Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.
Starts
Christchurch, New Zealand
Ends
Christchurch, New Zealand
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The Southern Drift
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Highlights
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.
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 valley.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 biodiversity.
Queenstown: Ride the scenic Lake trail, visit hidden gems of the area and learn local history.
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.
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.
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.
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 biodiversity.
Queenstown: Ride the scenic Lake trail, visit hidden gems of the area and learn local history.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef. HotelEdgewater Wānaka HotelThe Rees HotelFiordland Navigator HotelDistinction Dunedin Hotel.Included 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 with WineLunchEnjoy 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.
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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 1 - 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 youll raise a glass to a grand journey.
Location Visited:Christchurch
Accommodation:Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.
day 2 - Christchurch to Franz Josef
Embark on one of the world's great scenic railway journeys aboard the TranzAlpine train to the small village of Arthur's Pass. Along your journey, view the stunning scenery just outside your massive windows as you traverse the Canterbury Plains through the dramatic Southern Alps passing the ice fed Waimakariri River and native beech forest. From Arthur's Pass continue by coach to the charming town of Hokitika, the cultural centre of the West Coast. You will meet a local expert for a guided history walk in historic Holkitika. In the the town of Franz Josef, your eco friendly retreat nestled in the wilderness welcomes with natural ambience paired with impeccable luxury, inviting you to enjoy the view from your private balcony.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Christchurch, Arthur's Pass, Hokitika, Franz Josef
Accommodation:Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
day 3 - The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier
Immerse yourself in the grand natural surroundings traversing the brilliant blue ice and deep crevasses of Franz Josef Glacier on a valley walk with a Local Expert. Learn about this uniquely accessible glacier with only a seven-mile descent from the Southern Alps and less than 1,000 feet above sea level. Take in its majesty surrounded by distant rainforest, mountain tops, waterfalls and the upper glacier.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Franz Josef
Accommodation:Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
day 4 - Travel from Franz Josef to Wnaka
Cruise down the Haast River in a purpose-built, fully enclosed jet boat past snow-capped mountains contrasting with sub-tropical, untouched rainforest basking in the beauty of the Te Whipounamu World Heritage Area. Your guide is eager to share their expert knowledge of this glacial valley as the sunlight pours across the wilderness or the waterfalls tumble down in a light, misty rain. Experience fairy-tale lavender fields. Your destination is your hotel in Wnaka: sitting at the edge of Lake Wnaka and designed to flow with the seasons, Edgewater is a place youll find nature at your own pace.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Franz Josef, Lake Wanaka
Accommodation:Edgewater Wānaka Hotel
day 5 - Wnaka
Cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Wnaka to Stevensons Island, where a guided walk with your Local Expert reveals dramatic alpine vistas. This afternoon, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region with a leisurely walk in serene surroundings.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Lake Wanaka
Accommodation:Edgewater Wānaka Hotel
day 6 - Wanaka to Queenstown
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.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Location Visited:Lake Wanaka, Queenstown
Accommodation:The Rees Hotel
day 7 - Queenstown
Take in the surrounding landscape on a Lake Wakatipu scenic cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw and visit Walter Peak High Country farm for an Eco Experience - an idyllic place to spend a few peaceful hours. Or, choose a guided e-bike scenic ride along the lake. Enjoy dinner tonight at local restaurant The Bathhouse, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Queenstown
Accommodation:The Rees Hotel
day 8 - Queenstown to Doubtful Sound (overnight cruise)
Travel by road to Manapouri, then by Catamaran and coach to Doubtful Sound to meet the Fiordland Navigator. Doubtful Sound is a stunning fiord with ancient valleys, waterfalls and wildlife. Your overnight nature cruise comes complete with an onboard naturalist, activities and lectures, not to mention delicious locally sourced cuisine.
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Location Visited:Queenstown, Doubtful Sound
Accommodation:Fiordland Navigator
day 9 - 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.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Doubtful Sound, Dunedin
Accommodation:Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
day 10 - Distillery Tour and Dunedin at Leisure
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before taking a guided tour at Dunedin Craft Distillers, the first distillery in Aotearoa New Zealand and one of only a handful worldwide, to produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill. Discover on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience, how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell do it in a Bread to Bottle Tour which takes you through the process used to turn bread into spirits. Venture just next door for a special Chocolate tasting journey at OCHO Chocolate covering the history of chocolate in Dunedin, OCHO's genesis, how 'real' chocolate is made and a 10-sample bean to bar tasting. Relax or continue exploring Dunedin as you wish. Perhaps take a wildlife cruise of the Otago Peninsula or visit the iconic Larnach Castle.
Meals:Breakfast
Location Visited:Dunedin
Accommodation:Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
day 11 - Dunedin to Christchurch
Travel up the coast through the towns of Oamaru and Timaru to Christchurch to uncover the citys highlights on a fascinating sightseeing tour. On arrival in Christchurch embark on a sightseeing tour of the city to learn about its rebirth after the devastating 2011 earthquake. View historic landmarks including Canterbury Museum built in the late 1800s and New Regent Streets Spanish Mission architectural style and quirky boutiques. Sample the best of Christchurch over dinner at Montreal Bar and Restaurant, highlighting seasonal ingredients with sophistication.
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Location Visited:Dunedin
Accommodation:Hotel Montreal, 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.
