Grand Pacific Tours - 15 Day NZ Classic Warbirds Over Wanaka Itinerary

Welcome to Wellington

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand!

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.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Wellington - 1 Night

Accommodation:

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor Wellington

Wellington's iconic hotel, James Cook Grand Chancellor is situated right in the heart of the city. The friendly staff and excellent service will help make your stay in Wellington a memorable one. With well appointed rooms that all have high speed internet access, Sky TV, in house movie system, iron and board, full minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. They also offer Bodyhaven Spa Style Boutique and a complimentary in-house gymnasium.

Interislander Cruise to Marlborough

This morning, a highlight will be your visit to the 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. Afterward, reboard your coach for an extensive city tour. In the afternoon, board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait, and travel through the stunning Marlborough Sounds to Picton. From there, a short coach ride will take you to Blenheim.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Blenheim - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel - Marlborough

Scenic Hotel Marlborough is a Qualmark-rated 4.5-star modern and stylish property located in the heart of Marlborough Wine Country and is just 10 minutes walk from the centre of Blenheim. It is friendly and has a relaxed atmosphere here. Scenic Hotel Marlborough is a contemporary and stylish property located in the heart of sunny Marlborough. The result of a multi-million dollar upgrade, Scenic Hotel Marlborough offers guests the ultimate in modern comfort and service.

Blenheim - Christchurch

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Distinction Hotel Christchurch

The Distinction Hotel is a brand new hotel opening in 2019 in the revitalised heart of Christchurch and Cathedral Square. Centrally located and a short stroll to the Botanical Gardens, New Regent Street, the Arts Centre, and Avon River. This luxury Christchurch hotel offers 179 elegant, air-conditioned hotel rooms including 3 floors of brand new Superior Rooms and Suites.

TranzAlpine Train to Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef

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 glacier.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Te Waonui Forest Retreat - Franz Josef

Te Waonui is the only luxury property of its kind in the area. The retreat is nestled in the lush bush with views of the natural environment at almost every turn. Located in Franz Josef, the retreat offers easy access to the many natural wonders of the South West World Heritage Area. Mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, coastline, and native flora and fauna all lie in wait at the doorstep for visitors to admire and explore.

Franz Josef - Queenstown

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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Queenstown - 4 Nights

Accommodation:

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Millennium Hotel Queenstown is only minutes from Queenstown central shopping, entertainment and outdoor activities and offers a peaceful haven from the variety of activities in this lively city. With many guest rooms and suites to choose from the centre boasts a gym, sauna, spa, bar and restaurant, feature contemporary city-inspired designed. Many of our rooms also offer scenic views of the city and mountains, providing the perfect backdrop to your journey.

Queenstown at Leisure or Wanaka

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.

There is also the opportunity to taste wine and food from Central Otago.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Warbirds Over Wanaka

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Warbirds Over Wanaka

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!

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Queenstown - Te Anau

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. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

Distinction Luxmore Hotel - Te Anau

Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable newly refurbished accommodation within easy walking distance of the township, surrounded by all local services, this 4-star hotel welcomes guests with 2 restaurants, free parking, a fitness centre and free unlimited WiFi.

Magnificent Milford Sound Cruise

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. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Aviation Museum - Invercargill

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Invercargill - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Ascot Park Hotel Invercargil

The 4-star Ascot Park Hotel is 5 km from the city and less than 15 minutes’ drive from Invercargill Airport. Guests enjoy an on-site bar, a restaurant and 24/7 room service. All rooms include cable TV. The Ascot has a spa pool, sauna and a heated indoor swimming pool available for use by all guests. There are also conference facilities. A free shuttle service is provided into the town centre.

The Catlins & Dunedin

Your day begins with a visit to Classic Motorcycle Mecca, home to an impressive collection of over 300 classic bikes from around the globe. From there, journey through the stunning Catlins region, where lush rainforest meets dazzling beaches.

A visit to Curioscape located on picturesque Curio Bay will provide an interactive experience on the region followed by lunch. Next enjoy a visit to Purakaunui Falls, a magnificent triple-tiered waterfall, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. Along the way, take in the dramatic coastal scenery with plenty of opportunities to admire the views. Our journey continues to Dunedin, your home for the next 2-nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Southern Cross - Dunedin

The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is Dunedin's largest and most established hotel. Located in the heart of Dunedin, this hotel has been extensively refurbished and now provides guests with modern style, exquisite quality, convenience and exceptional service. Your every comfort is well provided for, with 178 attractive rooms and suites, extensive hotel facilities.

Dunedin

This morning embark on a city tour of Dunedin taking in the key sights. Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales which make up the castle’s history. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. This afternoon is free for optional activities. This evening is also free to dine at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast

Christchurch via Oamaru - Cloned

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation:

Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport

Located just two minutes from Christchurch International Airport this hotel offers the ideal place to rest and rejuvenate. Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool or relax with your favourite drink in the Lobby Bar.All rooms offer en suite bathroom, tea & coffee making facilities, direct dial phone, high speed internet access, Flat screen TV, including Sky TV and CNN, safety deposit boxes, refrigerator, 24 hour reception and room service.

Farewell Christchurch

Your holiday concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We hope you enjoyed your holiday and our promise to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a plenty of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon.

Meals: Breakfast

Itinerary Variations:
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.

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What Elizabeth says about this tour: This is an exciting chance to visit one of the most spectacular settings anywhere for the renowned airshow Warbirds over Wanaka. The carnival atmosphere is brought to life and Grand Pacific have all the insider contacts to make this trip one of their best. Hoping to see this trip return in 2023.

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