Warbirds Over Wanaka (Superior) - 11 Days

Once you have arrived in Christchurch, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your accommodation.

This evening, join your fellow travellers and Local Host for a pre-dinner drink, followed by a Welcome Dinner that marks the start of your New Zealand adventure.

Please note: If arriving at the hotel after 8 pm, dinner is not included.

We start the day with a city sights tour of Christchurch, before a behind-the-scenes visit to the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Here, our guide leads us through active restoration projects and gives us the rare chance to climb inside a Bristol Freighter aircraft.

From Christchurch, we continue south to Oamaru, known for its striking limestone architecture, before arriving into the charming city of Dunedin, where we spend the night.

This morning, we take a city tour of Dunedin, admiring its remarkable architecture including the iconic Dunedin Railway Station, before travelling along Otago Harbour to take in the scenic views along the way.

At Larnach Castle, our guide leads us through its tragic and scandalous history, and we're free to explore the castle's Garden of International Significance before indulging in a High Tea.

From here, we depart Dunedin and journey through the Central Otago region, known for its vineyards and wineries, continuing to Arrowtown, a historic goldmining village. At the Lakes District Museum, stories and exhibits transport us back to the mining era of the late 1800s.

We continue to Queenstown, a year-round resort set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, where you have the evening free to dine at one of the town's many fine restaurants.

Today, you have the choice of a free day in Queenstown or travelling to Wanaka for the opening day of the Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow. No flying takes place today, though you may see some practice overhead. On the ground, you can browse the static displays, which include classic cars, military vehicles, sport aircraft and aviation trade stands, along with the chance to taste wine and food from the Central Otago region.

If you choose to stay in Queenstown instead, you could spend the day relaxing along the lakefront or browsing the town's shops and cafes.

Wanaka Airport becomes our base for the next two days as we take in flying displays from some of the world's best display pilots.

Our Gold Pass grants us access to the enclosure, with grandstand seating and a private marquee right on the flight line - some of the best seats in the house to enjoy the show in comfort.

On the final day of the airshow, all eyes turn skyward as some of the world's most iconic Warbird aircraft take to the air alongside modern military machines, aerobatic displays and sport aircraft.

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

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

Once in Franz Josef, those wanting to see the glaciers from above can join an optional scenic flight, weather permitting, before we arrive at our accommodation.

This morning, we travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory, before continuing to Arthur's Pass to board the TranzAlpine, one of the world's great train journeys.

Along the way, we take in rivers and valleys through the Waimakariri Basin, crossing massive viaducts and travelling through the patchwork farmland of the Canterbury Plains.

On arrival into Christchurch, our coach transfers us to our accommodation.

We begin the day with a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, journeying through a recreation of modern-day Antarctica. Here, we experience a simulated Antarctic storm, take an off-road ride in a Hagglund vehicle, meet a husky and get up close with the penguins.

From Christchurch, we travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura, our base for the night.

We travel north to Blenheim to visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, our guide bringing to life one of the largest private collections of WWI aircraft, displayed in sets created by the internationally acclaimed WingNut Films and Weta Workshop.

From here, we continue to Picton, where we board the Cook Strait ferry and cross the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington.

This evening, we come together for a Farewell Dinner, including selected beverages, marking the end of our time together as a group.

Kia ora. After a memorable New Zealand holiday, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Please note: If departing the hotel before the restaurant opens, breakfast is not included.