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25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
The Southern Drift
BM-23172Share this tour link.
5.0Based on
12 days
“
Every day offered a different experience, It was timed well and not hurried. Our guide Susie Ferkins was an absolute gem. The included excursions were excellent and the hotels were spacious and comfortable. Susie paid close attention to details and was always available for special requests. She represented New Zealand well! Highly recommend.
Lori P. | Traveled in February
5 - Excellent
Carbon neutral
CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
What are customers saying about Bookmundi
4.67/5
Excellent based on 839 customer reviews from
Anonymous
The booking porocess was easy, and customer service was responsive. I contacted 4 companies about the tour I was interested in. Two of the companies I contacted didn't answer me at all. One of them was basically a chatbot that said "do it yourself." Only bookmundi had human agents to help.
3 days ago
12 daysDuration
Group TourJoin a group of travelers
48 peopleMaximum group size
5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Relaxed
Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.
Dunedin: Delight in the rich history of chocolate in Dunedin, uncover the origins of OCHO and learn the art of crafting true, artisanal chocolate. Indulge in an exquisite 10-sample bean-to-bar tasting, elevating your senses to the heights of luxury.
Fiordland National Park: Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Pātea 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 feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna.
Doubtful Sound: A warm welcome awaits you at a local farm, where you’ll savour a rustic lunch while listening to captivating tales from landowner Chris. Immerse yourself in the farm's charm, with the chance to interact with friendly animals and enjoy an abundance of fascinating stories—an unforgettable experience in nature.
Queenstown: Ride the scenic trail on an e-bike, visit hidden gems of the area and learn local history.
Queenstown: 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 biodiversity.
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 everyone buzzing.
Lake Wanaka: Wānaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes drive from Wānaka, 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 tea & indulge in our lavender ice-creams. Sample our Lakes Honey and the many Wānaka Lavender Farm products that are lovingly made on site.
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.
Franz Josef: Discover the wild beauty of the West Coast with a personalised scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika. Step off the boat and into a Jurassic rainforest, where a guided nature walk follows a low-impact track created by your skipper, Dale, and his team. Wander through untouched old-growth forest, rich in native flora and teeming with birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for graceful white herons and New Zealand’s native bush birds in this peaceful, otherworldly sanctuary.
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. Join a Local Expert for a Hokitika History Walk and hear about the area's rich history - from the discovery of New Zealand jade through the many tales from the gold rush in the 1860s.
Dunedin: On this a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, 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. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
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 everyone buzzing.
Lake Wanaka: Wānaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes drive from Wānaka, 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 tea & indulge in our lavender ice-creams. Sample our Lakes Honey and the many Wānaka Lavender Farm products that are lovingly made on site.
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.
Franz Josef: Discover the wild beauty of the West Coast with a personalised scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika. Step off the boat and into a Jurassic rainforest, where a guided nature walk follows a low-impact track created by your skipper, Dale, and his team. Wander through untouched old-growth forest, rich in native flora and teeming with birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for graceful white herons and New Zealand’s native bush birds in this peaceful, otherworldly sanctuary.
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. Join a Local Expert for a Hokitika History Walk and hear about the area's rich history - from the discovery of New Zealand jade through the many tales from the gold rush in the 1860s.
Dunedin: On this a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, 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. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Monthly Price Comparison
T
Timothy B.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
Suzie our tour director was the best tour director we have ever had to lead a tour. She was both pleasant and knowledgeable. She provided information in a clear and concise manner. She went out of her way to make sure all of needs were addressed. She interacted well with all the guests. She seemed to truly enjoy her job which motivated her to provide excellent service. The itinerary was good. Perhaps an additional stop to the Marlborough district could be added.
L
Lori P.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
Every day offered a different experience, It was timed well and not hurried. Our guide Susie Ferkins was an absolute gem. The included excursions were excellent and the hotels were spacious and comfortable. Susie paid close attention to details and was always available for special requests. She represented New Zealand well! Highly recommend.
D
Don K.Verified Traveler
5.0 | Excellent
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What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.Distinction Dunedin Hotel.Fiordland Navigator HotelThe Rees HotelEdgewater Wānaka HotelTe Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef. HotelIncluded at all hotels.Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
Meals
Breakfast (x11)Dinner (x6)Lunch (x3)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.
Transport
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.
Guide
Experienced Driver Guide
Others
In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
What's Excluded
Itinerary
Explore the best of New Zealand’s South Island on The Southern Drift, a 12-day relaxed-paced city sightseeing tour that starts and ends in Christchurch. Journey on the famous Tranzalpine train to the rugged West Coast, walk the Franz Josef Glacier with expert guides, and glide along the Haast River in a jet boat. Discover Arrowtown’s mining history, indulge in Queenstown’s boutique wines or scenic e-bike tours, and savor fine dining. Trek a portion of the legendary Milford Track in Fiordland, sample craft gin in Dunedin, and celebrate your adventure in Christchurch. Designed for experienced travelers, this trip’s highlight is its seamless mix of guided nature walks, gourmet food, and cultural experiences—all wrapped in comfort.
day 1Welcome to Christchurch
Your New Zealand luxury tour begins at 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 youll raise a glass to a grand journey.
