11-Nights The Southern Drift

11 nights from: $9,610

The Southern Drift
Experience the best of the South Island, New Zealand, on this 12-day guided tour. Journey through the Southern Alps on one of the great Train Journeys of the World, The Tranzalpine. Travel on the Haast River in an enclosed jet boat, then to the lakeside town of Wanaka where you will discover fields of lavender and enjoy a lake cruise surrounded by majestic Mountains. Visit the wine region of Gibbston Valley for a wine tasting of local pinot noirs, see the picturesque village of Arrowtown and the adventurous town of Queenstown where you will dine in a lakeside restaurant and choose to e-bike on a guided scenic tour or travel to Walter Peak Country station for an eco farm tour. 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. Travel to the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin, to visit a gin company making an impact on the city's food waste, and toast to your travels in Christchurch during a final celebration dinner.


Dining Summary

• 11 Breakfast (B)
• 6 Dinner (D)
• 1 Lunch with Wine (L)
• 1 Lunch (L)

• Lake Wakatipu: Fall in love with nature and immerse yourself in a unique experience where conservation, horticulture, and eco-tourism meet. The Walter Peak Eco Experience allows you to learn more about New Zealand conservation and contribute to biodiversity.
• Queenstown: Ride the scenic Lake trail, visit hidden gems of the area and learn local history.

• Enjoy seamless personal assistance throughout your journey. From securing exclusive reservations, to organising transportation, your Travel Concierge ensures every aspect of your travel is tailored to your tastes and preferences.
• In select destinations, our network of Local Expert Guides will illuminate your journey on a deeper level.
• Included at all hotels.
• Hotel taxes, porterage and tips, as well as tips for included dining experiences, are included.
• Enjoy breakfast every morning, and an array of incredible dining options throughout your journey, infused with discovery and adventure.
• On days where a Relaxed Start (RS) is indicated, you can select to indulge in breakfast in bed.
• Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi. And, on select coaches, onboard Wi-Fi may also be available.
• Transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.

• Queenstown: Enjoy dinner at the majestic waterfront Bathhouse, try locally grown, foraged and farmed produce, local and international wines, against the spectacular lakefront backdrop of Lake Wakatipu.
• Dunedin: Step into Parcels Restaurant at the Distinction Dunedin and taste their exquisite modern twist on traditional local dishes. Sip delicious wines as you look across to the First Church of Otago from the old post office building which houses the hotel.
• Christchurch: Say farewell to Christchurch with a final dinner. Let your tastebuds be delighted with a delicious meal and raise a glass to the health of your companions and your unforgettable journey.

• Franz Josef: Surrounded by pristine wilderness, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is a five-star haven of relaxation and impeccable luxury. With a natural, earthy ambience and attentive service, there’s no better place to take a deep breath and simply unwind.

• Dunedin: On this a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, sample exquisite botanical spirits made from surplus bread and bakery products in an effort to reduce landfill waste. Witness how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell, do it as they take you through the process of turning bread into spirits.

• Christchurch: Experience the striking natural landscape of the South Island as you travel on the TranzAlpine. Famous as one of the world’s great train journeys, you can enjoy the remarkable scenery from the ice-fed Waimakariri River to the magnificent Canterbury Plains.
• Hokitika: Visit the coastal town of Hokitika, where you’ll find stunning scenery and a cool, arty vibe. Join a Local Expert for a Hokitika History Walk and hear about the area's rich history - from the discovery of New Zealand jade through the many tales from the gold rush in the 1860s.
• Franz Josef: Experience the mighty natural wonder of the Franz Josef Glacier and what the ice age must have felt like. The sheer enormity of these giant ice puzzles will leave you spellbound as you explore the area with your Local Expert.
• Makarora: Visit Makarora, a great base point to explore the beauty of the Southern Alps. Your Travel Concierge will take you on an orientation of the town where you can admire remarkable scenery and hear more about its history.
• Haast River: Enjoy the unique blend of thrilling speed and calm comfort on a Haast River jet boat safari. Zip past untouched forests and snow-capped mountains in your fully enclosed cabin while you hear beguiling tales of the wilderness communities of the valley.
• Lake Wanaka: Wanaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes drive from Wanaka, where you can experience 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields. Enjoy a walk through the flowers, meet our friendly farm animals, play a garden game, unwind over a cup of herbal tea & indulge in our lavender ice-creams. Sample our Lakes Honey and the many Wanaka Lavender Farm products that are lovingly made on site.
• Cromwell: Visit the Highlands National Motorsport Museum and come face to face with top-of-the-line machines.
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