The celebrity element is hard to deny. A short stroll, a red carpet welcome and the graceful, flowing lines of a classic DC3 airliner on the tarmac all promise a glamorous yesteryear adventure. The star of the show is the DC3 and this adventure is clearly a step out of the ordinary...

In 2015, tour operator Pacific Trailways joined forces with Fly DC3 NZ to create something unique. The result was two exciting 12-day 'DC3 New Zealand Air Tours' earlier this year. The 2016 DC3 air tours sold out and another series of DC3 air tours are now available for early 2017.

The air tours offer a very different 'low and slow' perspective of New Zealand. Shortly after take off from Ardmore Airport near Auckland, the DC3 cruises south along the Waikato coastline about a kilometre out to sea. Cruise speed is 140 knots (around 280 kph) and altitude around 1,200 feet. Seen from here, the coastline is simply breath taking. And all the more so because it would be difficult to see this view in any other way.

More airborne adventures await in the days ahead. Iconic mountain views, whale spotting along the Kaikoura coastline, grass runway landings, local welcomes and more all deliver a unique experience.

For many Kiwis, the DC3 is a familiar old friend. Faithfully serving on domestic air routes in days gone by, it is part of our social history. A timeless classic with a robust reputation, it is not at all surprising that many DC3's still fly commercially today.

Fly DC3 NZ's Operations Manager and Chief Pilot Geoff Cooper has a special affinity with the DC3 reaching back to the 1970's when he flew the military version (C47/ Dakota) for the RNZAF. He describes the DC3 as "a true classic that is cherished the world over and will be forever recognised as one of the greatest aircraft ever built".

Geoff recently retired from a 37 year career with Air New Zealand - piloting Boeing airliners across international air routes. One career highlight involved working with his flight attendant wife Jess to deliver a brand new Boeing 777 from the Seattle factory to New Zealand. However the DC3 has always held a special place for Geoff and that attraction continues today, along with the Coopers' flying partnership.

Ex-TVNZ weather presenter and broadcaster Jim Hickey shares an interest in aviation and a strong friendship with the Coopers. Speaking of them, Jim says "having one of New Zealand's most endearing, most venerable aircraft still flying our skies after 75 years of service is one special thing. Having the same plane flown by a husband and wife team is another. Yes, that's Geoff and Jess Cooper."

The DC3 New Zealand Air Tours are fully hosted by a professional tour director and the DC3 crew includes two pilots and a flight attendant. Hotel accommodation is 4 to 5 star level and includes all breakfasts and nearly all dinners. Extensive ground sightseeing adds to the enjoyment and the premier 12-day tours include cruises, attractions and activities and all transport and transfers.

For more information visit the Pacific Trailways website www.pacifictrailways.co.nz Or call toll free on 0800 868 766 or email info@pacifictrailways.co.nz