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

13 Day Warbirds Premier Tour - 30 March to 11 April 2010

Tuesday 30 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.

Wednesday 31 March 2010 - CHRISTCHURCH/GREYMOUTH/FOX GLACIER

This morning take the world famous Tranz Alpine Rail Journey. Travel over the broad Canterbury Plains, follow the rugged Waimakariri river valley through a tunnel beneath the mountains between Arthurs Pass and Otira, passing dense beech forests and tranquil lakes. In Greymouth, stop for lunch and take time to visit the Greenstone (Jade) factory where craftsmen cut and polish giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Your coach and coach captain will be waiting to continue the drive south to the magnificent Glacier region. Explore the township or take an optional Glacier Walk to the Glacier’s Terminal Face. Overnight accommodation Fox Glacier Hotel.

Thursday 1 April 2010 - FOX GLACIER/WANAKA

Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka a choice of two afternoon activities. Either a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island, a nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you. Alternatively a very picturesque walk along a track beside the Clutha River as it flows from Lake Wanaka to a picnic spot. Enjoy light refreshments and a thrilling jet boat excursion on the river tailored to suit – full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between. Your accommodation is at Mt Aspiring Hotel (4 nights).

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.

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 - WANAKA/ARROWTOWN/QUEENSTOWN

Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era. Cross the Kawarau Gorge before reaching the popular resort of 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. (2 nights).

Tuesday 6 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 cruise across the lake aboard the steamship Earnslaw, to the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak Sheep Station. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries - the choice is yours.

Wednesday 7 April 2010 - QUEENSTOWN/MILFORD SOUND

Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then, Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. Travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. (Dinner and breakfast included)

Thursday 8 April 2010 - MILFORD SOUND/DUNEDIN

Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside as we travel through Mossburn and Lumsden to reach Mandeville. A visit to 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”, DH82A "Tiger Moth", DH85 "Leopard Moth", DH87B "Hornet Moth"DH94 "Moth Minor" Simmonds Spartan. Lush green countryside now gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the " Edinburgh of the South". This evening prior to dinner, you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift. Your overnight accommodation is at Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel.

Friday 9 April 2010 - DUNEDIN/OMARAMA

Visit Olveston House, Dunedin’s majestic historic home with its original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes to Omarama. Your overnight accommodation is at Heritage Gateway Hotel.

Saturday 10 April 2010 - OMARAMA/CHRISTCHURCH

From Omarama travel through the township of Twizel, pass the large Hydro Dam, and skirt the shores of Lake Pukaki before reaching Lake Tekapo. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and 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 it's newly formed air force, and renamed it "Wigram" in honour of it's founder. Continue through to Christchurch. Your overnight accommodation is at Pavilions Hotel.

Sunday 11 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.

Limited seats – Book early!

Add-on recommendation: 10 Day Northern Escape

Commencing Christchurch: Sunday 11 April 2010

Concluding Auckland: 20 April 2010

NZ$2263 per person / twin share

Breakfast supplement NZ$154 per person / Dinner supplement NZ$207 per person

Single room supplement NZ$608

Please click on the map for a detailed itinerary.

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

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