Tour New Zealand + Experience the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow

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 (Executive Room) 
• I​ncluded Meals: Dinner

Day2: Wellington - Picton - Blenheim  

A highlight this morning will be time to explore 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. This afternoon board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton where you board your coach for the short journey to Blenheim. 

• Hotel Scenic Hotel Marlborough 
• I​ncluded 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 
• I​ncluded 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 
• I​ncluded 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 (4 nights) 
• I​ncluded 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. 

• I​ncluded 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. 

• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8: 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! 

• I​ncluded 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 (Deluxe Rooms, 2 nights) 
• I​ncluded 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). 

• I​ncluded 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 
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12: Invercargill - Dunedin

A trip to Invercargill would not be complete without a visit to view memorabilia of the legendary Burt Munro, Speed Bike Racer, as depicted in the movie ’The World’s Fastest Indian’. Continue through the remarkable region of The Catlins, where lush rainforest spills onto brilliant beaches. Visit the spectacular triple tiered cascading waterfall at Purakauni and enjoy a picnic lunch. Continue to Nugget Point, where there are opportunities to see wildlife as you walk to view the lighthouse with spectacular views. 

• Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (2 nights) 
• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Dunedin Sightseeing

Travel along the beautiful Otago Harbour viewing many scenic highlights. At Larnach Castle enjoy a guided tour and hear the tragic and scandalous history which is followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea in the Ballroom. Return to the city for an orientation city tour followed by time at leisure. This evening visit Speight’s Brewery, a Dunedin icon, for dinner at the Ale House Restaurant. 

• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast & Specialty Dinner

Day 14: Dunedin - Christchurch

Depart Dunedin and travel through Oamaru, famous for its Limestone. 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 
• I​ncluded 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. 

• I​ncluded Meals: Breakfast

Departing Australia 24 March 2024 and returning 07 April 2024

Departures from Brisbane & Sydney:

• Twin Share - from $6,349 pp + $260 pp air taxes = $6,609pp
• Sole use - from $8,099 + $260 pp air taxes = $8,359pp

Departures from Melbourne:

• Twin Share - from $6,349 pp + $240 pp air taxes = $6,589pp
• Sole use - from $8,099 + $240 pp air taxes = $8,339pp

Departures from Adelaide:

• Twin Share - from $6,649 pp + $255 pp air taxes = $6,904pp
• Sole use - from $8,399 + $255 pp air taxes = $8,654pp

Departures from Perth:

• Twin Share - from $6,899 pp + $225 pp air taxes = $7,124pp
• Sole use - from $8,649 + $225 pp air taxes = $8,874pp

Departures from Canberra:

• Twin Share - from $6,549 pp + $350 pp air taxes = $6,899pp
• Sole use - from $8,299 + $350 pp air taxes = $8,649pp

Departures from Hobart:

• Twin Share - from $6,649 pp + $240 pp air taxes = $6,889pp
• Sole use - from $8,399 + $240 pp air taxes = $8,639pp

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

N​ot wanting to attend 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.