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New Zealand's Southern Drift - Small Group
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New Zealand's Southern Drift - Small Group
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Length
9 Days
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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)
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Ends in
Christchurch (New Zealand)
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Available Tour Start Dates
OCT 20, 2027 to APR 4, 2029
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Activity Level
No Rating Provided
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Language
English
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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
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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.
$5,001.75
Overview
See the south island of New Zealand unfold on this 9-day tour starting in Christchurch. With a Small Group of no more than 24 travellers, accompanied by a Travel Director and Driver, you’ll meet locals who bring each place to life including the Pavlova Queen of Lake Tekapo. You’ll cruise through majestic Milford Sound overnight, explore Highlands Motorsport Park Museum and travel through landscapes that feel almost unreal. This is the south island at its most varied, most beautiful and most unforgettable.
Visited During Tour
Arrowtown / Ka Muriwai (New Zealand) | Christchurch / Otautahi (New Zealand) | Fox Glacier (New Zealand) | Lake Ohau (New Zealand) | Lake Tekapo / Takapo (New Zealand) | Milford Sound / Piopiotahi (New Zealand) | Queenstown (New Zealand) | Wanaka (New Zealand)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
The following are New Zealand's Southern Drift - Small Group tour dates available from Trafalgar. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Tour Itinerary
Trafalgar Tour Code 985-2528
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Day
1Welcome to Christchurch
Christchurch is a city that has reinvented itself with courage and resilience. This South Island city has some of New Zealand's most innovative architecture, not to mention forward-thinking restaurants and bars. Tonight, it's time to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for a tour briefing and drinks.
Accommodations: Wyndham Garden -
Day
2Discover Christchurch and Lake Ōhau
Discover Christchurch’s city sights before heading into the Mackenzie Basin, where alpine scenery and brilliant blue lakes define the landscape. Stop at Lake Tekapo to see the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of the South Island’s most photographed landmarks. Then enjoy a special Be My Guest experience at the lakeside home of Angie and Stan Taylor. Over afternoon tea, Angie shares her legendary pavlova and her take on the famous trans-Tasman debate, while Stan reflects on a lifetime of farming in this remarkable region. Later, continue to Lake Ōhau Lodge, where wilderness surrounds you and a family-style dinner is served beside lake views and a cosy open fire.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Lake Ohau Lodge -
Day
3Queenstown
Travel through Lindis Pass towards Cromwell, with wide open country and changing light guiding the way. Stop at the Jones Family fruit stall for fresh local produce before visiting Highlands Museum, where motoring history and innovation come together in a way that appeals to enthusiasts and first-timers alike. Continue to Arrowtown, a heritage village shaped by the gold rush, then arrive in Queenstown. Lunch is at your leisure, with the chance to visit cult favourite Fergburger, known for its generous gourmet burgers and lively atmosphere.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront -
Day
4Queenstown, It's All Yours
Queenstown is yours to enjoy today. For those drawn to adrenaline, this is the place to lean in, perhaps with a thrilling jet boat ride at your own expense. If your pace is a little slower, you might choose to visit a wildlife centre and get closer to some of New Zealand’s unique birdlife, also at your own expense. However you spend it, Queenstown’s lakeside setting and mountain backdrop make every moment feel special.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront -
Day
5Onwards Milford Sound
Travel south along the Devil’s Staircase, where the road curves beside Lake Wakatipu through landscapes that are dramatic even by New Zealand standards. Pass through Te Anau and into Fiordland National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site of immense natural beauty. Along the way, see Mirror Lakes and travel through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel before arriving in Milford Sound. Tonight, stay on board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise that reveals the fiord in a different light. With fewer crowds and more time on the water, you’ll take in waterfalls, rainforest, towering peaks and native wildlife with guidance from a specialist nature expert. There’s also the chance to explore by kayak or tender. On board, relax in the observation lounge, take in the views from the spacious decks and enjoy a three-course buffet dinner followed by a cooked breakfast in one of the world’s most extraordinary settings.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Accommodations: Milford Mariner -
Day
6Explore Wānaka
Farewell Milford Sound and travel on to Wānaka, a town that blends natural beauty with an easygoing atmosphere. Set on the shores of Lake Wānaka beneath the Southern Alps, it’s a place where the scenery does a lot of the talking. Your hotel is centrally located, making it easy to explore the village and stroll down to the lakefront, with cafes and restaurants close by.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Wanaka Hotel -
Day
7Fox Glacier Township
Leave Wānaka behind and travel past Lake Hāwea and the alpine settlement of Makarora, where river valleys and rainforest shape the landscape. Crossing Haast Pass, you’ll enter a region where mountains, forest and glaciers create one of the South Island’s most memorable journeys. Arrive in Fox Glacier Township, where you may wish to take an optional scenic flight over Fox and Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Weather permitting, there may even be the chance to land on the glacier, at your own expense.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Accommodations: Heartland Glacier Country, Heartland Fox Glacier -
Day
8Journey to Christchurch
This morning, there’s another chance to take to the skies on an optional scenic flight over Fox and Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, weather permitting and at your own expense. Then begin your journey north along the West Coast, passing rainforest, wild beaches and the creative town of Hokitika, known for its greenstone and laid-back feel. From there, turn inland and travel through the Southern Alps. As you climb towards Arthur’s Pass, the scenery transforms from lush forest to rocky gorges, alpine peaks and open tussock country. Keep watch for kea along the way, the world’s only alpine parrot and one of New Zealand’s most playful native birds. Arrive back in Christchurch this evening and join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner to mark the end of your journey.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Farewell Dinner
Accommodations: Wyndham Garden -
Day
9Farewell Christchurch
Your New Zealand adventure comes to a close today. From Māori culture and vineyard visits to alpine lakes, coastal wildlife and the majesty of Milford Sound, this has been a journey rich in contrasts and connections. Say farewell to Christchurch and take home memories of a country that leaves a deep impression long after you’ve returned home.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
More Details
Trafalgar is informing us of the following additional details regarding their New Zealand's Southern Drift - Small Group tour:
Travelers Notes
* NEW ZEALAND: USA passport holders require a visa for New Zealand. Visa must be obtained prior to departure. We recommend applying 60 days prior to departure. * IMPORTANT: Please see important visa details sent with your invoice. * ARRIVAL: Arrive into Christchurch International Airport (CHC). Flights to arrive by 16:00.* DEPARTURE: Depart from Christchurch International Airport (CHC). Flights to depart at anytime. * TRANSFERS: Complimentary airport transfers are not offered. Chargeable transfers are available for guests who have booked their extra hotel nights with Trafalgar. Guests booking independent hotel nights will need to make their own transfer arrangements.* FITNESS REQUIREMENT: Low to medium level of fitness required. This tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking. As well as walking, there will be considerable time standing.* TE PUIA - TE PO EXPERIENCE: Involves walking around 1.5 kilometers/1 mile at a slow and steady pace. The terrain is gravel paths, boardwalks and unven natural ground in some places.* MILFORD SOUND MARINER OVERNIGHT CRUISE: Overnight bag required due to limited storage on the vessel. Guest's main luggage will remain on the coach.* GROUND HANDLER: This trip is operated by Ground Handler, AAT Kings. * SMALL GROUP SERIES: This trip is featuring exclusively small-group departures, operating with a maximum of 18 guests for the entire series.* NOTE: This Trip falls under LEVEL 2. Please refer to the Deposit, Payment, and Cancellations Policies on our Website.
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 Trafalgar. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by Trafalgar (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.