Hotels & Resort Deals
Select a destination...
View All Hotels & Resort Deals
Vacation Interests
Miscellaneous
Tours By Type
Tour Deals
Select a destination...
View All Tour Deals
Cruises From
Vacation Interests
Career Discounts
Featured Destinations
Select a destination for info and deals...
Destination Ports
Cruises sailing in each region...
- Transfer Your Booking To Us
- Book Shore Excursions
- Book Land Tours
- Save on Passport & Visa Services
-
![Arrow]()
View All Customer Service Resources
Saving Tools
- Access Reservation (web-made bookings only)
- Make a Payment
- Add Travel Insurance
- Pre-Cruise Registration
For Existing Reservations
- Land Vacation FAQs
- Cruise FAQs
- Cruise Port Directions
- Contact Us
Useful Links
The Southern Drift
-
Length
12 Days
-
Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Christchurch (New Zealand)
-
Ends in
Christchurch (New Zealand)
-
Available Tour Start Dates
DEC 2, 2026 to MAR 22, 2028
-
Activity Level
No Rating Provided
-
Language
English
-
Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
-
Special Interest(s)
Small Group
There is at least one season during which this tour is offered as a Small Group. Such seasons are noted as being Small Group within the related date range.
From
Pricing listed is per person, based on double occupancy, and is the least expensive price for at least one departure date of this tour. Price is for the tour only. Additional items, including but not limited to, airfare (unless noted otherwise), travel insurance, and more, are additional.
$8,640.25
Overview
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.
Visited During Tour
Christchurch / Otautahi (New Zealand) | Doubtful Sound (New Zealand) | Dunedin (New Zealand) | Franz Josef / Ka Roimata O Hine Hukatere (New Zealand) | Queenstown (New Zealand) | Wanaka (New Zealand)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are The Southern Drift tour dates available from Luxury Gold. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
Luxury Gold Tour Code 209-809
-
Day
1Welcome 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.
Accommodations: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch -
Day
2Christchurch 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Distinction Dunedin Hotel -
Day
3Distillery 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Distinction Dunedin Hotel -
Day
4Dunedin 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accommodations: Fiordland Navigator -
Day
5Doubtful 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: The Rees Hotel -
Day
6Queenstown
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: The Rees Hotel -
Day
7Queenstown 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: Edgewater Wānaka Hotel -
Day
8Wanaka Relaxed Start
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Edgewater Wānaka Hotel -
Day
9Wanaka 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef -
Day
10The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier
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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef -
Day
11Franz 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch -
Day
12Farewell 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.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
Luxury Gold is informing us of the following additional details regarding their The Southern Drift tour:
Travelers Notes
*NEW ZEALAND: USA passport holders require an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for New Zealand. It must be obtained on-line prior to departure from the Country of Origin. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure. *IMPORTANT: Please see important Visa details sent with your invoice.DAY 1: Trip Starts in Christchurch so flight must arrive by 16:00. Complimentary transfers (pre-arranged) from Christchurch International Airport (CHC) will operate per flight information details on the first day of the tour or in conjunction with pre accommodation booked through Luxury Gold.¿¿¿¿¿DAY 12: Trip Ends in Christchurch after Breakfast so flights can depart at anytime. Complimentary transfers (pre-arranged) to Christchurch International Airport (CHC) will operate per flight information details on the last day of the tour or in conjunction with post accommodation booked through Luxury Gold.¿¿¿¿¿*IMPORTANT: This trip is operated by Ground Handler, Inspiring Journeys.
Pricing listed above for tours is per person, in US Dollars, and is based on double occupancy. Pricing may change for other occupancy types. Pricing is based on the last time the vendor electronically sent us pricing data, which varies by vendor (usually occurs overnight or multiple times throughout each day).
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by Luxury Gold. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Luxury Gold (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.