11 Day Ultimate Warbirds Over Wanaka

On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions.

Enjoy a city sights tour of Christchurch before arriving at 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. Travel through the southern Canterbury Plains, home to Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue, before arriving at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, time and weather permitting) over the Southern Alps.

Depart Mt Cook and travel through the Mackenzie Basin which links to the dramatic Lindis Pass. You can expect to see snow-capped mountains and a landscape dominated by tussock grassland as you make your way to Queenstown, a year-round resort, situation on 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!

Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village. Visit the Lakes District Museum, which contains a treasure trove of stories and exhibits depicting the exciting mining era of the late 1800s. 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.