The Southern Drift

The Southern Drift

28 Views
12 Days
From

$9285

$8821

The Southern Drift

12 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch (Nz)

Visiting: Christchurch, Arthur's Pass, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Mirror Lake, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound, Dunedin

Tour operator:

Luxury Gold

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

From:
$9285
$8821 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$464

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

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.

Highlights

  • Queenstown: Take part in a scenic bike ride on the Arrow River Trail and cross the famous Kawarau suspension bridge, home of the the worlds first Bungy jump.

  • Queenstown: Embark on a boutique wine tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region.

  • : Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.

  • : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols.

  • : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.

  • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

  • 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 Travelling Concierge will take you on an orientation of the town where you can admire remarkable scenery and hear more about its history.

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Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel Montreal, 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.

Day 2: Christchurch To Franz Josef
Location: Christchurch, Arthur's Pass, Hokitika, Franz Josef
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Day 3: The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier Relaxed Start
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 4: Romantic Arrowtown And On To Queenstown
Location: Franz Josef, Arrowtown, Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel St. Moritz, Queenstown.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cruise down the Haast River in a jet boat basking in the beauty of the Te Wāhipounamu 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.

Day 5: Explore Queenstown Relaxed Start
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel St. Moritz, Queenstown.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Take 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.

Day 6: Queenstown At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel St. Moritz, Queenstown.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Queenstown’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.

Day 7: Queenstown To Milford Sound
Location: Queenstown, Mirror Lake, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound
Accommodation: Milford Sound Lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey to Milford Sound through Fiordland National Park. View Mirror Lakes, the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel and Cleddau Valley en route to the dramatic Chasm.

Day 8: Milford Track Walk And Milford Sound Cruise Relaxed Start
Location: Milford Sound
Accommodation: Milford Sound Lodge.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take 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.

Day 9: Milford Sound To Dunedin
Location: Milford Sound, Dunedin
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take 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.

Day 10: Brewery Tour And Dunedin At Leisure
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore the flavours of Dunedin on a guided tour and tasting of craft beers at Emerson’s Brewery. View Dunedin’s sites or venture to the dramatic coastline.

Day 11: Dunedin To Christchurch
Location: Dunedin, Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 Polo Bar and Restaurant.

Day 12: Farewell From Christchurch
Location: 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.

What's Included

  • 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.

  • At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, with prompt delivery inside your room.

  • 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.

  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • 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.

  • You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Trusted Customer  

Majesty of the Rockies

21-Jun-2023

The itinerary was fantastic, starting in Banff at the beautiful Fairmont hotel, it set the scene for the next week. As we travelled in the coach surrounded by magnificent snow topped mountains, everyone getting excited when a black bear or elk was spotted! Standing on the glacier with the Columbian Ice Fields above , was magical. Then, on board the Rocky Mountaineer from Kamloops back to Vancouver, was very relaxing. Finishing our trip at the beautiful Douglas hotel was a lovely way to end what was a most memorable trip. Thank you *Personal Information removed by Feefo* and Luxury Gold. Will go home with fantastic memories of a very special part of the world

Trusted Customer  

Ultimate Italy

26-Jun-2023

Trip itinerary was all that we expected. We were treated like royalty at every turn. Our consierge *Personal Information removed by Feefo* was the most loving, caring person that I’ve ever seen, she accomodated our many needs flawlessly and conscientiosly, including special care for those amongst us who had trouble managing the difficult walking conditions which we encountered.She was a true professional and made us feel loke family. Her humor and social skills got everyone together as one .I don’t know how much you pay her, but it isn’t enough.

Trusted Customer  

Spain and Portugal In Style

15-Jun-2023

The guides were amazing, the hotels very nice, the bus was extremely comfortable. Some of the bus days were rather long. Our concierge guide, *personal info removed by Feefo* was beyond terrific. He anticipated needs, was so kind and very organized. Never a misstep

Dates & Availability

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Monday - Friday

Dec 02, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024
$9285 $8821 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$464 (USD)

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Monday - Friday

Jan 20, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025
$9285 $8821 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$464 (USD)

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Monday - Friday

Feb 17, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
$9285 $8821 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$464 (USD)

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Wednesday - Sunday

Dec 03, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025
$10215 $9704 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$511 (USD)

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Wednesday - Sunday

Jan 21, 2026 - Feb 01, 2026
$10215 $9704 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$511 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Sunday

Feb 18, 2026 - Mar 01, 2026
$10215 $9704 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$511 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Wednesday - Sunday

Mar 11, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026
$10215 $9704 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$511 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Luxury Gold requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • 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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