15 Days Classic Warbirds over Wanaka Tour 2026

itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVE WELLINGTON (D)

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

DAY 2: WELLINGTON – PICTON – BLENHEIM (B,D)

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

DAY 3: Blenheim – Kaikōura – Christchurch (B,D)

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

DAY 4: CHRISTCHURCH – ARTHUR’S PASS – FRANZ JOSEF (B,D)

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

DAY 5: FRANZ JOSEF – QUEENSTOWN (B)

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, situatedon the shores of Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. Millennium Hotel Queenstown (4 nights)

DAY 6: QUEENSTOWN – WANAKA – QUEENSTOWN (B,D)

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.

DAY 7: WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA (B,D)

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.

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 bemissed!

DAY 9: QUEENSTOWN – TE ANAU (B,D)

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 (2 nights)

DAY 10: TE ANAU – MILFORD SOUND – TE ANAU (B,L,D)

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).

DAY 11: TE ANAU – INVERCARGILL (B,D)

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

DAY 12: INVERCARGILL – DUNEDIN (B,L,D)

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 (2 nights)

DAY 13: DUNEDIN SIGHTSEEING (B)

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.

DAY 14: DUNEDIN – CHRISTCHURCH (B,D)

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 Hotel

DAY 15: DEPART CHRISTCHURCH (B)

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

(B) Breakfast. (L) Lunch. (D) Dinner. (SD) Specialty Dinner.

dates & pricing