Classic Warbirds South Island

On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. Tonight enjoy dinner at the hotel and meet your fellow travellers. Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (D)

Depart Christchurch and travel to Air Force Museum of New Zealand where a 'behind the scenes' tour showcases the restoration projects in action and provides the rare opportunity to walk through the Bristol Freighter and Andover. Travel south to Oamaru, famous for it's Limestone before arriving into Dunedin for an informative city tour. Stay Two Nights: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross or similar (B/D)

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. (B/SD)

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. Stay: Ascot Park Hotel (B/L/D)

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 and visit one of the best Moth collections in the world. A guided tour will highlight the extensive restoration programme and fleet of aircraft on site, with the opportunity (time and weather permitting) to take a flight in one of the impressive aircraft (optional). Next continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Stay Two Nights: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (Superior Rooms) (B/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. Return to Te Anau where some free time is available.

This evening you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). (B/L/D)

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. Stay Four Nights: Mercure Queenstown Resort (Lake View Room) (B)

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. (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. (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! (B/D)

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. Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing) (B/D)

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 a special farewell dinner with your new found friends. Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (B/SD)

Time to say goodbye. You'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)