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.

Before departing Christchurch, travel to 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 south to Oamaru, famous for its Limestone before arriving into Dunedin for an informative city tour.

This morning travel along the beautiful Otago Harbour viewing many scenic highlights. Arrive at Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Return to the city for time at leisure. This evening visit Speight’s Brewery, a Dunedin icon, for dinner at the Ale House Restaurant.

Today travel through the remarkable region of The Catlins, where lush rainforest spills onto brilliant beaches. Continue to Nugget Point, where there are opportunities to see wildlife as you walk to view the lighthouse and spectacular views. At Purakauni visit the spectacular triple tiered cascading waterfall whilst you enjoy a picnic 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.