For three days over Easter 2010, Lake Wanaka will become centre stage for this amazing extravaganza of aerial action. Wanaka provides the perfect setting for this International Airshow nestled on the shores of the azure blue lake with the mountains creating a stunning backdrop and natural amphitheatre. Wanaka features over 30 restaurants and has all of the facilities for the most discerning traveller.
Commencing Christchurch, 27 March 2010.
Concluding Christchurch, 06 April 2010
Click on the button above to receive more details about this tour - departure dates, prices etc.
Tour Duration: 12 Days
Tour Type: Group Coach Tour
Tour Price Per Person: NZ$2575 per person double/twin
Optional extras (per person) |
|
| Breakfast Supplement | NZ$198 |
| Dinner Supplement | NZ$245 |
| Single Room Supplement | NZ$825 |
| TranzAlpine Train | NZ$170 |
Day 1 - Christchurch
A Representative will be on hand to meet you at the airport and arrange transportation to your hotel.
Accommodation: Pavillions Hotel. (1 night)
Day 2 - Christchurch / Omarama
Depart Christchurch this morning, en-route visit the Airfoce Museum of New Zealand. The airfield at Wigram was originally the home of the Canterbury Aviation Company, a private flying school founded by Sir Henry Wigram in 1916. As New Zealand had no air force at the time the company trained pilots for service with British Air Forces during World War One.
In 1923 the New Zealand Government purchased the land and assets of the comapny as the base for it's newly formed air force, and renamed it "Wigram" in honour of it's founder.
Continue across the broad expanse of the Canterbury Plains with the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the west. Enter the foothills near Geraldine, ascend Burkes Pass into the barren MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd dedicated to the early pioneers of the region and the Collie Dog memorial overlooking the milky blue waters of Lake Tekapo. Travel on around the shores of Lake Pukaki to the town of Twizel and on to Omarama.
Accommodation: Heritage Gateway. (1 night)
Pass large Hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley, to Oamaru, and on to Dunedin - the "Scottish" city of New Zealand. An early afternoon arrival allows the opportunity for a choice of excellent optional activities. Visit the world acclaimed albatross colony either by cruising down the Harbour on board the Monarch or take Newtons sightseeing coach. Another popular option is the historic and very scenic Taieri Gorge rail excursion. Alternatively explore the city, only a few minutes walk from your hotel. This evening proir to dinner, you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.
Accommodation: Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel. (1 night)
Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich, rolling farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore. We visit the Croydon Aircraft Company at the old Mandeville airfield, where they restore and repair vintage planes, like the Tiger Moths. Some aircraft which may be on display are the DHC1 "Chipmunk", DH87B "Puss Moth", DH82A "Tiger Moth", DH85 "Leopard Moth", DH87B "Hornet Moth", DH94 "Moth Minor" Simmonds Spartan. Continue through, Lumsden, to reach picturesque Lake Manapouri with its backdrop of rugged bushclad mountains before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau.
Accommodation: Luxmore Distinction Hotel. (1night)
Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach right to the road's edge and mighty snow capped peaks tower high above, pass through the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you right to the open sea and shows such highlights as the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Later in the afternoon return to Te Anau and on to Mossburn, then skirt the shores of picturesque Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Dinner tonight is in one of New Zealand's most spectacular locations at the Skyline Restaurant where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed.
Accommodation: Rydges Queenstown Hotel (5 nights).
A full day to explore the many delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Your Coach Captain will happily advise on the many optional sightseeing and recreational activities available to you. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or try some of Central Otago's boutique wines on a deluxe winery tour. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries - the choice is yours.
This morning your coach will take you to the Wanaka airfield. Today the Aviation Trade Display day opens and Warbirds practice.
Day 8 - Warbirds Over Wanaka Air Show
Warbirds over Wanaka The Airshow today. Flying begins at 10.00am and is non stop throughout the day. Civil aircraft, Helicopters, Warbirds, RNZAF, Trade Displays, Military Vehicles, Vintage Machinery, Classic Fire Engines and much more.
Warbirds over Wanaka The Airshow today. Flying begins at 10.00am and is non stop throughout the day. Civil aircraft, Helicopters, Warbirds, RNZAF, Trade Displays, Military Vehicles, Vintage Machinery, Classic Fire Engines and much more.
Day 10 - Queenstown / Haast Pass / Fox Glacier
Traverse the rugged Haast Pass into the bushland of Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks with a short drive north along the coast to the glacier region capping off a spectacular day with a visit to the National Park Headquarters.
Accommodation: Scenic Circle Fox Glacier Hotel. (1night)
Day 11 - Fox Glacier / Christchurch
Time this morning for an optional helicopter flight over the glaciers then travel north passing tiny lakes and farming settlements. Stop at Hokitika for a visit to a Greenstone (Jade) factory you may see craftsmen cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Cross the Otira Gorge and Arthurs Pass to the broad Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch.
Accommodation: Pavilions Hotel.
(1night)
Today it is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch International Airport in ample time to join your flight.
Warbirds Gold Pass is the premium ticket option for Warbirds 2010.
We have included the Gold Pass in our touring package. Your gold pass gives you the best seating at the show with bucket style seated grandstands which are elevated for uninterupted views of the entire show and airfield.
The "Gold Club" situated behind the grandstand, also offers a huge selection of food and beverages and is exclusive to Gold Pass ticket holders, so avoiding the long queues.
Your ticket includes Souvenir cap and badge, show programme, food voucher, opportunity to mingle with pilots at the end of each day.
- Airforce Museum of New Zealand (formally Wigram Airbase Museum)
- Scottish Haggis Ceremony
- Historic Olveston House
- Croydon Aircraft Company
- Milford Sound Scenic Cruise
- Skyline Gondola Ride & Dinner
- Earnslaw Cruise & Dinner
- 3 Day Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow "Gold Pass"
- Jade Factory Visit Greymouth
Option to include the world famous Tranz Alpine Train Journey
Warbirds Gold Pass is the premium ticket option for Warbirds 2010.
We have included the Gold Pass in our touring package. Your gold pass gives you the best seating at the show with bucket style seated grandstands which are elevated for uninterupted views of the entire show and airfield.
The "Gold Club" situated behind the grandstand, also offers a huge selection of food and beverages and is exclusive to Gold Pass ticket holders, so avoiding the long queues.
Your ticket includes Souvenir cap and badge, show programme, food voucher, opportunity to mingle with pilots at the end of each day.