Tour Type: Special Interest Tour
Duration: 13 Days
Tour Starts In: Christchurch
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
Operator: Kirra Tours |
from NZ $ pp
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13 Day Premier Warbirds Tour Touring Route:
Tour Highlights:
2012 Warbirds over Wanaka International Airshow
 For 3 days over Easter, Lake Wanaka will become centre stage for an extravaganza of aerial action never seen before in New Zealand. Warbirds Over Wanaka celebrates mankind’s achievements over the past 100 years or more in a number of fields, principally aviation in peace and in war. Read More>
3 Day Warbirds over Wanaka Gold Pass
The 3 Day Gold Pass provides the best seating at the Airshow in a grandstand. Located directly in front of the runway, seats are elevated for uninterrupted views of the entire Airshow. The 'Gold Pass' hospitality area, situated behind the grandstand, offers a selection of great food, wine, spirits and beer for purchase, facilities, plus closed circuit television to watch the Airshow whilst partaking in local specialties. Read More>
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Day
1 |
Arrive Christchurch
A tour representative will be on hand to meet you at the Airport and arrange transportation to your hotel. Stay: Pavilions Hotel, Christchurch |
Day
2 |
Christchurch - Greymouth - Fox Glacier
This morning take the world famous Tranz Alpine Rail Journey. Travel over the broad Canterbury Plains, follow the rugged Waimakariri river valley through a tunnel beneath the mountains between Arthurs Pass and Otira, passing dense beech forests and tranquil lakes. In Greymouth, stop for lunch and take time to visit the Greenstone (Jade) factory where craftsmen cut and polish giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Your coach and coach captain will be waiting to continue the drive south to the magnificent Glacier region. Explore the township or take an optional Glacier Walk to the Glacier's terminal face. Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier |
Day
3 |
Franz Josef – Wanaka
Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka a choice of two afternoon activities, a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Alternatively a picturesque walk along a track beside the Clutha River as it flows from Lake Wanaka to a picnic spot. Enjoy light refreshments and a thrilling jet boat excursion on the river tailored to suit - full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between. Stay: Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort (4 nights) |
Day
4 |
Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show
The Airshow commences with a world aviation trade expo and market open to the public. From flying helmets, aviation books to avionics and GIS, over 60 trade sites will tempt you with a full range of products. Market stalls provide a great shopping opportunity and official merchandise is available from the several locations. Overhead aircraft practice for the forthcoming weekend show. |
Day
5 |
Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show
Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow starts today. Gates open on 7.30am and flying begins at 10.00am. Be prepared for the non stop action with civil aircraft, helicopters, Warbirds, RNZAF, trade displays, Military vehicles, vintage machinery, Classic fire engines and much more. To top off the event make sure you don't miss the spectacular airfield attack finale at 4.00pm. The finale will have you feeling the heat from huge fireballs as the fanatical and fun-loving pyrotechnics team create scenes reminiscent of a full-on action movie, and military vehicles and personnel re-enact wartime skirmishes metres from the crowd. |
Day
6 |
Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show
Gates open on 7.30am and flying begins at 10.00am. Be prepared for the non stop action with civil aircraft, helicopters, Warbirds, RNZAF, trade displays, Military vehicles, vintage machinery, Classic fire engines and much more. To top off the event make sure you don't miss the spectacular airfield attack finale at 4.00pm. The finale will have you feeling the heat from huge fireballs as the fanatical and fun-loving pyrotechnics team create scenes reminiscent of a full-on action movie, and military vehicles and personnel re-enact wartime skirmishes metres from the crowd. |
Day
7 |
Wanaka - Arrowtown - Queenstown
Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era. Cross the Kawarau Gorge before reaching the popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular locations at the Skyline Restaurant where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed. Stay: Rydges Hotel (2 nights) |
Day
8 |
Queenstown
Today is a full day to explore the many delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Your coach captain will happily advise on the many optional sightseeing and recreational activities available to you. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or cruise across the lake aboard the steamship TSS Earnslaw, to the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak Sheep Station. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries - the choice is yours. |
Day
9 |
Queenstown- Doubtful Sound
Cross fertile farmlands into Fiordland to Lake Te Anau. Continue to Lake Manapouri to cruise across to Wilbur Pass and into Doubtful Sound. Board the Navigator for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. Stay: Fiordland Navigator (D/B) |
Day
10 |
Doubtful Sound - Dunedin
Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside as we travel through Mossburn and Lumsden to reach Mandeville. A visit to Croydon Aircraft Company at the old Mandeville airfield, where they restore and repair vintage planes, like the Tiger Moths. Some of the aircraft which may be on display are the DHC1 “Chipmunk” DH80A “Puss Moth”, DH82A “Tiger Moth”, DH85 “Leopard Moth”, DH87B “Hornet Moth”DH94 “Moth Minor” Simmonds Spartan. Lush green countryside now gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the “Edinburgh of the South”. This evening prior to dinner, you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift. Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City |
Day
11 |
Dunedin- Omarama
Visit Olveston House, Dunedin’s majestic historic home with its original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes to Omarama. Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel |
Day
12 |
Omarama - Christchurch
From Omarama travel through the township of Twizel, pass the large Hydro Dam, and skirt the shores of Lake Pukaki before reaching Lake Tekapo. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and en-route visit the Airforce Museum of New Zealand.
The airfield situated at Wigram was originally the home of the Canterbury Aviation Company, a private flying school founded by Sir Henry Wigram in 1916. As New Zealand had no air force at that time, the company trained pilots for service with British air forces during World War I. In 1923 the New Zealand Government purchased the land and assets of the company as the base for it’s newly formed air force, and renamed it “Wigram” in honour of it’s founder. The name was again changed to the Airforce Museum of New Zealand in 2008. Continue through to Christchurch. Stay: Pavilions Hotel |
Day
13 |
Depart Christchurch
Today it is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch International Airport in ample time to join your flight. |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012/13 Season Sale! Save up to $0 per person off the brochure price for this tour! Exclusive to Relaxing Journeys. Deposit this month to qualify |
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Note: Tour Status: 'G' Tours are guaranteed to depart. The majority of departures above will proceed. We will confirm the status of your preferred departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
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Tour Options & Single Supplement:
Optional extras & single traveller supplement. |
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NZ $1,585 |
*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'. |
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