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Grand Pacific Tours

Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island

With a strong focus on aviation, this tour is an enthusiasts dream. Complemented with a stunning mountain backdrop you'll have the opportunity to explore New Zealand's South Island, travel the TranzAlpine Scenic Railway and many other local attractions as well as visit the Wanaka Warbirds Airshow over Easter.  There's only one departure date so guarantee your seat today!

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Quick Itinerary Details

New Zealand Guided Tour

This suggested tour costs from NZD$5,829 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Christchurch

13 days/12 nights

Hotel 4 star

 Pre and post tour options? YES

 Viewed 14 times in the last 7 days

This tour also includes
TranzAlpine Train from Arthur's Pass to Christchurch
Entry to the Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Larnach Castle
Bill Richardson Transport World
Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre
Milford Sound Cruise
Lakes District Museum
Entry into Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow
12 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 10 dinners, 1 special dinner
Tour full itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island - Day 1
Grand Pacific 13 Day South Island Getaway

This fully escorted 13-day tour gives you access to the outstanding beauty of New Zealand's South Island, the incredible Warbirds over Wanaka and much more. 

Arrive into Christchurch

Arrive into Christchurch where 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.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Grand Pacific Merchandise

Quality merchandise is great value for money and will provide a special memento of your holiday for years to come. Tour jackets and tour caps are available for purchase. Merchandise items must be ordered at the time of booking and are not available for purchase in New Zealand

Your accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (or similar)

This 4 star hotel is centrally located in the revitalised Cathedral Square. Ideally positioned, only a few minutes walk from the brand new Christchurch Convention Centre.
Meals included: Dinner

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Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island - Day 2
Christchurch to Dunedin

Depart Christchurch and 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. 

Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (or similar)

The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross provides stylish inner city accommodation and is the perfect location from which to explore Dunedin. Just a short walk to the Octagon, Railway Station, theatres, shops, and close to Otago University.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island - Day 3
Dunedin

This morning travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you 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. Return to Dunedin for a city tour followed by some free time. Optional activities you might be interested in, include the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (or similar)

The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross provides stylish inner city accommodation and is the perfect location from which to explore Dunedin. Just a short walk to the Octagon, Railway Station, theatres, shops, and close to Otago University.
Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner

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Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island - Day 4
Dunedin to Invercargill via the Catlins

Today travel south through the Catlins. Enjoy a walk into Nugget Point and view the various wildlife before continuing to Purakaunui for a walk into the falls with time to relax and 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 some of his memorabilia.

Your accommodation: Ascot Park Hotel (or similar)

The Ascot Park Hotel is Invercargill's largest hotel. Set in park like surrounds its a great base for a visit to the southern city of Invercargill.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island - Day 5
Invercargill to Te Anau including a visit to the Bill Richardson Transport World

This morning visit the Bill Richardson Transport Museum for a tour of this amazing private collection. Housed in a purpose built Art Deco building you will be immersed back to the 19th century. 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 is mostly from the 1920s and 1930s including the largest collection of de Havilland aircraft in the southern hemisphere. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland.

Your accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Lake Te Anau (or similar)

The perfect base for all your Fiordland travel, Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable accommodation right in the heart of Te Anau.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island - Day 6
Te Anau to Milford Sound to 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 Glowworm caves (optional).

Your accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Lake Te Anau (or similar)

The perfect base for all your Fiordland travel, Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable accommodation right in the heart of Te Anau.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island - Day 7
Te Anau to 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 at one of the many fine restaurants in town.

Your accommodation: Mercure Queenstown Resort (or similar)

Mercure Resort Queenstown is located near the shores of Lake Wakatipu, only 3 minutes drive from the centre of town. The hotel boasts spectacular views over the lake and the Remarkables Mountain Range.
Meals included: Breakfast

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Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island - Day 8
Either explore Queenstown or attend the opening day of Warbirds over Wanaka

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.

Your accommodation: Mercure Queenstown Resort (or similar)

Mercure Resort Queenstown is located near the shores of Lake Wakatipu, only 3 minutes drive from the centre of town. The hotel boasts spectacular views over the lake and the Remarkables Mountain Range.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island - Day 9
Experience the best of Warbirds over Wanaka with your gold pass

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.

Your accommodation: Mercure Queenstown Resort (or similar)

Mercure Resort Queenstown is located near the shores of Lake Wakatipu, only 3 minutes drive from the centre of town. The hotel boasts spectacular views over the lake and the Remarkables Mountain Range.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island - Day 10
Final day of 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!

Your accommodation: Mercure Queenstown Resort (or similar)

Mercure Resort Queenstown is located near the shores of Lake Wakatipu, only 3 minutes drive from the centre of town. The hotel boasts spectacular views over the lake and the Remarkables Mountain Range.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island - Day 11
Queenstown to 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 (weather permitting) to experience a scenic helicopter flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers before continuing to Franz Josef.

Your accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (or similar)

Located in the heart of Franz Josef Village the hotel offers all the amenities you would expect and is close to the shops, restaurants and activities on offer.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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Grand Pacific Tours 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island - Day 12
Franz Josef Glacier to Arthur's Pass, TranzAlpine train to Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and 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. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
*Please be aware, there are some departure dates where the train may not be available due to schedule changes outside of Grand Pacific's control. If this occurs, your journey through the incredible Arthur's Pass will continue onboard your coach. Chat to a consultant to check the current schedule for your preferred departure.

Your accommodation: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (or similar)

This 4 star hotel is centrally located in the revitalised Cathedral Square. Ideally positioned, only a few minutes walk from the brand new Christchurch Convention Centre.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

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Depart Christchurch

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

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