The Southern Drift
Start: Christchurch (Nz) Finish: Christchurch (Nz)
Duration: 11 Nights
Tour Operator: Luxury Gold
Prices From: $5965 $5369
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
Dining Summary: 11 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L) and 7 Dinners with Wine (DW).- Haast River: Enjoy a fully enclosed jet boat ride down the Haast River.
- Christchurch: Journey on the iconic TranzAlpine Train.
- Christchurch: Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the vibrant city of Christchurch.
- Franz Josef Glacier: Experience the impressiveness of this mighty natural wonder.
- Queenstown: Experience a first-class dining experience in one of Queenstown’s most popular and exclusive restaurants.
- Dunedin: Set in an old post office, this dinner is at Parcels Restaurant.
- Milford Track Walk: Join a guided walk to get real insight about the spectacular natural surrounds in this famous World Heritage area.
- Dunedin: Emerson’s Brewery Tour - Be taken through every step of the brew process, from the malt room, to the fermentation, bottling, and most importantly, tasting.
- West Coast: Visit the coastal town of Hokitika, find out about its local history and meet a local jade carver.
- Makarora: Take part in an orientation in Makarora and hear about the beauty of this town.
- Franz Josef: Surrounded by natural rainforest on New Zealand's West Coast, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a short drive from Franz Josef Glacier. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind. This five-star retreat offers luxuriously appointed rooms which include organic cotton bed sheets, pillow menu and large private bathrooms.
Places You'll See
Countries:
Cities & Attractions:
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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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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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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).
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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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You will be escorted by one of our fine Travelling Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Luxury Gold requires a deposit of 20% to secure a place on this tour, and the final balance is not due till 56 days before departure..
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Secure payments
All payments to TourHub are deposited into an externally regulated Trust account.
Travel, Your Way
Good reasons for travelling privately
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Personalise your trip
Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
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Increased safety during COVID
Spend the majority of time amongst your group to reduce exposure to others
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Travel more exclusively
Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
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Travel for a special occasion
Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family