15 Day Classic Warbirds Over Wanaka

This morning, a highlight will be your visit to the 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. Afterward, reboard your coach for an extensive city tour. In the afternoon, board the Cook Strait Ferry, and travel through the stunning Marlborough Sounds to Picton. From there, a short coach ride will take you to Blenheim. Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Marlborough 4 Star Plus Accommodation Magnificently located in the heart of Marlborough Wine country, the place famous for its world class Sauvignon Blancs, the Scenic Hotel Marlborough is a property sparkling with style and comfort. This pristine hotel offers guests the ultimate in modern comfort and service all within a minutes’ walk from the centre of Blenheim. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning 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. Tour through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine, then travel to the seaside village of Kaikōura. Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch for a city tour on arrival. Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel 4.5 Star Accommodation 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 elegant 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. Staying in Hotel Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef 5 Star Accommodation Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef is truly luxurious and can be found in an area of native rainforest which has been carefully preserved. All the guest room balconies look out into the rainforest, which contains mature trees up to 20m high. Guests get a real sense of seclusion and privacy during their stay. Lavishly appointed guest rooms, generously proportioned and featuring the highest standard of room amenities, such as your own personal pillow menu, natural wool mattress underlay and high-speed Internet access. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel South via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year round resort, situatedon the shores of Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. Staying in Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown (4 nights) 4 Star Plus Accommodation Right in the heart of the action, Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from Queenstown central shopping and entertainment district, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel. All rooms at Millennium Hotel Queenstown are designed for complete relaxation with its inviting bed and cosy ambience, it’s a good nights rest for sure. Meals included: Breakfast

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 Millennium Hotel Queenstown 4 Star Plus Accommodation Right in the heart of the action, Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from Queenstown central shopping and entertainment district, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel. All rooms at Millennium Hotel Queenstown are designed for complete relaxation with its inviting bed and cosy ambience, it’s a good nights rest for sure. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 Millennium Hotel Queenstown 4 Star Plus Accommodation Right in the heart of the action, Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from Queenstown central shopping and entertainment district, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel. All rooms at Millennium Hotel Queenstown are designed for complete relaxation with its inviting bed and cosy ambience, it’s a good nights rest for sure. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 bemissed! Staying in Hotel Millennium Hotel Queenstown 4 Star Plus Accommodation Right in the heart of the action, Millennium Hotel Queenstown is just minutes from Queenstown central shopping and entertainment district, Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown Gardens. Millennium Hotel Queenstown is a 4-star plus and Enviro-Gold Qualmark rated hotel. All rooms at Millennium Hotel Queenstown are designed for complete relaxation with its inviting bed and cosy ambience, it’s a good nights rest for sure. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning travel to Arrowtown, best known for its spectacular autumn colours. Visit the Lakes District Museum a treasure trove of stories and exhibits depicting the exciting mining era of the late 1800s. Continue to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Staying in Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau 4 Star Accommodation 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. Stay in rooms which are well appointed and modern with a Fiordland interior design theme. The hotel offers an excellent standard of service and the team at Distinction Luxmore will make your stay in Te Anau comfortable and enjoyable. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional). Staying in Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau 4 Star Accommodation 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. Stay in rooms which are well appointed and modern with a Fiordland interior design theme. The hotel offers an excellent standard of service and the team at Distinction Luxmore will make your stay in Te Anau comfortable and enjoyable. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today travel to Mandeville Airfield to visit the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre where the aircraft, mostly from the 1920s and 1930s includes the largest collection of de Havilland aircraft in the southern hemisphere. Travel via Gore to Invercargill, New Zealand’s southernmost city. This afternoon a guided tour is included of the Bill Richardson Transport World, an 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. Staying in Hotel Distinction Invercargill 4.5 Star Accommodation 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 favourite gathering place for both locals and visitors. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey through the stunning Catlins region, where lush rainforest meets dazzling beaches. Stop at Curio Bay, famous for its 180-million-year-old Jurassic petrified forest, before enjoying lunch. Next enjoy a visit to Purakaunui Falls, a magnificent triple-tiered waterfall, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. Along the way, take in the dramatic coastal scenery with plenty of opportunities to admire the views. Our journey continues to Dunedin, your home for the next 2-nights. Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (2 nights) 4 Star Accommodation The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is Dunedin’s largest and most established hotel boasting rooms and suites with modern style, 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning embark on a city tour of Dunedin taking in the key sights. Travel along the picturesque Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales which make up the castle’s history. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. This afternoon is free for optional activities. This evening is also free to dine at leisure. Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross 4 Star Accommodation The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is Dunedin’s largest and most established hotel boasting rooms and suites with modern style, 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. Meals included: Breakfast

Depart Dunedin and travel through Oamaru, famous for its limestone architecture. Arrive into Christchurch and visit 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. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner. Staying in Hotel Sudima Christchurch Airport 4.5 Star Accommodation Christchurch is a popular gateway to New Zealand’s spectacular South Island. This immaculate Hotel situated at the Airport is an ideal base for those who are visiting Christchurch. This 4-star hotel is well equipped to make your stay comfortable. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner