The Southern Drift
No stone is left unturned as you venture into parts of the South Island less travelled. From the wild and pristine natural wonderland of Stewart Island, to the spectacular vistas of Mount Cook, through to Milford Sound, where you will fall asleep under a blanket of mist and shadows on the still waters of the fiord. Enjoy travelling with no more than 20 like-minded guests.
11 nights from £5050pp
Call us on 01756 706505 (+44 1756 706505) to discuss this holiday
The Southern Drift Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Christchurch.
Your New Zealand adventure begins in Christchurch, the Garden City. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Perhaps visit the International Antarctic Centre or Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand's only open range zoo? In the evening, join your Travelling Concierge and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner to kick-off your journey of a lifetime.(Dinner with Wine) Meals: Locations:
Day 2 Christchurch to Punakaiki.
It's all aboard the TranzAlpine train. Rated as one of the world's great scenic railway journeys, you'll travel in comfort across the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps, taking in the extraordinary surrounds and epic scenery. From Arthur's Pass, travel to Punakaiki to see the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Your home tonight is in an eco-friendly resort on the waterfront.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine Locations: Christchurch, Hokitika
Day 3 Hokitika and on to Franz Josef.
Journey to the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast, and admire the vivid hues of greenstone (jade) during a jewellery carving demonstration. Travel to the gold-mining centre of Ross, before continue to Franz Josef where your eco-friendly accommodation is set amid native bush and has an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. This evening, why not enjoy Franz Josef's local geothermal hot pools or perhaps a massage?(Breakfast / Dinner with WIne) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine Locations:
Day 4 Romantic Arrowtown and on to Queenstown.
In the morning, should weather be favourable there is the opportunity to take a Bespoke Experience with a scenic flight over the spectacular galcier, if you wish. Your travel then continue through the Haast Pass and along the pebble-laden shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, stopping in Makarora and the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown. The adventure capital of Queenstown awaits and you’ll have an opportunity to explore it during an orientation tour.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine Locations: Arrowtown
Day 5 Queenstown At Leisure.
Calling all thrill seekers! Today’s the day to earn your adventurer stripes braving some of Queenstown’s most daring activities. Alternatively, choose to indulge your more serene side with a round of golf or a relaxing spa treatment. This evening, enjoy a memorable Highlight Dinner at one of Queenstown’s fine dining restaurants.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine Locations:
Day 6 Queenstown Free Time.
Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Consider a day indulging in the region’s vintages at the Gibbston Valley Winery, or why not take an optional jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River?(Breakfast) Meals: Breakfast Locations:
Day 7 Queenstown to Milford Sound.
Skirting the shores of Lake Wakatipu as you venture south to Te Anau before continuing through the rainforest of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges before driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to reach the amazing Mirror Lake. Walk to see the Chasm on your way into Milford Sound, considered by many as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Enjoy a two-night stay at the magical Milford Sound Lodge, with views of the Cleddau Valley.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine Locations: Queenstown, Te Anau
Day 8 Milford Sound Cruise and Kayaking.
Wake up to the startling beauty of Milford Sound. Board the Southern Discoveries vessel for a half day cruise of Milford Sound. Sail out to the Tasman Sea looking for wildlife, and perhaps take the opportunity to go sea kayaking in Harrison Cove. In the afternoon, learn more about the Fiordland National Park with an informative talk from a Local Expert.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine Locations:
Day 9 Milford Sound to Dunedin.
We leave the majestic Fiordland National Park to continue your travels through the rolling hill country of Southland to the hills of Central Otago. Arrive in Wedderburn and head out to a high-country farm to learn about life on the plains. Finish your day with dinner and a drink at the local pub.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine) Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine Locations:
Day 10 The beauty of Mount Cook National Park.
Explore the town of Naseby to learn the history of this gold-mining town and there's the opportunity to try your hand at the ancient sport of curling on a Bespoke Experience. Your travels continue through the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps and Lake Pukaki before arriving in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Enjoy dinner against the backdrop of the highest mountain in Australasia.(Breakfast) Meals: Breakfast Locations: Dunedin
Day 11 Return to Christchurch.
Travel along the shores of Lake Tekapo and stop to view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Travel along the Canterbury Plains to return to Christchurch. On an in-depth sightseeing tour see how Christchurch is being rebuilt after the earthquake of 2011.(Breakfast) Meals: Breakfast Locations: Dunedin, Christchurch
Day 12 Farewell from Christchurch.
Bid farewell to your fellow travellers after breakfast, as your journey comes to an end with a transfer to Christchurch International Airport for your onward flight.(Breakfast) Meals: Breakfast Locations:
Tour Highlights
Exceptional Dining
- Queenstown: Experience a first-class dining experience in one of Queenstown’s most popular and exclusive restaurants.
- Dining Summary: 11 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L) and 9 Dinners with Wine (DW).
Journey Highlights
- Christchurch: Journey on the iconic TranzAlpine Train.
- Christchurch: Visit the coastal town of Hokitika and find out about its local history.
- Franz Josef Glacier: Experience the impressiveness of this mighty natural wonder and meet a local jade carver.
- Haast River: Enjoy a fully enclosed jet boat ride down the Haast River.
- Makarora: Take part in an orientation in Makarora and hear about the beauty of this town.
- Queenstown: Experience Queenstown Your Way with a choice of joining a wine tour, viewing The Lord of the Rings film locations and scenery of Queenstown and Glenorchy on a scenic tour, or a relaxing massage in the spa.
- Queenstown: Take a walk in the Fiordland National Park to view the Chasm.
- Milford Sound: Sea kayaking is by far the best way to discover Milford Sound. Look out for the New Zealand fur seals, Fiordland crested penguins, famous blue penguins and even bottlenose dolphins.
- Tasman Sea: Board a cruise vessel and set sail out to the Tasman Sea.
- Dunedin: Take part in an exclusive tour of Larnach Castle.
- Christchurch: Stare in awe as you see Lake Pukaki and Tekapo, two of New Zealand's most beautiful lakes.
- Christchurch: Enjoy a day of sightseeing in the vibrant city of Christchurch.
Luxury Hotels
- Franz Josef: Surrounded by natural rainforest on New Zealand's West Coast, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a short drive from Franz Josef Glacier. This five-star retreat offers luxuriously appointed rooms which include organic cotton bed sheets, pillow menu and large private bathrooms.
Price Includes
Inclusive Luxury Gold Services
- You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
- 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).
- From time to time, your Travelling Concierge will enchant you with a Luxury Gold Flourish, which is a local speciality representing the destination.
- Complimentary, private airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold.
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