Itinerary
This is a 11 day small group tour that travels both the North & South Islands of New Zealand, starting in Christchurch and finishing in Wellington.
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions and Local Host, who will join you for dinner and welcome you to New Zealand.
Enjoy a city sights tour of Christchurch, followed by a ‘behind the scenes’ visit to the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Here you will witness restoration projects in progress and have a rare chance to climb inside a Bristol Freighter aircraft. Continue south to Oamaru, renowned for its stunning limestone architecture, before arriving in the charming city of Dunedin.
Begin your day with a city tour of Dunedin, showcasing its remarkable architecture, including the iconic Dunedin Railway Station. Travel along the beautiful Otago Harbour viewing many scenic highlights. At Larnach Castle, enjoy a guided tour that delves into its tragic and scandalous history. Explore the castle’s Garden of International Significance before indulging in a delightful High Tea. Depart Dunedin and journey through the Central Otago region, renowned for its vineyards and wineries. Continue to Arrowtown, a historic goldmining village. A visit to the Lakes District Museum, will transport you back to the mining era of the late 1800s through its stories and exhibits. Continue to Queenstown, a year-round resort, nestled on the shores of the 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 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.
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 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.
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.
Begin your day with a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, where you will embark on a fascinating journey through modern day Antarctica. Experience the thrill of an Antarctic storm, embark on an off-road adventure in a Hagglund vehicle, befriend a husky and mingle with the penguins. Depart Christchurch and travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikōura.
Travel north to Blenheim and 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 will board your Cook Strait ferry and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.
Kia ora. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
