The Southern Drift - Summer 2021
12 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch (Nz)
Visiting: Christchurch, Hokitika, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NZSIZM21
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Luxury Gold with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
No stone is left unturned as you venture into parts of the South Island less travelled. Travel 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Christchurch.
Accommodation: The George, Christchurch.
On arrival at Christchurch Airport you'll be driven by private car to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Perhaps visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens or take a ride on the Christchurch Tram. In the evening meet your Travelling Concierge for a Welcome Reception.
Day 2: Christchurch To Franz Josef.
Location: Christchurch, Hokitika
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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 through the Southern Alps. From Arthur's Pass, visit the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast, to learn the importance of Pounamu, better known as jade or greenstone. 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)
Day 3: The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier.
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Meals Included: Breakfast
During a Glacier Valley Walk, explore the area with a local guide who will explain the history behind the surrounding fascinating landscape.(Breakfast)
Day 4: Romantic Arrowtown And On To Queenstown.
Location: Arrowtown
Accommodation: St. Moritz, Queenstown.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
This morning it’s time for an adventure as you journey down the Haast River in a purpose-built, fully enclosed, river jet boat. After a lunch stop at Makarora travel to Arrowtown where there is time to stop and explore this historic gold-mining village on the Arrow River. Continue to Queenstown for an orientation tour.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 5: Queenstown Your Way.
Accommodation: St. Moritz, Queenstown.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Experience Queenstown at leisure. Perhaps join an optional wine tour or view The Lord of the Rings film locations? Tonight you can dine at one of the local restaurants along the waterfront in town or simply relax at your hotel.(Breakfast)
Day 6: Queenstown At Leisure.
Accommodation: St. Moritz, Queenstown.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Why not take an optional jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River or get wet white water rafting down the Kawarau River? In the evening, enjoy a Highlight Dinner at one of Queenstown’s exclusive restaurants.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 7: Queenstown To Milford Sound.
Location: Queenstown, Te Anau
Accommodation: Milford Sound Lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Take the scenic journey through rainforests, flats and meadows of Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Stop at Mirror Lakes, where the stunning mountain scenery is perfectly reflected in the waters, then on to the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel, and after, to one of the world's most dramatic alpine drives, down through the Cleddau Valley and its impressive Chasm.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 8: Milford Track Walk And Milford Sound Cruise.
Accommodation: Milford Sound Lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Explore the famous Milford Track on an easy-going half-day guided walk. This is a place steeped in rich history and stories; and the flora and fauna is unique and special. Enjoy the best of both worlds as you listen to a Specialist Nature Guide while relaxing onboard a modern catamaran. Your guide will introduce you to the natural wonders of Milford Sound.(Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)
Day 9: Milford Sound To Dunedin.
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
We leave the majestic Fiordland National Park for the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago. Travel through Te Anau and on to the country music town of Gore before continuing to Dunedin, New Zealand’s southernmost city. Enjoy dinner and wine at Parcels Restaurant.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 10: Brewery Tour And Dunedin At Leisure.
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a guided tour and sample the tasty craft beer at Emerson’s Brewery before an afternoon at your leisure - relax or continue exploring as you wish. Perhaps take a train ride or wildlife cruise?(Breakfast)
Day 11: Dunedin To Christchurch.
Location: Dunedin, Christchurch
Accommodation: The George, Christchurch.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Travel up the east coast of the South Island via Oamaru and Timaru. On arrival in Christchurch embark on an in-depth sightseeing tour of the city. Toast your travels together at your Celebration Dinner.(Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)
Day 12: Farewell From Christchurch.
Meals Included: Breakfast
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)
What's Included
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You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
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Luxury Gold is proud to offer various modes of transportation, from luxury coach to safari jeep and more, so that you always travel in comfort and experience your journey and destination in the best possible and most appropriate way.
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At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.
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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.
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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.
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Complimentary, private airport transfers are included on start and end dates and when additional accommodation has been booked through Luxury Gold. Guests will be transferred with fellow Luxury Gold Travellers that arrive on the same flight.
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Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
Check out our Q&As
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Absolutely! We are very selective in who we work with and choose to only use hotels that take the health and well-being of our guests as seriously as we do and agree to meet expected guidelines and specifications. We only work with establishments that we are confident will consistently adhere to our standards.
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Which countries does Luxury Gold visit?
We offer incredible luxury trips in Europe, North America, South America, Hawaii, South-East Asia, the Indian sub-continent (including India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka), Australia and New Zealand.
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What other modes of transport does Luxury Gold use?
A Luxury Gold tour will include touring on high-speed trains, alpine cable cars, hydrofoils, river cruisers and horse-drawn carriages, in addition to our high-deck luxury coaches with extra legroom.
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Who travels with Luxury Gold?
We are delighted to welcome guests who have a shared love of travel, adventure, entertainment and exploration. A mix of solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends and family join us from all over the English-speaking world.
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What is the role of the Well-Being Director?
Working closely together with your Travelling Concierge, the Well-Being Director* will help make sure all necessary protocols are followed to ensure the health and wellbeing of all our guests. This includes our enhanced screening and hygiene protocols, complying with distancing and other requirements set by government authorities. They are also there to support our guests & answer any questions.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Luxury Gold requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of luxury gold charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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