Experience Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow + Tour New Zealand

Your fare excludes:

Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.

DAY 1: Arrive Wellington

On arrival into Wellington, 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: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
• Meals: Dinner

DAY 2: Wellington - Picton - Blenheim

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 Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait, and travel through the stunning Marlborough Sounds to Picton. From there, a short coach ride will take you to Blenheim.

• Hotel: Scenic Hotel Marlborough
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 3: Blenheim - Kaikōura - Christchurch

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.

• Hotel: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 4: Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef

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.

• Hotel: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 5: Franz Josef - Queenstown

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.

• Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6: 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.

• Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 7: 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.

• Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 8: Warbirds Over Wanaka (B,D)

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!

• Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 9: Queenstown - Te Anau

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).

• Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 10: 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 might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional).

• Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 11: Te Anau - Invercargill

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.

• Hotel: Ascot Park Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 12: Invercargill - Dunedin

Your day begins with a visit to Classic Motorcycle Mecca, home to an impressive collection of over 300 classic bikes from around the globe. From there, journey through the stunning Catlins region, where lush rainforest meets dazzling beaches. A visit to Curioscape located on picturesque Curio Bay will provide an interactive experience on the region followed by 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.

• Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 13: Dunedin Sightseeing

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.

• Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
• Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14: Dunedin - Christchurch

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 dinner with your newfound friends and reminisce on memories shared.

• Hotel Sudima Christchurch Airport
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 15: 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

15 DAY CLASSIC TOUR

Departs Wellington 29 March 2026 | Arrives Christchurch 12 April 2026

• from $7,349 per person twin share
• from $9,449 per person solo traveller

AIRFARES

Departures from Brisbane, Melbourne & Sydney

• from $560 per person

Departures from Hobart, Launceston or Devonport

• from $890 per person

Departures from Gold Coast

• from $590 per person

Departures from Perth

• from $1,130 per person

Departures from Adelaide

• from $890 per person

Departures from Canberra

• from $850 per person

Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your seat on this popular tour, which will sell out!

Please note flights are out of date range. Once flights are within range the best options and any relevant conditions will be provided. Air taxes are subject to change and will be confirmed on the receipt of your final invoice.

Your holiday includes 14 nights in 4-star hotel accommodation:

• James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, Wellington
• Scenic Hotel Marlborough
• Distinction Christchurch Hotel
• Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef
• Millennium Hotel Queenstown
• Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau
• The Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill
• Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin
• Sudima Christchurch Airport Hotel

NOT INTERESTED IN THE AIRSHOW?

If you do not wish to attend the 3-day Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow, please advise at time of booking and we can deduct that from your tour price. There are several sightseeing options available in Queenstown (own expense).

Comprehensive Travel Insurance is not included but is strongly recommended for all travellers. It is the traveller’s responsibility to arrange their own travel insurance.

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS:

All visitors require a passport to enter New Zealand. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date that you intend to leave New Zealand. For Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport, you do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand. Visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to travelling to New Zealand. For visitors from non-visa waiver countries, it is recommended you contact NZ Immigration for full entry requirements. If you are not an Australian Citizen or permanent resident, you may also have to pay for an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

LUGGAGE LIMITS:

Due to limited space onboard the coach, please ensure carry-on bags do not exceed 6kg. Each traveller is entitled to travel with ONE suitcase on tour measuring (length + width + depth) no more than 140cm (55”).The maximum suitcase weight allowed is 23kg.

CLOTHING:

Whilst on tour, dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants. The seasons are more pronounced and the weather is more changeable. In summer, a jacket and sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat. You may have the option to relax and unwind in thermal hot pools so don’t forget to pack your swimwear.

MONEY MATTERS:

New Zealand’s unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). All major international credit cards are accepted and provided they are encoded with a PIN, may be used to obtain cash from Automatic Teller Machines throughout New Zealand. Check with your bank whether this facility is available to you. It is highly recommended you obtain a small amount of New Zealand currency prior to your arrival in New Zealand. Cash Passports or Travel Money Cards are popular and are a safe and convenient way to allow you to access cash at Automatic Teller Machines throughout New Zealand.

TIPPING:

New Zealanders do not depend on tips for their income, however tipping in appreciation for extra-special service is at the discretion of the individual traveller. Some tours may organise an envelope to be circulated for a group presentation to the Coach Captain and/or Tour Guide but any contribution is based on individual appreciation and is not mandatory.

INCIDENTALS:

We suggest you allow a minimum of NZ $40-$50 per day per person for incidental cash expenses such as lunch, morning and afternoon tea.

ROLE OF YOUR COACH CAPTAIN & TOUR GUIDE:

Your Coach Captain is responsible for driving and maintaining the coach and for providing commentary throughout the tour. Your Tour Guide is responsible for your wellbeing and for co-ordinating all the accommodation and activities. It is important whilst travelling on tour that you follow all Crew instructions.

COACH SEAT ROTATION:

For the enjoyment of all travellers a daily seat rotation operates which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking. The coach seat plan is displayed on the coach for your reference.