A representative will meet you at the airport and arrange transportation to your hotel. Overnight accommodation is at Pavillions Hotel.
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 honor 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.
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 harbor or take a 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.
Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich, rolling farmlands to the agricultural town of Gore. 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" and DH94 "Moth Minor" Simmonds Spartan.
Continue on through Lumsden, to reach picturesque Lake Manapouri with its backdrop of rugged bush-clad mountains before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau. Overnight accommodation is at Luxmore Resort Hotel.
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).
A full day to explore the many delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Swain Tours can happily advise on the many optional sightseeing and recreational activities available to your group. 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 Wanaka. 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.
Your tickets include the 'Airshow Gold Pass' so you'll be guaranteed the best seats in the house! Situated on the flight line at show center with bucket grandstand seating, you will be elevated above ground for unobstructed viewing of the entire show. "The Gold Club" marquee offers its own facilities and big screen televisions in the restaurant, which beam the live action as it happens. You can relax in comfort and watch the show's action unfold before you.
Warbirds over Wanaka The Airshow today. Flying begins at 10.00am and is non stop throughout the day. See civil aircraft, Helicopters, Warbirds, RNZAF, Trade Displays, Military Vehicles, Vintage Machinery, Classic Fire Engines and much more.
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.
There is time this morning for an optional helicopter flight over the glaciers (weather permitting, additional cost) 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 jewelry. Cross the Otira Gorge and Arthur’s 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. (own expense)
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 onward flight.
*Prices are per person/twin share in USD and exclude international air from the USA. Single rates available - call for pricing. All prices remain subject to availability and may change without prior notice.
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