The Southern Drift
- Download 23/24 Journey Info
- Fitness Level: Easy
- Duration: 12 Days
- Tour Code: NZSI
Uncover unique locations, secret trails, striking landscapes, natural treasures and roads less travelled on this true exploration of New Zealand's South Island.
Discover New Zealand on this Inspiring Journey through the natural treasures of the South Island. From the still waters of Milford Sound/ Piopiotahi and snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the rolling hills of Central Otago, delve into the beauty of landscapes that have remained unchanged for millennia.
Prices are per person, in USD
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$6,502.50 Adult Twin
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$8,892.50 Single

Journey Overview
- Start
- End
- Overnight Stays
- Sightseeing

Your 24/25 Journey Itinerary
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1 Welcome to Christchurch
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On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred by private car to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. This evening, join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception with local wines and canapƩs.
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2 Christchurch ā TranzAlpine - Franz Josef/Waiau
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Itās all aboard the TranzAlpine train. Rated as one of the worldās great scenic railway journeys, youāll travel in comfort across the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps. From Arthurās Pass, visit the small town of Hokitika. Later we continue to Franz Josef/Waiau. Your eco-friendly accommodation is set amid native bush, with an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. This evening, why not enjoy Franz Josefās/Waiau local geothermal hot pools?
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3 Franz Josef/Waiau (Relaxed Start)
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An experienced local guide will host you on a walking tour in one of the most pristine places on Earth. They will share their knowledge of the glacier region, leaving you with a whole new appreciation for Franz Josef Glacier/KÄ Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Later, you may want to get up close to the glaciers on an optional helicopter flight.
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4 Franz Josef/Waiau ā Arrowtown - Queenstown
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This morning itās time for an adventure as we travel in a purpose-built fully enclosed river jet boat and journey down the Haast River. After a lunch stop at Makarora we head to Queenstown, taking time to stop to explore the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown. The adventure-capital awaits you for your extended 3 night stay, and youāll have the opportunity to explore it during an orientation tour when you arrive.
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5 Queenstown at Leisure
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Today is at leisure to discover Queenstown ā your way.
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6 Queenstown at Leisure
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Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Why not sit back and enjoy a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealandās oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station. Tonight, enjoy a Local Dining Experience at one of Queenstownās exclusive restaurants.
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7 Queenstown ā Te Anau - Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
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Travel south along Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, which is nestled on the shores of the South Islandās largest lake. Stop for lunch at a local farm, where you will hear stories of life on the land and meet a cuddly animal or two. Continue through the rainforest of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers, and mountain ranges en route to the amazing Mirror Lake before driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel. Spend the night aboard the iconic Milford Mariner and wake up in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiordās spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and diverse wildlife such as seals, penguins, and dolphins. Hear from the specialist nature guide on board or choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat. The Milford Mariner offers the facilities of a larger ship while retaining the intimate atmosphere of a small ship. Onboard facilities are made up of spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon with fully licensed bar, as well as an observation lounge. Dining included in your cruise are hors dāoeuvres followed by a sumptuous three-course meal, as well as a choice between continental or a cooked breakfast.
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8 Milford Sound/Piopiotahi - Invercargill
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We leave the majestic Fiordland National Park for the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago through to Invercargill, a commercial hub full of grand architecture and gardens. A city obsessed with motoring history, there are tributes to speed legends across town, from Burt Munro to Bill Richardson and his shed full of classic vehicles. Enjoy a tour of the largest private collection of its type in the world. Later this afternoon you will have some free time to explore this city, and an evening free to seek out local hot spots.
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9 Invercargill (Stewart Island)
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Board a ferry at Bluff and cruise to Stewart Island, known by locals as Rakiura the MÄori reference to Glowing Skies. It has been described as rugged, pristine and tranquil ā and rightly so as 97% of the island is designated National Park and Conservation Estate. This means the birdlife, native flora & fauna and other natural environmental features have been able to thrive. You will gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand's southernmost community and learn about the history and environment of Stewart Island on a Village and Bays tour. Later you will join a leisurely cruise, including a picnic lunch, around Paterson Inlet that will take you past unique places including Acker's Cottage before docking at Ulva Island to admire the bird life and native flora. Travel back to Invercargill for a relaxed dinner.
