The Southern Drift
Dates & Prices
Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
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Monday, Dec 02, 2024 | Friday, Dec 13, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Monday, Jan 20, 2025 | Friday, Jan 31, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
Monday, Feb 17, 2025 | Friday, Feb 28, 2025 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
Save 10% Off this Tour - Guaranteed!
Limited-Time Air Offer: up to $400 Off Air-Inclusive Vacations
Limited-Time Air Offer: up to $400 Off Air-Inclusive Vacations
Promotion Details
Save $100 per person on Economy or Premium Economy airfare; save $200 per person on Business Class airfare. Valid for Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Insight, Brendan Vacations or Costsaver vacations booked with Economy, Premium Economy or Business Class airfare for travel April 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024. Must be booked with deposit between April 1, 2024 and May 30, 2024. Mention promotion code at time of booking; not valid online. Not valid on group bookings and offer is not combinable with group discounts, Future Travel Credit carry forward discount, Last-Minute Deals or any other airfare discounts; savings are combinable with Global Tour Rewards benefits or other general market promotions on the land portion of the tour. Standard commission on airfare applies. Other conditions may apply.
Tour Itinerary
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.
Christchurch , Dunedin , Franz Josef , Milford Sound , Queenstown
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Day 1
Welcome to ChristchurchYour 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.
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Day 2
Christchurch to Franz JosefEmbark 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 -
Day 3
The Mighty Franz Josef GlacierExplore Franz Josef, where a Local Expert reveals the glacier's impressive history.Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 4
Travel from Franz Josef to QueenstownCruise down the Haast River in a jet boat basking in the beauty of the Te W?hipounamu 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: The Rees Hotel
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 5
Explore Queenstown Relaxed StartTake 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: The Rees Hotel
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
Queenstown at Leisure Relaxed StartQueenstown’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: The Rees Hotel
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Day 7
Queenstown to Milford Sound Relaxed StartJourney 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 -
Day 8
Milford Track Walk and Milford Sound CruiseTake 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.
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Day 9
Milford Sound to Dunedin Relaxed StartTake a scenic journey from Fiordland National Park through rolling green pastures before arriving in Dunedin. Your heritage hotel welcomes you with a cosy atmosphere in the city center. 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.Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 10
Dunedin (Relaxed Start) Relaxed StartExplore 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.Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 11
Dunedin to ChristchurchTravel 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 -
Day 12
Farewell from ChristchurchBid 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.
Meals: Breakfast
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Dining Summary
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Dinner (D)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Queenstown: Ride the scenic Lake trail, visit hidden gems of the area and learn local history.
- Queenstown: Embark on a boutique wine tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region.
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.
- : In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
- : Included at all hotels.
- : Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
- : Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
- : On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.?
- : Enjoy complimentary hotel WiFi. And, on select coaches, onboard WiFi may also be available.
- : 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 requested.
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.
Magnificent Stays
- 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.
Passport Moments
- 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.
Personalise your day
- Queenstown: Ride the scenic Lake trail, visit hidden gems of the area and learn local history.
- Queenstown: Embark on a boutique wine tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region.
OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620
Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?
Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?
Another outstanding trip from Luxury Gold.
The guide was fabulous. The hotels wonderful.
Truly enjoyed all aspects of the Luxury Gold trip and will definitely look into more trips with them in the future.
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