The Southern Drift

Expedition

Experience the best of New Zealand on this 12-day guided tour.

EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW

Experience the best of New Zealand on this 12-day guided tour. Journey along the Haast River in an enclosed jet boat, then travel to the picturesque mining village of Arrowhead: here, you can choose to ride a bike along the Arrow River or join a boutique wine tour. Take time to explore the charming city of Queenstown, then dine on exceptional fare at one of its most exclusive restaurants. Journey through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you’ll enjoy a half-day guided walk along the famous Milford Track — the finest walk in the world. Travel to the country’s most southern city, Dunedin, for dinner at Parcels Restaurant, then sample craft beers at Emerson’s Brewery. Embark on an in-depth sightseeing adventure in Christchurch, and toast to your travels during a celebration dinner.

highlights

Dining Summary

10 Breakfast (B)
7 Dinner (D)
1 Lunch (L)

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Queenstown: Take part in a scenic bike ride on the Arrow River Trail and cross the famous Kawarau suspension bridge, home of the the world's first bungy jump.
Queenstown: Embark on a boutique wine tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region.

Additional Included Highlights

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Complimentary airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travelers that arrive on the same flight.
You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.

Exceptional Dining

Dunedin: Step into Parcels Restaurant at the Distinction Dunedin and taste their exquisite modern twist on traditional local dishes. Sip delicious wines as you look across to the First Church of Otago from the old post office building which houses the hotel.

Journey Highlights

Christchurch: Experience the striking natural landscape of the South Island as you travel on the TranzAlpine. Famous as one of the world’s great train journeys, you can enjoy the remarkable scenery from the ice-fed Waimakariri River to the magnificent Canterbury Plains.
Hokitika: Visit the coastal town of Hokitika, where you’ll find stunning scenery and a cool, arty vibe. Hear about its rich history, from the discovery of New Zealand jade through the many tales from the gold rush in the 1860s.
Franz Josef: Experience the mighty natural wonder of the Franz Josef Glacier and what the ice age must have felt like. The sheer enormity of these giant ice puzzles will leave you spellbound as you explore the area with your Local Expert.
Makarora: Visit Makarora, a great base point to explore the beauty of the Southern Alps. Your Travel Concierge will take you on an orientation of the town where you can admire remarkable scenery and hear more about its history.
Haast River: Enjoy the unique blend of thrilling speed and calm comfort on a Haast River jet boat safari. Zip past untouched forests and snow-capped mountains in your fully enclosed cabin while you hear beguiling tales of the wilderness communities of the valley.
Milford Sound: Immerse yourself in nature with a guided walk along a stunning section of Milford Track, one of the most breathtaking walks in the world. Learn about its wildlife and heritage while you traverse beach forest and bubbling rivers as you pass along its route.
Fiordland National Park: Embark on a serene cruise on Lake Manapouri where you can marvel at plummeting waterfalls and see countless coves and beaches dotted along its shore. See the magnificent scenery of the Fiordland National Park with its forest-clad mountains and islands.
Dunedin: Sample exquisite botanical spirits made from surplus bread and bakery products in an effort to reduce landfill waste. Witness how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell, do it as they take you through the process of turning bread into spirits.
Christchurch: Explore the dynamic city of Christchurch and learn how the city has reinvented itself in the past decade. See how the unique Cardboard Cathedral and Container Mall juxtapose with the older landmarks of Canterbury Museum and New Regent Street.

Luxury Hotels

Franz Josef: Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a five-star haven of relaxation and impeccable luxury. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind.

Personalize your day

Queenstown: Take part in a scenic bike ride on the Arrow River Trail and cross the famous Kawarau suspension bridge, home of the the world's first bungy jump.
Queenstown: Embark on a boutique wine tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region.

Well-being

Our customised luxury coaches are sanitised before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customised luxury coaches.
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Concierges and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Highlights

Dining Summary

10 Breakfast (B)
7 Dinner (D)
1 Lunch (L)

Choice Highlights

Choose between two carefully selected activities

Queenstown: Take part in a scenic bike ride on the Arrow River Trail and cross the famous Kawarau suspension bridge, home of the the world's first bungy jump.
Queenstown: Embark on a boutique wine tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region.

Additional Included Highlights

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary, available on departures with 15 or more guests.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Complimentary airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travelers that arrive on the same flight.
You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.

Exceptional Dining

Dunedin: Step into Parcels Restaurant at the Distinction Dunedin and taste their exquisite modern twist on traditional local dishes. Sip delicious wines as you look across to the First Church of Otago from the old post office building which houses the hotel.

