(800) 658-0869The Southern Drift
Call for Low Prices
Tour Type: Luxury Gold
Brochure Type Luxury Gold Southpac 2025/2026 v1
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.The Activity Level of this tour is Leisurely, meaning there is 1 to 2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces with some stairs.
Additional Included Highlights
Brochure Type Luxury Gold Southpac 2025/2026 v1
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.The Activity Level of this tour is Leisurely, meaning there is 1 to 2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces with some stairs.
Additional Included Highlights
- Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
- Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
- Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
- Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
- In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
- Included at all hotels.
- On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.?
- Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be reques
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 1 Lunch with Wine (L)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 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 hot
- Queenstown Enjoy dinner at the majestic waterfront Bathhouse, try locally grown, foraged and farmed produce, local and international wines, against the spectacular lakefront backdrop of Lake Wakatipu.
- 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.
- Lake Wanaka Take a leisurely cruise out to Stevensons Arm, home to Mount Burke high country sheep station. Verdant green pastures precede Mount Gold which rises majestically into the Northern skyline. Learn about the conservation efforts to revive the ne
- 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 Can
- 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
- Cromwell Visit the Highlands National Motorsport Museum and come face to face with top-of-the-line machines. Since you only ever see them in the movies or on TV, there's just something about being in the same room with these rare special cars that gets e
- 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.
- Fiordland National Park Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Patea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses you in nature. Wake up fee
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Lake Wanaka Wanaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes drive from Wanaka, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields. Enjoy a walk through the flowers, meet our friendly farm animals, play a garden game, unwind over a cup of herbal te
- 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.
- Queenstown Enjoy an exclusive wine tasting in Gibbston Valley Wine Region at Kinross, followed by lunch.
- Lake Wakatipu Fall in love with nature and immerse yourself in a unique experience where conservation, horticulture, and eco-tourism meet. The Walter Peak Eco Experience allows you to learn more about New Zealand conservation and contribute to biodiversi
- Queenstown It's one of the best ways to see Queenstown's surrounding landscape - a cruise across Lake Whakatipu aboard the iconic century-old coal-fired steamship, the TSS Earnslaw.
- Queenstown Ride the scenic Lake trail, visit hidden gems of the area and learn local history.
Call (800) 658-0869 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18852839
- Tour Operator
- Luxury Gold by InsightCall for Low Prices
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2024
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Christchurch | 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. Accommodations: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch. |
| Day 2 | Franz Josef | 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. Accommodations: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef. |
| Day 3 | Franz Josef | The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier: Explore Franz Josef, where a Local Expert reveals the glacier's impressive history. Accommodations: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef. |
| Day 4 | Lake Wanaka | Travel from Franz Josef to Wanaka: Cruise down the Haast River in a jet boat basking in the beauty of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. Experience fairy-tale lavender fields. Visit the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown before arriving at your hotel at the edge of Lake Wanaka, designed to flow with the seasons. Accommodations: Edgewater Wanaka Hotel |
| Day 5 | Lake Wanaka | Wanaka Relaxed Start: Marvel at Wakana's natural beauty on a lake cruise. Complete your experience on an afternoon nature walk. Accommodations: Edgewater Wanaka Hotel |
| Day 6 | Queenstown | Wanaka to Queenstown Relaxed Start: Visit Highlands Motorsport Museum and come face to face with the state-of-the-art machines. Meet Mrs Jones Orchard, a traditional fruit stall owner, and indulge in real fruit ice-cream and stone fruit. Enjoy lunch and experience exclusive wine tasting in Gibbston Valley of the Vines at Kinross. Visit the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown. Accommodations: The Rees Hotel |
| Day 7 | Queenstown | Queenstown Relaxed Start: Take in the surrounding landscape on a Lake Wakatipu scenic cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw. Visit Walter Peak High Country farm for an Eco Experience - an idyllic place to spend a few peaceful hours. Enjoy dinner tonight at local restaurant The Bathhouse, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Accommodations: The Rees Hotel |
| Day 8 | Doubtful Sound | Queenstown to Doubtful Sound (overnight cruise): Travel by road to Manapouri, then by Catamaran and coach to Doubtful Sound to meet the Fiordland Navigator. Accommodations: |
| Day 9 | Dunedin | Doubtful Sound to Dunedin: Upon disembarking the cruise, continue by road to Dunedin, stopping for lunch at Te Anau. In Dunedin, your heritage hotel welcomes you with a cosy atmosphere in the city centre. Dine on favourites such as surf and turf, braised lamb, catch of the day, or other modern twists on traditional local dishes at Parcels Restaurant. Accommodations: Distinction Dunedin Hotel. |
| Day 10 | Dunedin | Dunedin (Relaxed Start) Relaxed Start: Explore the flavours 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. Accommodations: Distinction Dunedin Hotel. |
| Day 11 | Christchurch | 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 Montreal Bar and Restaurant. Accommodations: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch. |
| Day 12 | Christchurch | 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. Accommodations: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
