Classic Warbirds South Island - 13 Days

Once you have arrived in Christchurch, a representative meets you and transfers you to your accommodation. This evening, we come together for a pre-dinner drink and meet our Tour Leader and travelling companions over the Welcome Dinner.

Please note: If you arrive at the accommodation after 8 pm, dinner will not be included.

Before we leave Christchurch, we head behind the scenes at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, where our guide shows us restoration projects in progress and we climb inside a Bristol Freighter aircraft.

We then continue south to Oamaru, known for its distinctive limestone architecture, before arriving in the city of Dunedin.

This morning, we take a city sights tour of Dunedin, taking in its striking architecture including the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, before travelling along Otago Harbour for a run of scenic coastal views.

At Larnach Castle, our guide leads us through its dramatic and scandal-filled history, and we explore the castle's garden of international significance before sitting down to a Devonshire tea.

You then have free time back in Dunedin, with a chance to browse the city's shops or relax in one of its cafes, and the evening is free for you to dine at leisure.

Today we travel through the remarkable region of the Catlins, where lush rainforest meets brilliant beaches, taking in dramatic coastal scenery with plenty of chances to stop for photos along the way.

We visit Purakaunui Falls, a magnificent triple-tiered waterfall, before stopping at Curio Bay, home to a 180-million-year-old Jurassic petrified forest, and enjoying lunch.

We then continue to Invercargill, home to the legendary speed bike racer Burt Munro, as depicted in the film The World's Fastest Indian, to view memorabilia dedicated to his story.

This morning, we visit Bill Richardson Transport World, where our guide takes us through this remarkable private collection housed in a purpose-built Art Deco building, including vintage trucks, rare classic cars, petrol pumps and a growing showcase of Wearable Arts.

We travel via Gore to Mandeville Airfield to visit the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre, where the aircraft on display, mostly from the 1920s and 1930s, include the largest collection of de Havilland aircraft in the southern hemisphere.

We then continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland.

We depart Te Anau this morning for a scenic drive to Milford Sound, where we board our launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord, taking in the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak while enjoying lunch on board.

This afternoon, we return to Te Anau, where some free time is available - you have the option of visiting the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves.

This morning, we travel to Arrowtown, a former gold-mining village, and visit the Lakes District Museum.

From here, we continue to Queenstown, a year-round resort set on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free for you to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

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 International Airshow.

No flying takes place today, though you may see some practice overhead, and on the ground you can check out static displays including classic cars, military vehicles, sport aircraft and aviation trade stands - along with the chance to taste wine and food from the Central Otago region.

Over the next two days, we travel to Wanaka, where Wanaka Airport becomes our base as we watch the world's best display pilots take to the skies. Our tickets grant access to the Gold Pass Enclosure, where we enjoy the ultimate in airshow comfort, positioned on the flight line with grandstand seating and a plush marquee to relax and watch the show from the best seats in the house.

On the final day, all eyes turn skyward as we watch some of the world's most iconic Warbird aircraft alongside modern military machines, aerobatics, sport aircraft and much more. The aerial action is backed by world-class pyrotechnics as the airfield is defended from a mock attack by enemy aircraft, with the show culminating in a massed fighter flypast - a sight not to be missed.

We depart Queenstown and travel via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of dramatic beauty, taking in the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as we head north.

Those wanting to see the glaciers from above can join an optional scenic flight, weather permitting, before we continue to Franz Josef.

We travel to Hokitika, known for its greenstone, before continuing to Arthur's Pass, where we board the TranzAlpine, one of the world's great train journeys.

We view rivers and valleys as we cross the Waimakariri Basin, travelling over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. This evening, we enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on the memories shared with our new friends at the Farewell Dinner.

Kia ora. After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for your flight home, bringing a memorable New Zealand holiday to a close.

Please note: If you depart the accommodation before the restaurant opens, breakfast will not be included.