Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island

On arrival into Christchurch, 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.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel

• Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey 4.5 star hotel offers refurbished Classic Rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries.

Quality merchandise is great value for money and will provide a special memento of your holiday for years to come. Tour jackets and tour caps are available for purchase. Merchandise items must be ordered at the time of booking and are not available for purchase in New Zealand

Before departing Christchurch, enjoy 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.

Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (2 nights)

• The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is Dunedin’s largest and most established hotel boasting 178 refurbished rooms and suites with modern style, exquisite quality, convenience and exceptional service.  Just a short walk from the Octagon, railway station and close to Otago university, this perfectly located stylish inner city accommodation has everything you need for a relaxing and memorable stay.

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 Devonshire Tea. Return to Dunedin for free time for optional activities. This evening is also free to dine at leisure.

Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

• The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is Dunedin’s largest and most established hotel boasting 178 refurbished rooms and suites with modern style, exquisite quality, convenience and exceptional service.  Just a short walk from the Octagon, railway station and close to Otago university, this perfectly located stylish inner city accommodation has everything you need for a relaxing and memorable stay.

Today travel through the remarkable region of The Catlins, where lush rainforest spills onto brilliant beaches. Along the way, take in the dramatic coastal scenery with plenty of opportunities to admire the views. Visit Purakaunui Falls, a magnificent triple tiered waterfall, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. A visit to Curioscape located on picturesque Curio Bay will provide an interactive experience on the region including lunch. Later continue to Invercargill, home of the legendary Burt Munro, Speed Bike Racer as depicted in the movie ‘The World’s Fastest Indian’ to view memorabilia.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Invercargill

• Invercargill’s newest hotel is housed in a former government building, now transformed into an elegant 4.5 star, 150-room haven. Each guestroom features luxury cloud-like beds, warm ambient lighting, sleek ensuite bathrooms with spacious walk-in showers equipped with both standard and rain shower heads. Guests can also enjoy a stylish restaurant and bar, set in warm and welcoming spaces, destined to become a favorite gathering place for both locals and visitors. 

This morning visit the Bill Richardson Transport World for a tour of this 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. Travel via Gore to Mandeville Airfield to visit the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre where aircraft, mostly from the 1920s and 1930s includes the largest collection of de Havilland aircraft in the southern hemisphere. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (2 nights)

• Conveniently located in the heart of Te Anau's town shopping centre and a short stroll from the South Island’s largest lake - Lake Te Anau.  Escape into the serene surroundings of Distinction Luxmore Hotel before heading out to explore the world-famous beauty of Fiordland including Milford Sound. With its range of hotel accommodation options and excellent standard of service, the team at Distinction Luxmore will make your stay in Te Anau comfortable and enjoyable.

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 lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available, you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).

Staying in Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau

• Conveniently located in the heart of Te Anau's town shopping centre and a short stroll from the South Island’s largest lake - Lake Te Anau.  Escape into the serene surroundings of Distinction Luxmore Hotel before heading out to explore the world-famous beauty of Fiordland including Milford Sound. With its range of hotel accommodation options and excellent standard of service, the team at Distinction Luxmore will make your stay in Te Anau comfortable and enjoyable.

Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to 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.

Staying in Hotel Mercure Queenstown Resort (4 nights)

• Situated on a unique vantage point with breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain range, the Mercure Queenstown Resort is the ideal place to relax and recharge before you explore all the wonderful activities and places to discover in and around the spectacular Queenstown.  

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.

Staying in Hotel Mercure Queenstown Resort

• Situated on a unique vantage point with breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain range, the Mercure Queenstown Resort is the ideal place to relax and recharge before you explore all the wonderful activities and places to discover in and around the spectacular Queenstown.  

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.

Staying in Hotel Mercure Queenstown Resort

• Situated on a unique vantage point with breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain range, the Mercure Queenstown Resort is the ideal place to relax and recharge before you explore all the wonderful activities and places to discover in and around the spectacular Queenstown.  

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!

Staying in Hotel Mercure Queenstown Resort

• Situated on a unique vantage point with breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain range, the Mercure Queenstown Resort is the ideal place to relax and recharge before you explore all the wonderful activities and places to discover in and around the spectacular Queenstown.  

Depart Queenstown and travel 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. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers beforecontinuing to Franz Josef.

Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

• Only a breath away from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier, in the heart of the village and edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, lies the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier offering everything you need to explore this dramatic region in style and comfort. The professional and friendly staff pride themselves on making your stay enjoyable and comfortable.

Travel to Hokitika, famous for its greenstone then continue to Arthur’s Pass where you 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 to the elegant city of Christchurch. This evening enjoy dinner with your newfound friends and reminisce on memories shared.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel

• Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey 4.5 star hotel offers refurbished Classic Rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries.

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