Grand Pacific 11 Day Ultimate Warbirds Over Wanaka Tour

On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions.

Staying in Hotel Sudima Christchurch City

• Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The Luxe rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax.

Wanaka Warbirds is the highlight of this 11-day ultimate tour.  Travel in luxury as you weave your way around New Zealand's stunning South Island.

Enjoy a city sights tour of Christchurch before arriving at 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 through the southern Canterbury Plains, home to Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue, before arriving at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, time and weather permitting) over the Southern Alps.

Staying in Hotel The Hermitage Hotel (Aoraki Wing)

• Nestled in the beautiful Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, The Hermitage Hotel is the perfect base for your next adventure surrounded by breath-taking glaciers, terminal lakes, turbulent rivers and Australasia's tallest peak, the mighty Aoraki Mt Cook soaring above at 3,724 metres. The iconic Hermitage Hotel is home to a selection of restaurants and bars and contains 164 rooms all with ensuites, complimentary wireless internet and much more.    

Depart Mt Cook and travel through the Mackenzie Basin which links to the dramatic Lindis Pass. You can expect to see snow-capped mountains and a landscape dominated by tussock grassland as you make your way to Queenstown, a year-round resort, situation on magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants in town.

Staying in Hotel Heritage Queenstown (4 nights)

• Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless.

  The vistas from Heritage Queenstown are awe-inspiring - soak in the view of the towering Remarkables mountain range, rising from the rippling waters of Lake Wakatipu from the comfort of the hotel. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax.

  Our spacious, beautifully appointed Queenstown hotel rooms cater for all with rooms and suites taking in a variety of views of either the surrounding forest and towering mountains or the majestic Lake Wakatipu, surely one of the most beautiful views to be found in Queenstown, New Zealand.

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.

Staying in Hotel Heritage Queenstown

• Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless.

  The vistas from Heritage Queenstown are awe-inspiring - soak in the view of the towering Remarkables mountain range, rising from the rippling waters of Lake Wakatipu from the comfort of the hotel. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax.

  Our spacious, beautifully appointed Queenstown hotel rooms cater for all with rooms and suites taking in a variety of views of either the surrounding forest and towering mountains or the majestic Lake Wakatipu, surely one of the most beautiful views to be found in Queenstown, New Zealand.

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.

Staying in Hotel Heritage Queenstown

• Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless.

  The vistas from Heritage Queenstown are awe-inspiring - soak in the view of the towering Remarkables mountain range, rising from the rippling waters of Lake Wakatipu from the comfort of the hotel. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax.

  Our spacious, beautifully appointed Queenstown hotel rooms cater for all with rooms and suites taking in a variety of views of either the surrounding forest and towering mountains or the majestic Lake Wakatipu, surely one of the most beautiful views to be found in Queenstown, New Zealand.

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!

Staying in Hotel Heritage Queenstown

• Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless.

  The vistas from Heritage Queenstown are awe-inspiring - soak in the view of the towering Remarkables mountain range, rising from the rippling waters of Lake Wakatipu from the comfort of the hotel. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax.

  Our spacious, beautifully appointed Queenstown hotel rooms cater for all with rooms and suites taking in a variety of views of either the surrounding forest and towering mountains or the majestic Lake Wakatipu, surely one of the most beautiful views to be found in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village. Visit the Lakes District Museum, which contains a treasure trove of stories and exhibits depicting the exciting mining era of the late 1800s. Continue 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 to the township of Franz Josef. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional. weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel.

Staying in Hotel Te Waonui Forest Retreat

• Te Waonui Forest Retreat is truly luxurious and can be found in an area of native rainforest which has been carefully preserved. All the guest room balconies look out into the rainforest, which contains mature trees up to 20m high. Guests get a real sense of seclusion and privacy during their stay. Lavishly appointed guest rooms, generously proportioned and featuring the highest standard of room amenities, such as your own personal pillow menu, natural wool mattress underlay and high-speed Internet access. 

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to 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. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, your Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Staying in Hotel Sudima Christchurch City

• Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The Luxe rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax.

Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura. Enjoy spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food & wine. This afternoon visit Cloudy Bay Estate, established in 1985 and one of the original wineries in the region. Enjoy a personalised tasting experience followed by time to wander through the superb, manicured grounds and towering gum trees, which will surely be a highlight.

Staying in Hotel Chateau Marlborough

• The Chateau Marlborough Hotel has been 100% locally owned and operated since the 1980's, with an amazing team here to welcome you to the only 5 star hotel at the top of the South Island. Chateau Marlborough is the perfect base for exploring this amazing region.

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. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.

Staying in Hotel InterContinental Wellington (Premium Room)

• Adjacent to Wellington’s waterfront, InterContinental Wellington is the most centrally located and experienced global five-star hotel in New Zealand’s capital city. It is the seamless and personal service of the team that makes your Wellington accommodation and travel experience truly memorable. Staying in the sophisticated styling of a Premium Guest Room you will enjoy an enriching stay featuring walk-in showers, with handheld and rain shower heads, digital lighting controls and much more. Feel rejuvenated in the morning after a tranquil night’s sleep on your king bed inspired to uncover the New Zealand capital.

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