Grand Pacific Tours 15 Day Classic Warbirds over Wanaka

On arrival into Wellington you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views. This afternoon board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton where you board your coach for the short journey to Blenheim.

This morning visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to one of the largest private collections of WW1 Aircraft, brought to life in sets created by the internationally acclaimed Wingnut Films and Weta Workshop. Tour through Marlborough Country, famous for its food & wine, then travel to the seaside village of Kaikoura. Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch for a city tour on arrival.

This morning board the TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at Franz Josef where time is  available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
*Please be aware, there are some departure dates where the train may not be available due to schedule changes outside of Grand Pacific's control. If this occurs, your journey through the incredible Arthur's Pass will continue onboard your coach. Chat to a consultant to check the current schedule for your preferred departure.

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to Fox Glacier. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Today you have the choice of either a free day in Queenstown or travelling to Wanaka for the opening day of the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow.  No flying will occur today, however there may be some practice happening overhead. On the ground check out the static displays which include classic cars and Warhorses (military vehicles), sport aircraft, and aviation trade stands. This is also the opportunity to taste wine and food from the Central Otago region.

Travel to Wanaka over the next two days where Wanaka Airport will become your home as you are entertained by the world's best display pilots flying aircraft overhead. Your ticket will gain you access to the Gold Pass Enclosure. Enjoy the ultimate in airshow luxury as you will be situated on the flight line with grandstand seating and a plush marquee where you can relax in comfort and watch the show from the best seats in the house.

On the final day, all eyes will be in the air as you watch some of the world’s most iconic Warbird aircraft plus modern military machines, aerobatics, sport aircraft and so much more. The aerial action is backed by world-class pyrotechnics when the Airfield is defended by the fighters from an attack by enemy aircraft. The show culminates in a massed Fighter flypast, a sight not to be missed!

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. This innovative museum is heavily involved in the protection of the historic buildings scattered around town. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available, you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm caves (optional).

Travel today to Mandeville Airfield to visit the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre where the aircraft is mostly from the 1920s and 30s including the largest collection of de Havilland aircraft in the southern hemisphere. Travel via Gore to Invercargill, New Zealand's southernmost city. This afternoon a guided tour is included of the Bill Richardson Transport world, an amazing private collection housed in a purpose built Art Deco building.  Displays include vintage trucks, rare classic cars, petrol pumps as well as an ever-growing showcase of Wearable Arts.

A trip to Invercargill wouldn't be complete without a visit to see some of the memorabilia of the legendary Burt Munro, Speed Bike Racer, as depicted in the movie "The World's Fastest Indian". Continue through the remarkable region of the Catlins, where lush rainforest spills onto brilliant beaches.  Visit the spectacular triple tiered cascading waterfall at Purakauni and enjoy a picnic lunch. Continue to Nugget Point where there are opportunities to see wildlife as you walk to view the lighthouse with spectacular views.

This morning travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Return to Dunedin for a city tour followed by some free time. Optional activities you might be interested in, include the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

Depart Dunedin and travel through Oamaru, famous for its Limestone. Arrive into Christchurch and visit the Air Force Museum of New Zealand for a 'behind the scenes' tour which showcases the restoration projects in action and provides a rare opportunity to climb inside a Bristol Freighter aircraft. This evening enjoy dinner with your new friends.

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.