The Southern Drift
12 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Arthur's Pass, Hokitika, Franz Josef Glacier, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Mirror Lake, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Dunedin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LGSIM24
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
18 - 22
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$9285
$8821 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$464
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
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Montreal Christchurch.
Meals Included: No Meals
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 Glacier
Accommodation Name: 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 Glacier
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 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 Glacier, Arrowtown, Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 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
Accommodation Name: 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
Accommodation Name: St. Moritz Queenstown.
Meals Included: 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 / Piopiotahi
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: 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 / Piopiotahi
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: 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 / Piopiotahi, Dunedin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Distinction Dunedin .
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 cozy atmosphere in the city center. Dine on favorites such as surf and turf, braised lamb, catch of the day, or other modern twists on traditional local dishes at Parcels Restaurant.
Day 10 : Distillery Tour And Dunedin At Leisure
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Distinction Dunedin .
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore the flavors of Dunedin on a guided tour and tasting at Dunedin Craft Distillers. Venture next door for a special Chocolate tasting journey. View Dunedin’s sites or venture to the dramatic coastline.
Day 11 : Dunedin To Christchurch
Location: Dunedin, Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 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 travelers after breakfast, as your journey comes to an end with a transfer to Christchurch International Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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Additional Services
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. Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Complimentary 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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Fully Guided
You will be escorted by one of our fine Travel Concierges, handpicked to serve as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
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Meals
As detailed in itinerary.
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Accommodation
As detailed in itinerary.
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
A max size of group is 22 guests.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Each guest can bring a single bag measuring no more than 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs. (23kg). You can also bring one hand luggage bag that is no bigger than 12”x11”x6” (30x28x14cm) to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment. Hand luggage cannot have wheels or a telescopic handle. If you wish to bring a second item of luggage, please request this at time of booking. Additional charges will apply.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Ensure you have a valid passport for all the countries you will visit or travel through; many countries require your passport to be valid for a longer period than the length of your stay (usually a minimum of 6 months), so check what applies to your itinerary. You might also need to obtain visas (depending on your nationality). Talk to your Embassy if you are unclear about what documentation you require. It is a good idea to have copies of your passport details, insurance policy, visas and credit card numbers, keeping them separate from the originals and perhaps leaving an additional copy with someone at home.
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What is the tipping policy?
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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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in itinerary.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Complimentary 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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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, English speaking tour guide on this tour.
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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
Dates & Availability
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Monday - Friday
Dec 02, 2024 - Dec 13, 2024Monday - Friday
Jan 20, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025Monday - Friday
Feb 17, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Dec 03, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Jan 21, 2026 - Feb 01, 2026Wednesday - Sunday
Feb 18, 2026 - Mar 01, 2026Wednesday - Sunday
Mar 11, 2026 - Mar 22, 2026Book with Confidence
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
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