Journey Highlights

Christchurch: Experience the striking natural landscape of the South Island as you travel on the TranzAlpine. Famous as one of the world’s great train journeys, you can enjoy the remarkable scenery from the ice-fed Waimakariri River to the magnificent Canterbury Plains.
Hokitika: Visit the coastal town of Hokitika, where you’ll find stunning scenery and a cool, arty vibe. Hear about its rich history, from the discovery of New Zealand jade through the many tales from the gold rush in the 1860s.
Franz Josef: Experience the mighty natural wonder of the Franz Josef Glacier and what the ice age must have felt like. The sheer enormity of these giant ice puzzles will leave you spellbound as you explore the area with your Local Expert.
Makarora: Visit Makarora, a great base point to explore the beauty of the Southern Alps. Your Travel Concierge will take you on an orientation of the town where you can admire remarkable scenery and hear more about its history.
Haast River: Enjoy the unique blend of thrilling speed and calm comfort on a Haast River jet boat safari. Zip past untouched forests and snow-capped mountains in your fully enclosed cabin while you hear beguiling tales of the wilderness communities of the valley.
Milford Sound: Immerse yourself in nature with a guided walk along a stunning section of Milford Track, one of the most breathtaking walks in the world. Learn about its wildlife and heritage while you traverse beach forest and bubbling rivers as you pass along its route.
Fiordland National Park: Embark on a serene cruise on Lake Manapouri where you can marvel at plummeting waterfalls and see countless coves and beaches dotted along its shore. See the magnificent scenery of the Fiordland National Park with its forest-clad mountains and islands.
Dunedin: Sample exquisite botanical spirits made from surplus bread and bakery products in an effort to reduce landfill waste. Witness how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell, do it as they take you through the process of turning bread into spirits.
Christchurch: Explore the dynamic city of Christchurch and learn how the city has reinvented itself in the past decade. See how the unique Cardboard Cathedral and Container Mall juxtapose with the older landmarks of Canterbury Museum and New Regent Street.

Luxury Hotels

Franz Josef: Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a five-star haven of relaxation and impeccable luxury. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind.

Personalize your day

Queenstown: Take part in a scenic bike ride on the Arrow River Trail and cross the famous Kawarau suspension bridge, home of the the world's first bungy jump.
Queenstown: Embark on a boutique wine tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region.

Well-being

Our customised luxury coaches are sanitised before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customised luxury coaches.
Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Concierges and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.
We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Trip details

Trip Type: Group Tour

Comfort: Deluxe

Travel Styles: Family, 55+, Luxury

Starts: Christchurch (Nz), New Zealand

Finishes: Christchurch (Nz), New Zealand

Duration: 12 days

ITINERARY

1Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch

Your New Zealand luxury tour begins by private car to your boutique hotel located in the heart of Christchurch and just minutes from North Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens. Pay a visit to the blooms at the Botanic Gardens or ride the Christchurch Tram before meeting your Travel Concierge where you’ll raise a glass to a grand journey.

Accommodation: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.

2Day 2: Christchurch to Franz Josef

Embark on one of the world's greatest scenic railway journeys aboard the TranzAlpine train to the small village of Arthur's Pass. In Franz Josef, your eco-friendly retreat nestled in the wilderness welcomes.

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

3Day 3: The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier Relaxed Start

Immerse yourself in the grand natural surroundings traversing the brilliant blue ice and deep crevasses of Franz Josef Glacier on a valley walk with a Local Expert.

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Meals: Breakfast

4Day 4: Romantic Arrowtown and on to Queenstown

Cruise down the Haast River in a jet boat basking in the beauty of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Visit the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown before arriving at your hotel in Queenstown, offering expansive views across Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.

Accommodation: Hotel St. Moritz, Queenstown.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

5Day 5: Explore Queenstown Relaxed Start

Take a scenic bike ride on the Arrow River Trail or sample the Central Otago region's best Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc on a boutique wine tour.

Accommodation: Hotel St. Moritz, Queenstown.
Meals: Breakfast

6Day 6: Queenstown at Leisure Relaxed Start

Queenstown’s adventure culture is yours to experience. Take a Locally Available Experience jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River, or whitewater raft down the Kawarau River. In the evening, dine at one of Queenstown’s exclusive restaurants.

Accommodation: Hotel St. Moritz, Queenstown.
Meals: Dinner

7Day 7: Queenstown to Milford Sound

Journey to Milford Sound through Fiordland National Park. View Mirror Lakes, the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel and Cleddau Valley en route to the dramatic Chasm.

Accommodation: Milford Sound Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

8Day 8: Milford Track Walk and Milford Sound Cruise Relaxed Start

Take a guided walk on Milford Track through pristine lakes, sky-scraping mountain peaks, glaciers and deep valleys. Bask in the spectacular scenery of Milford Sound aboard a catamaran before dining at Pio Pio Restaurant.

Accommodation: Milford Sound Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9Day 9: Milford Sound to Dunedin

Take a scenic journey from Fiordland National Park through rolling green pastures before arriving in Dunedin. Your heritage hotel welcomes you with a cozy atmosphere in the city center. Dine on favorites such as surf and turf, braised lamb, catch of the day, or other modern twists on traditional local dishes at Parcels Restaurant.

Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

10Day 10: Distillery Tour and Dunedin at Leisure

Explore the flavors of Dunedin on a guided tour and tasting at Dunedin Craft Distillers. Venture next door for a special Chocolate tasting journey. View Dunedin’s sites or venture to the dramatic coastline.

Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast

11Day 11: Dunedin to Christchurch

Travel up the coast though the towns of Oamaru and Timaru to Christchurch to uncover the city’s highlights on a fascinating sightseeing tour. Sample the best of the city over dinner at Polo Bar and Restaurant.

Accommodation: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

12Day 12: Farewell from Christchurch

Bid farewell to your fellow travelers after breakfast, as your journey comes to an end with a transfer to Christchurch International Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Partner Details

Luxury Gold

In Business Since 1978

A world of immersive journeys awaits you, each with VIP experiences, exceptional dining, magnificent hotels and a Travelling Concierge who’s there to tailor everything to your desires.