The Southern Drift
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
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Accommodation: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.
2Day 2: Christchurch to Franz Josef
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
3Day 3: The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier Relaxed Start
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Meals: Breakfast
4Day 4: Romantic Arrowtown and on to Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel St. Moritz, Queenstown.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
5Day 5: Explore Queenstown Relaxed Start
Accommodation: Hotel St. Moritz, Queenstown.
Meals: Breakfast
6Day 6: Queenstown at Leisure Relaxed Start
Accommodation: Hotel St. Moritz, Queenstown.
Meals: Dinner
7Day 7: Queenstown to Milford Sound
Accommodation: Milford Sound Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
8Day 8: Milford Track Walk and Milford Sound Cruise Relaxed Start
Accommodation: Milford Sound Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9Day 9: Milford Sound to Dunedin
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
10Day 10: Distillery Tour and Dunedin at Leisure
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
11Day 11: Dunedin to Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
12Day 12: Farewell from Christchurch
Meals: Breakfast
WHAT’S INCLUDED

Partner Details

Luxury Gold
In Business Since 1978
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