See the South Islands most iconic attractions and stunning locations as well as enjoying front row seats to one of the best aeronautical exhibits around. Depart the South Island, crossing the Cook Strait by ferry to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington.
Small Group Tour Guided
This suggested tour costs from NZD$8,699 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Christchurch, finishes in Wellington
11 days/10 nights
Hotel 4 star
Pre and post tour options? YES
Viewed 24 times in the last 7 days
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
Day 2: Christchurch - Dunedin
Day 3: Dunedin - Queenstown
Day 4: Queenstown - Wanaka - Queenstown
Day 5: Warbirds over Wanaka
Day 6: Warbirds over Wanaka
Day 7: Queenstown - Franz Josef
Day 8: Franz Josef - Arthur's Pass - Christchurch
Day 9: Christchurch - Kaikōura
Day 10: Kaikōura - Picton - Wellington
Day 11: Depart Wellington
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions.
Staying in Hotel Sudima Christchurch City
Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax.
Wanaka Warbirds is the highlight of this 11-day ultimate tour. Travel in luxury as you weave your way around New Zealand's stunning South Island.
Quality merchandise is great value for money and will provide a special memento of your holiday for years to come. Tour jackets and tour caps are avai...
Read moreQuality merchandise is great value for money and will provide a special memento of your holiday for years to come. Tour jackets and tour caps are available for purchase. Merchandise items must be ordered at the time of booking and are not available for purchase in New Zealand
HideEnjoy a city sights tour of Christchurch, followed by 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.
Staying in Hotel Distinction Dunedin Hotel
2024 Travellers Choice Winner and ranked in the top 20 of all hotels in NZ on TripAdvisor. The Distinction Dunedin Hotel is elegant, luxurious and located in the rejuvenated and vibrant Warehouse Precinct in the heart of the city. The ideal combination of style and functionality. These air-conditioned Dunedin Studios offer a cloud-like super king bed and modern ensuite bathroom with a luxurious dual fixture walk-in rain shower plus complimentary Distinction toiletries.
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 High Tea. Depart Dunedin and journey through the Central Otago region, renowned for its vineyards and wineries. Continue to Arrowtown, a historic goldmining village. A visit to the Lakes District Museum, will transport you back to the mining era of the late 1800s through its stories and exhibits. Continue to Queenstown, a year-round resort, nestled on the shores of the magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants in town.
Staying in Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (4 nights)
Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless.
The vistas from Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown are awe-inspiring - soak in the view of the towering Remarkables mountain range, rising from the rippling waters of Lake Wakatipu from the comfort of the hotel. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax.
Our spacious, beautifully appointed Queenstown hotel rooms have views of the majestic Lake Wakatipu, surely one of the most beautiful views to be found in Queenstown, New Zealand.
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.
Staying in Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless.
The vistas from Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown are awe-inspiring - soak in the view of the towering Remarkables mountain range, rising from the rippling waters of Lake Wakatipu from the comfort of the hotel. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax.
Our spacious, beautifully appointed Queenstown hotel rooms have views of the majestic Lake Wakatipu, surely one of the most beautiful views to be found in Queenstown, New Zealand.
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.
Staying in Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless.
The vistas from Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown are awe-inspiring - soak in the view of the towering Remarkables mountain range, rising from the rippling waters of Lake Wakatipu from the comfort of the hotel. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax.
Our spacious, beautifully appointed Queenstown hotel rooms have views of the majestic Lake Wakatipu, surely one of the most beautiful views to be found in Queenstown, New Zealand.
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!
Staying in Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless.
The vistas from Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown are awe-inspiring - soak in the view of the towering Remarkables mountain range, rising from the rippling waters of Lake Wakatipu from the comfort of the hotel. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax.
Our spacious, beautifully appointed Queenstown hotel rooms have views of the majestic Lake Wakatipu, surely one of the most beautiful views to be found in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Depart Queenstown and continue 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 to the township of Franz Josef. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel.
Staying in Hotel Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Te Waonui Forest Retreat is truly luxurious and can be found in an area of native rainforest which has been carefully preserved. All the guest room balconies look out into the rainforest, which contains mature trees up to 20m high. Guests get a real sense of seclusion and privacy during their stay. Lavishly appointed guest rooms, generously proportioned and featuring the highest standard of room amenities, such as your own personal pillow menu, natural wool mattress underlay and high-speed Internet access.
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur’s Pass and 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. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, your Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Staying in Hotel Sudima Christchurch City
Being in the hub of the city means you are within walking distance from shopping, activities and attractions. At Sudima Christchurch City you will find the rooms reflect the New Zealand landscape with tones and textures to create a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms have been tastefully decorated and offers guests comfort and space with a plush bed, beautiful luxury linen and a New Zealand based artists' work features on the headboard for you to enjoy as you relax.
Begin your day with a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, where you will embark on a fascinating journey through modern day Antarctica. Experience the thrill of an Antarctic storm, embark on an off-road adventure in a Hagglund vehicle, befriend a husky and mingle with the penguins. Depart Christchurch and travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikōura.
Staying in Hotel Sudima Kaikōura
The Kaikōura District has some of the most breath-taking scenery in the country with a stunning coastline, a dramatic peninsula and some of the South Island’s highest mountains. With its superb location on the shoreline close to town, Sudima Kaikōura is blessed with stunning views of both the mountains and sea. This state-of-the-art new waterfront hotel has a 4.5 star rating with outstanding facilities. As always, you can expect that special Sudima service. They take care of the little things, so you’re all ready for a big day – of sightseeing.
Travel north to Blenheim and visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, home to one of the largest private collections of WW1 Aircraft, brought to life in sets created by the internationally acclaimed WingNut Films and Weta Workshop. Continue to Picton, where you will board the Interislander Ferry and experience the comfort and intimate setting of the Premium Lounge. Enjoy complimentary refreshments as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.
Staying in Hotel InterContinental Wellington
Adjacent to Wellington’s waterfront, InterContinental Wellington is the most centrally located and experienced global five-star hotel in New Zealand’s capital city. It is the seamless and personal service of the team that makes your Wellington accommodation and travel experience truly memorable. In your room you will enjoy an enriching stay featuring walk-in showers, with handheld and rain shower heads, digital lighting controls and much more. Feel rejuvenated in the morning after a tranquil night’s sleep on your king bed inspired to uncover the New Zealand capital.
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.