Loved the trip across the strait - low enough to be able to see things and the approach to Stewart... read more
Loved the trip across the strait - low enough to be able to see things and the approach to Stewart... read more
We had booked to do a day trip on Stewart Island with a couple of extra tours in March 2024... read more
Stewart Island Air organised a full day tour for us including flights to and from Invercargill, guided tour of Stewart Island and a trip to Ulva Island for a walking tour looking at the incredible scenery and bird life Scary little planes but pilots were sensational including an extra flight over Stewart Island to see more from the air
We flew from Oban to Mason Bay. The entire experience was great more than transport , it was an experience in itself. The Airstrip at Oban is functional - you are driven down the airstrip in a van to meet the plane . The flight to Mason Bay was short, the pilot showed us some scenery including flying over the track where we were to walk our return journey. Great views and a thrill to land on the amazing beach at Mason Bay.
Although the finishing touches are still being carried out, Invercargill Airport is a gem. Currently work is focusing on the new baggage handling area but most is finished. For a small provincial airport the facilities are second to none: check in, lovely restaurant and impressive toilets!
I booked a round trip flight from Invercargill to Stewart Island. The flight to the Island was aborted due to fog and then revised after turning around and flying back. While that was exciting it was a warning that planes without instrumentation cannot land on small airstrips.
The day before we were to go back the flights were delayed. I asked what happens if a flight is canceled. The answer is that they will book you on the ferry. This is good except that there are only three ferries, 8AM, 3 PM and 5 PM. I had a flight leaving Invercargill at 3 and a flight from Stewart Island at 1:30. If the fligit I delayed or canceled they will put you on the next ferry, which is 3. This of course means you miss the flight to Auckland. So if you are going to make this trip you best buy the flexi fare, which are the more expensive. We had not so we purchased ferry tickets on the 8 AM boat to ensure we would be able to fly out. Not the best method at it was quite expensive. Stewart island flights do not reimburse.
This is real flying. Plane only holds 8, twin propeller engines.
Loved it
I flew to Mason's Bay and we landed on the beach / totally awesome!
We booked the flight instead of the ferry as it is much quicker, gives aerial views and is not far out in price.
It was a great experience flying over.
A bit of fun that they weigh the passengers as well as the luggage - but you can tell why when you consider the size of the plane.
We left our heavy luggage in their store at Invercargill.
On the way back, unfortunately, the weather was too bad to fly, so we were transferred to the ferry. Didn't really mind as we were not in a hurry and it gave us the experience of both routes.
However, the problem arose with the luggage left in Invercargill.
We were, of course, a lot later than we would have been by plane and, despite being told there would be someone there, everyone had gone home. Not ideal. Someone else in the group of passengers had even been picking up a rental car key from them - so couldn't.
Fortunately a different pilot with the company happened to come in and was able to sort us out - but that was by luck, not design.
I hope they have now sorted things out so this doesn't happen again - but just bear this possibility in mind when you leave things in their office.