15 Day Classic Warbirds Over Wanaka Tour

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 Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. 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 a fascinating guided tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre will transport you from WWI to WWII featuring an extensive collection of aircraft belonging to Sir Peter Jackson. Tour through the Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine, then travel to the seaside village of Kaikōura. Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch for a city tour on arrival.

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as 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 continuing to Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south 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 some practice will be happening overhead. On the ground check out the static displays which include classic cars and Warhorses (military vehicles), sport aircraft 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!

This morning travel to Arrowtown, best known for its spectacular autumn colours. Visit the Lakes District Museum a treasure trove of stories and exhibits about the exciting mining era of the late 1800s. Continue to Te Anau, 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 onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available.

Today travel to Mandeville Airfield to visit the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre where the aircraft is mostly from the 1920s and 1930s 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.

Travel along the beautiful Otago Harbour viewing many scenic highlights. At Larnach Castle enjoy a guided tour and hear the tragic and scandalous history which is followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea in the Ballroom. Return to the city for an orientation city tour followed by time at leisure. Later visit Speight’s Brewery, a Dunedin icon, for an interactive tour through this working brewery. The tasting session will be followed by a delicious dinner at the Ale House Restaurant.

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 found friends.

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