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The Southern Drift - 02 Dec 2026 to 10 Mar 2027

Land Tour

Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island on this twelve-day guided tour. Travel to the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, Dunedin, to sample craft gin at Dunedin Craft Distillers. Journey through Fiordland National Park to Doubtful Sound, a stunning fiord with ancient valleys, waterfalls and wildlife where you'll embark on an overnight nature cruise complete with an onboard naturalist, activities and lectures. Take time to explore the charming town of Queenstown: here, you can choose a guided e-bike tour or join a boutique wine tour, then dine on exceptional fare at an exclusive restaurant on the lakeshore. Travel to the picturesque former mining village of Arrowtown, take in the alpine beauty of Wānaka, and marvel at the Franz Josef Glacier on the wild West Coast. Conclude your adventure aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train to Christchurch, travelling in the exclusive Scenic Plus carriage, as you raise a toast to your journey through the South Island.

From price

$13,490
From price per person, twin share
Number Of Days
12
Start Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
End Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
Age Range
Avg. 50+
Group Size
10 to 30
Tour Style
Luxury
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate

Departure dates

From price per person, twin share - (Pricing may vary by accommodation, cabin or fare category)
Start End Availability From price
02 Dec 2026 13 Dec 2026 onRequest $13,490

Inclusions

  • 11 Breakfast (B)
  • 6 Dinner (D)
  • 3 Lunch (L)

    • Itinerary details

    Welcome to Christchurch
    Your New Zealand luxury tour begins at 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.
    Christchurch to Dunedin
    Travel down the coast through the towns of Timaru and Oamaru to Dunedin to uncover the city’s highlights. Discover grand Edwardian architecture at the Dunedin Railway Station before arriving at your heritage hotel. 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.
    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.
    Dunedin 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.
    Doubtful Sound to Queenstown
    Spend the morning discovering hidden coves and soaking up the serenity of this majestical fjord. At the completion of the cruise, you will be welcomed to a local farm, where you will enjoy a rustic lunch and hear from landowner Chris. There will be farm animals to pet and stories aplenty. Continue to Queenstown to enjoy lakeside views from your award-winning boutique hotel, The Rees.
    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.
    Queenstown to Wanaka
    Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before discovering the picture postcard historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting in Gibbston Valley of the Vines at Kinross before continuing to 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. Later today enjoy a breathtaking walk through the flower fields at the Wānaka Lavender Farm. Your destination is your hotel in Wānaka: sitting at the edge of Lake Wānaka and designed to flow with the seasons, Edgewater is a place you’ll find nature at your own pace.
    Wanaka
    Be awed at the natural beauty around you while relaxing on a lake cruise. Complete your bonding-with-nature experience on an afternoon nature walk.
    Wanaka to Franz Josef
    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 Wāhipounamu 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. 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.
    Franz Josef Rainforest and Lake Mapourika
    Glide across the mirror-like waters of Lake Mapourika aboard a private vessel, surrounded by dramatic alpine vistas. Step ashore into a pristine rainforest sanctuary, where a Local Expert reveals rare wildlife and ancient flora on an intimate guided walk. The remainder of your afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure – perhaps take time to unwind, explore the surroundings or indulge in the serenity of your luxurious accommodation.
    Franz Josef to Christchurch
    Visit the charming town of Hokitika, the cultural centre of the West Coast where you will meet a local expert for a guided history walk. Travel from the lush rainforest of the West Coast to Arthurs Pass where you will embark on one of the world's great scenic railway journeys aboard the Tranzlapine train. Travel in luxury on the Scenic Plus purpose-built premium carriage designed to enhance every aspect of your journey including a specialist concierge. Enjoy service dinner onboard with exclusive drinks and dining service throughout the journey with a Paddock to Plate regionally inspired food menu and Paired drinks menu. Travel through the dramatic Southern Alps passing the ice fed Waimakariri River and native beech forest, before you traverse the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
    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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    This tour offers a high-end, luxury experience of New Zealand's South Island, featuring exclusive highlights such as an overnight nature cruise in Doubtful Sound with an onboard naturalist and travel in the premium Scenic Plus carriage on the world-famous TranzAlpine train. You will enjoy a curated blend of boutique hotels, unique culinary experiences like the 'Bread to Bottle' distillery tour, and intimate encounters with local experts.
    This tour is designed for luxury-seeking travellers who appreciate high-end accommodations, fine dining, and a curated itinerary. Those who enjoy a mix of natural beauty, boutique experiences, and educational elements—such as nature lectures and cultural history walks—will find this journey particularly rewarding.
    The pros include the luxury style of travel, inclusive high-end experiences like the TranzAlpine Scenic Plus carriage, and a diverse itinerary covering glaciers, fiords, and vineyards. A potential con may be the premium price point of 13,490.00, which reflects the luxury nature of the trip.
    With its focus on luxury, boutique hotels, and romantic settings like the lakeshores of Queenstown and Wanaka, this tour is an excellent choice for couples. While it can be enjoyed by solo travellers or families, the luxury positioning and average age of 50 suggest it is tailored toward adult travellers seeking a sophisticated experience.
    This is a fantastic option for first-time visitors to New Zealand, as it covers the most iconic highlights of the South Island—including Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, and the Franz Josef Glacier—in a comprehensive twelve-day guided itinerary.
    The physicality rating for this tour is 'Easy to Moderate,' suggesting it is accessible for many. However, the itinerary includes activities such as nature walks, e-biking options, and transfers between coaches and boats, so those with significant mobility concerns may wish to contact us for more specific details.
    This tour provides a balanced blend of all three. It offers stunning sightseeing at the Franz Josef Glacier and Doubtful Sound, cultural immersion through history walks in Hokitika and distillery tours in Dunedin, and light adventure via jet boating on the Haast River and e-biking in Queenstown.
    The pace of the tour is generally relaxed, with several 'relaxed starts' built into the mornings in Dunedin and Wanaka, allowing guests to enjoy their surroundings without feeling rushed.
    The itinerary feels relaxed and thoughtfully paced. By incorporating leisure time in Dunedin and Wanaka, as well as an overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound, the tour ensures guests can soak in the scenery and experience the destinations at a comfortable speed.
    Yes, the tour includes many of the South Island's most famous landmarks, such as the TranzAlpine railway, Doubtful Sound, the Franz Josef Glacier, Lake Wakatipu, and the historic town of Arrowtown.
    While the text does not explicitly mention language barriers, the tour is led by a Travel Concierge and various Local Experts who provide guided tours and lectures, ensuring a professional and seamless communication experience throughout the journey.
    Disclaimer:
    These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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