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10 Invercargill - Dunedin
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Enjoy a relaxed start in Invercargill before departing for Dunedin. Visit 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 MATTERĀ® Experience how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell do it, on a āBread to Bottle Tourā 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.
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11 Dunedin ā Christchurch
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Travel up the east coast of the South Island via Omarau and Timaru to Christchurch for a sightseeing tour. This evening, toast your tour at a Celebration Dinner with your new-found friends and Journey Director.
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12 Farewell from Christchurch
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Say farewell to your fellow travellers as we transfer you by private car to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.
Unique Highlights
Authentic and Engaging Experiences
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Immerse
Immerse
Delve deep into the natural wonders of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, with specialist nature guides sharing their knowledge of this mystical landscape.
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Indulge
Indulge
Join a behind-the-scenes tour at Dunedin Craft Distillers. OCHO Chocolate, and embark on a culinary discovery of Queenstown.
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Explore
Explore
Journey down the Haast River in a fully enclosed jet boat, and discover the remarkable glacial valley where temperate rainforest thrives.
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Relax
Relax
Take a dip in the Franz Josef/Waiau local geothermal hot pools and relax and rejuvenate after a day of discovering the Southās natural wonders.
Additional Information
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What's Included
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- 18 meals including 11 breakfasts, 7 dinners, Welcome Drinks
- Specialist team of two highly experienced Journey Director and Driver Guide
- Local Specialists (Guides)
- Mixture of boutique, unique and 5-star hotels
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What to Bring
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- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- Warm layers in cooler months, and a waterproof
- Camera
- A sense of adventure
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Fitness Requirements
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- Low level of fitness required
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Dining
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- 11 Full buffet breakfasts
- 7 Dinners with wine
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Flight Information
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Flights are not included in holiday price.
- Day 1: Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
- Day 12: Flights to depart anytime from Christchurch Airport
Enjoy Your Stay
Explore the South Island of New Zealand
- #InspiringJourneys
- #WonderOfTravel
- #SimplyInspiring
The Southern Drift
Prices are Per Person, in USD
×SELECT A DEPARTURE
- Departs
- Returns
- Twin Room
- Single Room
- Availability
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- Mon 29 Jan 24
- Fri 9 Feb 24
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Departs
Mon 29 Jan 24Returns
Fri 9 Feb 24 -
$7,225.00
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$9,615.00
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Twin Room
$7,225.00Single Room
$9,615.00 - Closed
- Mon 5 Feb 24
- Fri 16 Feb 24
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Departs
Mon 5 Feb 24Returns
Fri 16 Feb 24 -
Was
$7225.00
Now$6502.50
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Was
9615.00
Now$8892.50
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Twin Room
$6,502.50Single Room
$8,892.50 - Closed
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- Mon 4 Mar 24
- Fri 15 Mar 24
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Departs
Mon 4 Mar 24Returns
Fri 15 Mar 24 -
Was
$7225.00
Now$6502.50
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Was
9615.00
Now$8892.50
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Twin Room
$6,502.50Single Room
$8,892.50 - Available
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- Mon 7 Oct 24
- Fri 18 Oct 24
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Departs
Mon 7 Oct 24Returns
Fri 18 Oct 24 -
Was
$7915.00
Now$6728.00
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Was
$10490.00
Now$8917.00
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Twin Room
$6,728.00Single Room
$8,917.00 - Available
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- Mon 4 Nov 24
- Fri 15 Nov 24
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Departs
Mon 4 Nov 24Returns
Fri 15 Nov 24 -
Was
$7915.00
Now$6728.00
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Was
$10490.00
Now$8917.00
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Twin Room
$6,728.00Single Room
$8,917.00 - Closed
