Johanna_G, Dec 2024
This is a must do while visiting the Picton area! Wonderful, friendly family business with very talented and capable pilots offering unmatched views of the area. They picked us up and dropped us back off at our cruise ship shuttle and even went above and beyond- making an extra run back to the hangar for us without any strife when I forgot my purse on the plane.
Leanne_S, Dec 2024
Our tour with Chris was absolutely fabulous. The views were spectacular. Thank you for an amazing experience Chris, this tour is a must when visiting Picton. We highly recommend this experience.
skyler_c, Aug 2024
whole experience was amazing, pilot was super friendly and informative, views were amazing, definitely recommend doing this if youre spending even just a few hours in picton, best way to see the sounds for their full beauty, landing on a part of the remote area was an awesome experience
John_B, May 2024
Chris, our pilot was the best. We had so much fun and landing on the little grass strip next to a little beach was amazing. Gorgeous views over all the region when in the air. Would definitely do this again and highly recommend!
Kim_B, Apr 2024
This is a MUST DO when visiting Picton! Chris picked us up right on time at the pre-set location and drove us to the airfield. We boarded the plane and after the brief safety instructions we were off. The take-off was perfect and the views were breathtaking. Chris was great at telling us about the area. We landed at the beach location in awe of the landing strip and the sheer beauty of the rocky beach. We enjoyed exploring the beach area and even spotted a waterfall nearby. We re-boarded the plane and took off for our return flight to Picton.
SUSAN_W, Mar 2024
Picked up punctually and taken to airport. There followed one of the best experiences of my life. Beautiful scenery viewed from a unique perspective.
sbaldwin1, Mar 2024
Taking off and landing on the beach was fantastic. The views were beautiful and the whole trip was amazing. The pilot, Chris, was very competent and friendly and gave an informative narrative throughout the flight.
Betty_B, Mar 2024
We loved being able to see the sounds from the air. Colton picked us up and was very pleasant and informative. We were disappointed that we were not able to do the beach part of the trip because of the winds.
Nanette_R, Mar 2024
Seeing the sounds from up there in this plane was fantastic. Our pilot explained all the six of us were seeing during our flight, and we gained a love of this beautiful country and its people. We would recommend this experience to anyone.
Maura_S, Feb 2024
The tour is what we expected. An Ariel view of a beautiful country. Chris was our pilot great take off and landing. It’s a family business we like to support local businesses.
KATHY_M, Feb 2024
Wonderful flight, great views, smooth take off and landing. Super trip. Highly recommend it! Great weather too
From $178.91
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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