Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island

This fully escorted 13-day tour gives you access to the outstanding beauty of New Zealand's South Island, the incredible Warbirds over Wanaka and much more. 

Arrive into Christchurch where 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.

Depart Christchurch and travel to 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. Travel south to Oamaru, famous for its Limestone before arriving into Dunedin for an informative city tour. 

This morning travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by delicious Devonshire Tea. Return to Dunedin for an orientation city tour followed by some free time. Optional activities you might be interested in, include the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Later, visit Speight's Brewery, a Dunedin icon, for an informative and interactive tour through this working brewery. The tasting session will be followed by a delicious dinner at the Ale House restaurant.

Today travel south through the Catlins. Enjoy a walk into Nugget Point and view the various wildlife before continuing to Purakaunui for a walk into the falls with time to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch. Later continue to Invercargill, home of the legendary Burt Munro, Speed Bike Racer as depicted in the movie ‘The World’s Fastest Indian’ to view some of his memorabilia.

This morning visit the Bill Richardson Transport Museum for a tour of this amazing private collection. Housed in a purpose built Art Deco building you will be immersed back to the 19th century. Displays include vintage trucks, rare classic cars, petrol pumps as well as an ever growing showcase of wearable arts. Travel via Gore to Mandeville Airfield to visit the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre where aircraft is mostly from the 1920s and 1930s including the largest collection of de Havilland aircraft in the southern hemisphere. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland.

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 a picnic lunch. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. This evening you may like to visit the Fiordland Cinema, specially constructed to screen the locally filmed movie Ata Whenua - Shadowland which will take you on an unforgettable journey. (optional).

Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Queenstown, a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants in town.

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 some practice will be happening overhead. On the ground check out the static displays which include classic cars and Warhorses (military vehicles), sport aircraft, stationary engines, WOWMart (used aircraft parts for sale), NASA, aviation training organisations and aviation trade stands. Taste wine and food from Central Otago, or use your voucher to visit the Warbirds and Wheels Museum, which showcases the story of Sir Tim Wallis, founder of the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow.

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!

Depart Queenstown and travel via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic helicopter flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers before continuing to Franz Josef.

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. This evening enjoy dinner with your new-found friends.
*Please be aware, there are some departure dates where the train may not be available due to covid-related 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.

After breakfast (included) your tour concludes this morning. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.