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- Mon 2 Dec 24
- Fri 13 Dec 24
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Departs
Mon 2 Dec 24Returns
Fri 13 Dec 24 -
$7,915.00
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$10,490.00
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Twin Room
$7,915.00Single Room
$10,490.00 - Closed
- Mon 30 Dec 24
- Fri 10 Jan 25
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Departs
Mon 30 Dec 24Returns
Fri 10 Jan 25 -
Was
$7915.00
Now$6728.00
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Was
$10490.00
Now$8917.00
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Twin Room
$6,728.00Single Room
$8,917.00 - Closed
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- Mon 6 Jan 25
- Fri 17 Jan 25
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Departs
Mon 6 Jan 25Returns
Fri 17 Jan 25 -
$7,915.00
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$10,490.00
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Twin Room
$7,915.00Single Room
$10,490.00 - Closed
- Mon 20 Jan 25
- Fri 31 Jan 25
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Departs
Mon 20 Jan 25Returns
Fri 31 Jan 25 -
$7,915.00
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$10,490.00
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Twin Room
$7,915.00Single Room
$10,490.00 - Closed
- Mon 27 Jan 25
- Fri 7 Feb 25
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Departs
Mon 27 Jan 25Returns
Fri 7 Feb 25 -
$7,915.00
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$10,490.00
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Twin Room
$7,915.00Single Room
$10,490.00 - Closed
- Mon 3 Feb 25
- Fri 14 Feb 25
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Departs
Mon 3 Feb 25Returns
Fri 14 Feb 25 -
$7,915.00
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$10,490.00
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Twin Room
$7,915.00Single Room
$10,490.00 - Available
- Mon 17 Feb 25
- Fri 28 Feb 25
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Departs
Mon 17 Feb 25Returns
Fri 28 Feb 25 -
$7,915.00
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$10,490.00
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Twin Room
$7,915.00Single Room
$10,490.00 - Closed
- Mon 3 Mar 25
- Fri 14 Mar 25
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Departs
Mon 3 Mar 25Returns
Fri 14 Mar 25 -
$7,915.00
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$10,490.00
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Twin Room
$7,915.00Single Room
$10,490.00 - Available
- Mon 10 Mar 25
- Fri 21 Mar 25
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Departs
Mon 10 Mar 25Returns
Fri 21 Mar 25 -
$7,915.00
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$10,490.00
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Twin Room
$7,915.00Single Room
$10,490.00 - Closed
- Mon 6 Oct 25
- Fri 17 Oct 25
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Departs
Mon 6 Oct 25Returns
Fri 17 Oct 25 -
$8,710.00
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$11,545.00
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Twin Room
$8,710.00Single Room
$11,545.00 - Available
- Mon 3 Nov 25
- Fri 14 Nov 25
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Departs
Mon 3 Nov 25Returns
Fri 14 Nov 25 -
$8,710.00
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$11,545.00
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Twin Room
$8,710.00Single Room
$11,545.00 - Available
- Mon 29 Dec 25
- Fri 9 Jan 26
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Departs
Mon 29 Dec 25Returns
Fri 9 Jan 26 -
$8,710.00
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$11,545.00
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Twin Room
$8,710.00Single Room
$11,545.00 - Closed
- Mon 5 Jan 26
- Fri 16 Jan 26
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Departs
Mon 5 Jan 26Returns
Fri 16 Jan 26 -
$8,710.00
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$11,545.00
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Twin Room
$8,710.00Single Room
$11,545.00 - Closed
- Mon 26 Jan 26
- Fri 6 Feb 26
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Departs
Mon 26 Jan 26Returns
Fri 6 Feb 26 -
$8,710.00
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$11,545.00
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Twin Room
$8,710.00Single Room
$11,545.00 - Closed
- Mon 2 Feb 26
- Fri 13 Feb 26
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Departs
Mon 2 Feb 26Returns
Fri 13 Feb 26 -
$8,710.00
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$11,545.00
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Twin Room
$8,710.00Single Room
$11,545.00 - Available
- Mon 2 Mar 26
- Fri 13 Mar 26
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Departs
Mon 2 Mar 26Returns
Fri 13 Mar 26 -
$8,710.00
-
$11,545.00
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Twin Room
$8,710.00Single Room
$11,545.00 - Available
The Southern Drift
Prices are Per Person, in USD
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Room Type
Tip! Prices shown below are for the room options only. Discounts are applied to the overall trip price and can be seen in the full cost breakdown.
Trip Summary
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