On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening you will enjoy a pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner. 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: Dinner
8 Day Classic Warbirds South Island
- 8 days, 7 nights
- Starts and ends in Christchurch
- Hotel 4 star
Where you will go
3 places you sleep in over 7 nights. Select a place in the list to find it on the map.
Overview
Guided tour, coach group. A driver guide travels with you the whole way, on a full-size coach, with the luggage and every booking handled.
Starting in Christchurch, this tour will take you on a loop of the South Island during which you will experience the TranzAlpine scenic train, see the rugged West Coast and enjoy a three-day air show in the stunning Wanaka setting. 8 days through the South Island, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Along the way: Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown. Every night is booked and the travelling is handled, so the itinerary below is what you actually do rather than a list of things you could arrange yourself.
- 7 nights accommodation
Explore more:South Island toursQueenstownRail and scenic trainsTours for seniorsSolo travellersAll guided toursLuxury
What is included, and what is not
Included in the price
- 7 nights of accommodation, hotel 4 star
- Coach travel throughout with a driver guide
- Scenic rail sectors with seats reserved
- A detailed day by day itinerary with every booking reference
- Support from a New Zealand based specialist while you travel
Not included
- International flights to and from New Zealand
- Travel insurance, which we recommend arranging on the day you pay your deposit
- Meals, unless a day in the itinerary lists one
- Personal spending, tips and anything not listed as included
This tour runs as published on set dates. Nights before or after it, and any of the optional experiences, can be added to your quote.
Day by day
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, famousfor 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 Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier 4 Star Accommodation 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. 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, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. Staying in Hotel Mövenpick Hotel Queenstown (4 nights) 4 Star Plus Accommodation Situated on a unique vantage point with breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain range, Mövenpick Hotel Queenstown 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. 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 Mövenpick Hotel Queenstown 4 Star Plus Accommodation Situated on a unique vantage point with breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain range, Mövenpick Hotel Queenstown 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. 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 onthe 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 Mövenpick Hotel Queenstown 4 Star Plus Accommodation Situated on a unique vantage point with breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain range, Mövenpick Hotel Queenstown 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. 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 Mövenpick Hotel Queenstown 4 Star Plus Accommodation Situated on a unique vantage point with breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain range, Mövenpick Hotel Queenstown 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depart Queenstown and travel north through the dramatic Lindis Pass where the landscape is dominated by tussock grassland and snow-capped mountains. Continue through the Mackenzie country into Christchurch. 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
Kia ora. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. Meals included: Breakfast
Good to know
Departures
8 Day Classic Warbirds South Island runs on set dates. These are the departures still open, with what each one costs per person, two sharing.
Availability checked 26 October 2026 from the operator's own bookings. Guaranteed means the operator has confirmed the departure will run; sold out dates stay on the list so you can see what is left.
A date not listed is not being sold. Choose one and your quote comes back against that departure, at that departure's price.
Before and after
The tour itself runs as published. Nights in Christchurch before it starts or in Christchurch after it ends, and any of the optional experiences, can be added to your quote.
Never travelling alone
Your whole itinerary lives in a smart travel app with live vouchers, maps and daily guidance, and your own travel specialist is reachable seven days a week while you are on the road. If plans change, we rearrange them in real time.
Who you are booking with
- Operator
- This itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand operator. We book it for you and stay your point of contact.
- Silver Fern Travel
- Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist (Insider), IATA certified, based in Auckland, New Zealand.
- Prices
- Quoted from the operator's own booking engine and refreshed weekly. The figure on this page is the one you will be quoted.
- Paying
- A 20% deposit confirms your booking; the balance is due 70 days before travel. How your money is protected.
Watch: Franz Josef on this itinerary
Asked before booking
Something not answered here? , no quote attached.
Still deciding? Worth a read: Is the TranzAlpine worth it? A straight answer · The Cook Strait ferry, without the surprises
- Per day
- NZ$824planning included
- Travelling solo
- NZ$8,690single occupancy
No payment to enquire; a firm quote within one working day. Lowest priced travel dates, two sharing. International flights not included. A 20% deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due 70 days before travel. How your money is protected
Itineraries operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand operator. Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure Insider.
Request a quote for this trip
No payment, no obligation. A specialist replies with a firm quote within one working day.
How it works
How your money is protectedTell us about your trip
Get your firm quote
Shape it until it fits
Confirm with a 20% deposit
Everything is booked for you
Travel with us beside you
The Silver Fern Promise
You never hand over more than a small deposit
Nothing to enquire, nothing until your quote is confirmed in writing, and never more than your deposit until the balance falls due 70 days before travel. Deposits can be paid by card, which keeps your card scheme’s protections in play.
How your money is protectedA firm quote within one working day
Availability checked with our New Zealand operations team and confirmed in writing, not an automated estimate.
No booking fees, and nothing to pay to enquire
Quotes are free and carry no obligation. You pay a deposit only once the itinerary is right and you say go.
One person, before and during your trip
The same specialist plans your trip and is reachable while you are travelling, alongside in-country support seven days a week.
Insider status, Tourism New Zealand 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme. IATA certified. Every itinerary is operated by a Qualmark Gold certified New Zealand tour operator.Questions before you enquire? Email hello@silverferntravel.com and ask. No form required.
You may also like
10 Day Signature South Island
10 days across the South Island, round trip out of Christchurch, guided the whole way, luggage and logistics handled. Strong on national parks.
Signature Inspirational Alps Tour
6 days across the South Island, from Christchurch through to Queenstown, fully escorted, so every day just happens. Strong on scenic trains.
Southern Wonders 27/28
9 days across the South Island, starting and ending in Christchurch, fully escorted, so every day just happens. Strong on food and wine.