with Grand Pacific Tours
For 3 days over Easter 2024, Wanaka will become centre stage for an extravaganza of aerial action. Wanaka is the most spectacular venue in the world to host New Zealand’s biggest aviation event – Warbirds Over Wanaka.
Nestled on the shores of an azure blue lake amongst the mighty peaks of the Southern Alps, the natural amphitheatre created by these mountains provides a backdrop of stunning scenery.
Special departure: 22 March 2024
*Save $175pp + receive BONUS GPT Jacket.
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.
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Christchurch - Dunedin
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.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross or similar (2 nights)
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 3: Dunedin Sightseeing
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 in the ballroom. Return to the city for time at leisure. This evening visit Speight’s Brewery, a Dunedin icon, for dinner at the Ale House Restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast & specialty dinner
Day 4: Dunedin - Invercargill
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.
Hotel: Ascot Park Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5: Invercargill - Te Anau
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.
Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Lake Te Anau (Superior Room) (2 nights)
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 6: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau
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).
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7: Te Anau - Arrowtown - Queenstown
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.
Hotel: Mercure Queenstown Resort (Lake View Room) (4 nights)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Queenstown - Wanaka - 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.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 9: Warbirds Over Wanaka
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.
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 10: Warbirds Over Wanaka
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!
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 11: Queenstown - Franz Josef
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 before continuing to Franz Josef.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 12: Franz Josef - Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch
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.
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 13: Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Meals: Breakfast
*Terms and conditions apply: see RAC Travel terms and conditions
