Plan Your Visit: Access Guide
At Air Milford, we believe the wonder of flight and the beauty of New Zealand’s landscapes should be experienced by everyone.
Every guest has different access requirements, and we’re here to help you plan an experience that is safe, comfortable and enjoyable. This guide explains what to expect before you travel and the support available throughout your journey. If you have any questions, our friendly team is always happy to help.
At a Glance
✓ Complimentary return transfers available from most Queenstown accommodation
✓ Free parking directly outside our base
✓ Step-free access to reception
✓ Accessible toilet at our Queenstown base
✓ IBEX ParaID Chair available for boarding assistance
✓ Manual wheelchairs can be accommodated with prior arrangement
X Power assisted wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on our aircraft
✓ Loan manual wheelchair available in Milford Sound (subject to prior arrangement)
✓ Written day-plan outline and in-flight/cruise commentary apps available for hearing or communication needs
Please contact us before booking so we can discuss your access requirements
Before You Book
We encourage you to contact us before booking if you have any access requirements or would like to discuss your individual needs. By understanding your requirements in advance, we can plan the appropriate support and help ensure your experience is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
To help us prepare, we may ask about:
- Whether you’ll be travelling with a support person or companion.
- Any access requirements that may affect your experience or the assistance you require.
- Your preferred way to communicate with us, particularly if you have vision, hearing or communication requirements.
- The size and type of any wheelchair or mobility equipment you’ll be bringing, so we can plan transport and storage arrangements.
Please note: Manual wheelchairs can be carried on board with prior arrangement. However, powered wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on our aircraft.
If your mobility equipment cannot travel with you, we’ll discuss suitable alternatives before your flight, including the availability of a loan manual wheelchair in Milford Sound.
If you’d like extra peace of mind before your flight, we’re happy to arrange a visit to our Queenstown base prior to your travel date. This gives you the opportunity to meet our team, view the aircraft and discuss the boarding process before the day of your flight.
Explore Before You Arrive
Explore our facilities using these 360° virtual tours:
Also viewable on the Access.ive website.
Getting Here
Air Milford is located at 3 Tex Smith Lane, Queenstown Airport, approximately 10 minutes from central Queenstown.
Complimentary return transfers are available from most Queenstown accommodation providers. If you have access requirements, please let us know when booking so we can arrange the most suitable transport.
Free customer parking is available directly outside our hangar, with a short, mostly flat walk over sealed and gravel surfaces to reception.
At Our Queenstown Base
Our reception has step-free access from the car park. When you arrive, our team will welcome you, check you in, explain your itinerary and answer any questions before your flight.
Boarding the Aircraft
If you require additional boarding assistance, our experienced team will guide you through each step of the boarding process.
Boarding the aircraft involves a short flight of stairs leading to the rear entry door. We can assist passengers using manual wheelchairs and also have an IBEX ParaID Chair (stair-climber) available to provide additional support when boarding and disembarking.
Once on board, your manual wheelchair will be safely stored in the aircraft hold and travel with you to Milford Sound.
During Your Flight
Your scenic flight to Milford Sound takes approximately 40 minutes each way. Individual headsets are provided so you can enjoy your pilot’s commentary while taking in New Zealand’s spectacular alpine scenery.
If you’re travelling on our Fly–Cruise–Fly experience, your pilot will escort you between the aircraft and your Southern Discoveries cruise, ensuring your journey is smooth and well coordinated.
A loan manual wheelchair can be arranged in Milford Sound with prior notice if required.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about your visit or would like to discuss your access requirements before booking, we’d love to hear from you.
Our team is happy to answer your questions, talk through your options and help you decide whether our experience is the right fit for you.
Phone: +64 3 442 2351
Email: info@airmilford.co.nz
This Access Guide has been developed using the Adapting Aotearoa framework to provide clear, practical information that helps visitors plan their experience with confidence.
Air Milford is proud to support inclusive tourism in Aotearoa and is featured on the Access.ive directory, developed by Makingtrax.