Itinerary
On arrival into Auckland, 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.
This morning visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum for a guided tour, where you will hear how warfare played a major role in shaping New Zealand’s identity. The display here is extensive and includes a Spitfire and Japanese Zero. This is followed by a city sights tour which includes the Auckland Domain, Parnell Rose Garden and Bastion Point. This afternoon visit the aviation display hall at the Museum of Transport and Technology. The impressive collection includes the only Solent Mark IV Flying Boat left in the world, a rare World War II era Avro Lancaster Bomber as well as the de Havilland Mosquito and the modern Skyhawk and Aermacchi. This afternoon includes a visit at leisure to Sky Tower, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular attractions. This evening is also free to explore the many eateries surrounding your hotel.
This morning travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15-kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train. Visit the restoration workshop followed by a delightful morning tea. Continue through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for lunch followed by an experience of the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set. A guide will escort you through the ten-acre site recounting fascinating details of how the set was created. Continue to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.
Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Māori Hāngi and Concert.
Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as ‘The Art Deco Capital’, where a city tour will showcase an impressive collection of art deco buildings. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city, you might choose to do a guided walk (optional).
Travel south this morning into Wellington for a city tour of the nation’s capital which will highlight the history and culture on show here.
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 and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton where you board your coach for the short journey to Blenheim.
Today you have the choice of either a free day in Blenheim or travelling to the site for the opening day of the 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 military vehicles. Why not use your pass to visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, which houses the exhibition entitled ‘Knights of the Sky’.
Over the next two days the Omaka 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 where you will watch the show from the best seats in the house. This evening is free to dine at leisure.
On the final day of the Airshow you will see a vast array of display aircraft, extraordinary flying acts with famous military fighter aircraft spanning 100 years through to the jets of today. The show culminates in a huge mock air battle complete with pyrotechnics.
Tour through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine, then travel to the seaside village of Kaikōura. Continue south to the Garden City of Christchurch and visit the Air Force Museum of New Zealand where a ‘behind the scenes’ tour showcases the restoration projects in action. You will experience the rare opportunity to walk through the Bristol Freighter and Andover. This evening is free to dine at leisure.
Today visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This is followed by a city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon includes a journey on board the Christchurch Tram, one of the leading attractions in Christchurch. This evening enjoy dinner with your newfound friends.
Time to say goodbye. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
