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Classic Warbirds South Island

4.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From 6,335 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 214 Per Person
 Trip Length
13 Days
 Trip Starts
Christchurch
 Trip Finishes
Christchurch
13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island Itinerary (Grand Pacific)
Countries Explored: New Zealand
Trip Style
Special Interest
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Max. Group Size
48
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
CGPW13

Overview

Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Grand Pacific's 13 Day Classic Warbirds South Island. Fully escorted tour of the majestic South Island featuring the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow including a 3 day Gold Pass incorporating exclusive marquee access and grandstand seating.

Itinerary

On arrival into Christchurch, 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. Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (D)

Before departing Christchurch, enjoy a ‘behind the scenes’ visit to the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Here you will witness restoration projects in progress and have a rare chance to climb inside a Bristol Freighter aircraft. Continue south to Oamaru, renowned for its stunning limestone architecture, before arriving in the charming city of Dunedin. Stay Two Nights: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (B/D)

Begin your day with a city tour of Dunedin, showcasing its remarkable architecture, including the iconic Dunedin Railway Station. Travel along the beautiful Otago Harbour viewing many scenic highlights. At Larnach Castle, enjoy a guided tour that delves into its tragic and scandalous history. Explore the castle’s Garden of International Significance before indulging in a delightful Devonshire Tea. Return to Dunedin for free time for optional activities. This evening is also free to dine at leisure. (B)

Today travel through the remarkable region of The Catlins, where lush rainforest spills onto brilliant beaches. Along the way, take in the dramatic coastal scenery with plenty of opportunities to admire the views. Visit Purakaunui Falls, a magnificent triple tiered waterfall, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos. A visit to Curioscape located on picturesque Curio Bay will provide an interactive experience on the region including 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 memorabilia. Stay: Distinction Invercargill (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 (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 out at one of the many fine restaurants. Stay Four Nights: Mercure Queenstown Resort (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 (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)

Trip Inclusions

Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow
  • 3 Day Warbirds Over Wanaka Gold Pass
  • Grandstand seating
  • Exclusive marquee access with CCTV
  • Souvenir Gold Cap and Badge
  • Airshow Programme
  • Opportunity to walk the flight line
  • Complimentary drink voucher, tea, coffee and water throughout the Airshow
Even More Highlights
  • Air Force Museum of New Zealand
  • Larnach Castle
  • Curioscape
  • Bill Richardson Transport World
  • Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre
  • Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
  • Lakes District Museum
  • TranzAlpine Rail Journey
  • City sights tour of Dunedin

  • Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • 48 seat modern coach travel, 2 door access, restroom, reclining seats and panoramic windows
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • Experienced Tour Leader
  • 12 nights 4 star hotel accommodation
  • 1 four night stay
  • 2 two night stays
  • Hotel porterage
  • 1 cruise
  • 1 rail journey
  • All sightseeing and pre paid attractions
  • Classic Documentation Pack
  • Bonus GPT Tour Jacket

  • 12 cooked breakfasts
  • 10 sumptuous dinners
  • 2 lunches: lunch, The Catlins; Milford Sound Cruise
  • 1 delicious Devonshire Tea: Larnach Castle
  • Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
  • Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm

Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Classic Warbirds South Island' Reviews

4.5
AVG. RATING 4.5 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
50%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Classic Fighters New Zealand Tour   1 , WA, Australia, Apr 2019
Marg and I had a ball, would definitely recommend booking with Global Journeys and touring with Grand Pacific.

Tony the tour guide was great as were both coach drivers we had for the tour. We were very happy with the standard of accommodation and food provided whilst on tour. Highlight of the tour without doubt was the Air Show. We definitely got ...read more our monies worth thanks again Grand Pacific and Global Journeys.
Great holiday with lots to see and do. Highlight Wanaka air show. 1 , SA, Australia, Mar 2018
Overall we thoroughly enjoyed our trip. However we were not impressed with our airport pickup. The guy did not even hold up any sign, was not wearing a Grand Pacific shirt and in the end we only found him due to the help of another pickup person who asked us who we were looking for. To make matters worse he took off and we struggled to follow him.

We ...read more did find the extremely early starts and very late dinners a bit challenging and also, when we had to find our own dinners, there was not much help or information given. A 3am wakeup for the extremely early flight home was in our opinion unnecessary. A later flight would have been preferable. Arriving in Melbourne homeward bound with 2 and a half hours to spare, we only just caught our flight due to the utter chaos at the Virgin bag check. Signs pointing in the wrong direction and totally unhelpful Virgin staff.

The airshow was fantastic and New Zealand met all our expectations. The people on tour with us were all very friendly and we got on well. Queenstown was exceptional.
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Brochure

Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow

Grand Pacific Warbirds Over Wanaka Airshow (2026)

We are thrilled to offer you the opportunity to experience the exhilarating Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow, set against the breathtaking natural beauty of New Zealand. Held in Wanaka, the world’s most stunning venue for this premier aviation event, you’ll be captivated by the azure, blue waters of Lake Wanaka and the majestic peaks of the...more Southern Alps that create a natural amphitheatre for this spectacular show.

Availability

Exclusive Deal
Friday 27 Mar 2026
Wednesday 08 Apr 2026
Status
From: $6,549 $6,335
Save $214 Enquire
Exclusive Deal
Friday 27 Mar 2026
Wednesday 08 Apr 2026
Status
From: $8,449 $8,216
Save $233 Enquire
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.

Flights Included:
All departures can be booked with return flights from Australia to New Zealand included. Please select the flight option when you enquire with us.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Grand Pacific. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Grand Pacific. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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