Classic Warbirds South Island - 8 Days

Once you have arrived in Christchurch, a representative will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation.

This evening, we come together for a pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner - a great opportunity to meet our Tour Leader and fellow travellers before the tour gets underway.

Please note: Hotel arrivals later than 8 pm, dinner is not included.

This morning, we board the TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world, travelling over towering viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as we climb to Arthur's Pass in the heart of the Southern Alps.

From here, we continue by coach to Hokitika, well known for its Greenstone, before continuing on to Franz Josef. Once we arrive, those wanting to take to the skies can join an optional scenic flight over the spectacular glaciers, weather permitting.

This morning, we travel south past the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps, crossing the Haast Pass through an area of remarkable natural beauty, before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

This evening is free for you to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants in town.

Today, you have the choice of a free day in Queenstown or joining the opening day of the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow. No flying takes place today, though you may see some practice overhead, while static displays on the ground include classic cars, military vehicles known as Warhorses, sport aircraft and aviation trade stands.

This is also your chance to sample wine and food from the Central Otago region.

Today and tomorrow, Wanaka Airport becomes our base as we are entertained by some of the world's best display pilots taking to the skies overhead.

Our Gold Pass gives us access to the Gold Pass Enclosure, right on the flight line, where grandstand seating and a plush marquee let us relax in comfort while we watch the show from the best seats in the house.

On this final day of the airshow, we watch some of the world's most iconic Warbird aircraft alongside modern military machines, aerobatics and sport aircraft, and much more besides.

The aerial action is backed by world-class pyrotechnics as the airfield is "defended" from a mock attack by enemy aircraft, with the show building to a massed fighter flypast - a sight not to be missed.

Today we depart Queenstown and travel north through the dramatic Lindis Pass, where tussock grassland meets snow-capped mountains, before continuing through the Mackenzie Country towards Christchurch.

This evening, we enjoy a pre-dinner drink together before our Farewell Dinner, a chance to reminisce on the memories shared with our new friends over the past week.

Kia ora. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Please note: If departing the hotel prior to the restaurant opening, breakfast is not included.