Warbirds over Wanaka - March 2008 - in conjuntion with Kirra Tours

12 Day Warbirds Explorer - 27 March to 7 April 2010

Saturday 27 March 2010- ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH

A Kirra Tours Representative will be on hand to meet you at the Airport and arrange transportation to your Hotel. Overnight accommodation is at Pavilions Hotel.

Sunday 28 March 2010 - CHRISTCHURCH/OMARAMA

Depart Christchurch this morning, en-route visit the Wigram Airbase Museum. 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 that time, the company trained pilots for service with British Air Forces during World War I. In 1923 the New Zealand Government purchased the land and assets of the company as the base for its newly formed air force, and renamed it "Wigram" in honour of its 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. Overnight accommodation is at Heritage Gateway.

Monday 29 March 2010 - OMARAMA/DUNEDIN

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 prior to dinner, you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift. Overnight accommodation is at Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel.

Tuesday 30 March 2010 - DUNEDIN/LAKE MANAPOURI/TE ANAU

Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich, rolling farmlands to the agricultural town 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 of the aircraft which may be on display are the DHC1 "Chipmunk" DH80A "Puss Moth ,DH 82A "Tiger Moth", DH85 "Leopard Moth", DH87B "Hornet Moth"DH94 "Moth Minor" Simmonds Spartan. Continue on through, Lumsden, to reach picturesque Lake Manapouri with its backdrop of rugged bushclad mountains before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau. Overnight accommodation is at Luxmore Resort Hotel.

Wednesday 31 March 2010 - TE ANAU/MILFORD SOUND/QUEENSTOWN

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 is at Rydges Queenstown Hotel (5 nights).

Thursday 1 April 2010 - QUEENSTOWN

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.

Friday 2 April 2010 - WARBIRDS OVER WANAKA AIR SHOW

This morning your coach will take you to the airfield. Today the Aviation Trade Display Day opens and Warbirds practice. This evening cruise across the lake aboard the TSS Earnslaw for dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead, Walter Peak Station.

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 April 2010 - 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.

Monday 5 April 2010 - 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. Overnight accommodation is at Fox Glacier Hotel.

Tuesday 6 April 2010 - 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 to 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. Overnight accommodation is at Pavilions Hotel.

OPTION: Join the world famous Tranz Alpine train for a spectacular rail journey through the Southern Alps to Christchurch. Transfers are provided to Greymouth to join the train and on arrival Christchurch to your hotel.

Wednesday 7 April 2010 - DEPART CHRISTCHURCH

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.

Prices are per person in New Zealand Dollars (NZ$) - based on double or twin share accommodation.

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Please click here to read our important Terms and Conditions.