Inspiring Journeys - The 12 day Southern Drift Itinerary

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand!

Your adventure begins in Christchurch. Send the afternoon at leisure before meeting your Journey Director and fellow companions for a Welcome Reception

Some suggested excursions if you have time.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

All aboard the famous TranzAlpine train, rated as one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys. Travel across the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps, an unforgettable trip. Re-join your coach at Arthur’s Pass and travel to Hokitika to meet a local artisan for a jewelry carving demonstration. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier for the next two nights. Tonight relax away in Franz Josef geothermal hot pools. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 2 Nights

A relaxed start to the day followed by a guided tour of the area of Franz Josef Glacier with a local expert glacier guide, who will explain the history of the area. Later, why not take an optional flight over the spectacular glacier?

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine

 

Today you get to feel the wind in your hair with a jetboat ride on the Haast River at Haast Pass followed by a lunch stop at Makarora, and later visit the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown, before a chance to relax in Queenstown. Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the surrounding scenery is breathtaking.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Accommodation: Queenstown - 3 Nights

Your Journey Select options for Queenstown include the following:

1. A day in indulging in the region's vintages on a wine tour
2. View the Lord of the Rings film locations - in Queenstown or Glenorchy
3. Or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment.

Meals: Breakfast

Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Why not take a trip to the Gibbston Valley Winery, take a jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River or get wet white water rafting down the Kawarau River! This evening, enjoy a meal to remember at one of Queenstown's finest restaurants.

Recommended Queenstown Excursions:

Meals: Breakfast, Local Dining Experience

Today continue your journey South to Te Anau, located on the shores of the South Island’s largest lake. Travel through World Heritage Fiordland National Park's stunning glaciers and lush rainforest. Then it's on to amazing Mirror Lake before making your way into Milford Sound, also known as the Eighth Wonder in the world. Afterwards, you’ll walk to see the Chasm on your way into Milford Sound and take some time to kayak this majestic fiord which is part of the Fiordland National Park. Tonight stay at the magical Milford Sound Lodge, with views of the Cleddau Valley.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Accommodation: Milford Sound  - 2 Nights

Wake up to the startling beauty of Milford Sound and board the Southern Discoveries vessel for a half day exploration of Milford Sound. Cruise out to the Tasman sea looking for wildlife along the way, and take the opportunity to go sea kayaking in Harrisons Cove. This afternoon learn more about Fiordland National Park with an informative talk by a local expert.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with wine

This morning, embark on a journey from the rainforests of pristine Fiordland National Park, through to the sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago. Stop in the country musical town of Gore at lunchtime before you end the day in Dunedin, New Zealand's southernmost city. 
 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with wine

Accommodation: Dunedin - 2 nights

This morning join a private tour of  Larnach Castle. Your afternoon is at leisure, a highly recommend tour would be a Wildlife Cruise, or perhaps a journey on the historic Taireri Gorge railway

Meals: Breakfast 

Today we travel to Lake Tekapo, stopping along the way to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. Later you are welcomed into the home of Angie and Stan Taylor to enjoy a barbecue in their 240 hectare garden. After lunch we continue through the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch. On a sightseeing tour see how the city is being rebuilt after the devastating 2011 earthquake.

Meals: Breakfast, Celebration Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We hope you enjoyed your holiday and our promise to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos, and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand! Have a great homeward journey, farewell and hope to see you again soon.

Meals: Breakfast

Included Highlights

•    Journey on the iconic TranzAlpine Train
•    Learn about Jade/Pounamu in Hokitika
•    Experience mighty Franz Josef Glacier, and relax in hot pools
•    Haast River Jetboat
•    Visit a historic gold-mining village on the Arrow River
•    Explore the Milford Track - half day Walk
•    Cruise on mystical Milford Sound
•    Craft beer tasting in Dunedin
•    Visit Christchurch

Inclusions

•    Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
•    Hand-picked accommodation
•    Comprehensive documentation pack
•    Travel in a luxury vehicle with no more than 20 guests
•    Airport transfers 

Meals

•  11 Full buffet breakfasts
•  1 Lunch
•  5 Dinners with wine
•  1 Local Dining Experience
•  1 Celebration Dinner