Southern Drift

Southern Drift

This small group tour allows you to see some of the South Island’s gems at a relaxed pace and includes the fabulous Millbrook Resort, the Milford Mariner cruise on Milford Sound, two nights on Stewart Island and a night at the foot of Mount Cook.

Starting at Christchurch you will board the famous TransAlpine train and journey across the Canterbury Plains to Punakaiki, site of the Pancake Rocks.

Visit the small town of Hokitika on the way to the mighty Franz Josef Glacier. Travel over the Haast Pass and along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and explore the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown. Arrive at Queenstown with lots of free time to explore on your own.

From here you'll continue on through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, a enjoy enjoy an overnight cruise across the length of this majestic lake.

Continue to the southern-most city in New Zealand, Invercargill before taking the ferry to Stewart Island. Admire the rural farming views of Southland as you travel over the Lindis pass and into the MacKenzie high country and along the shores of Lake Pukaiki to the footsteps of Mount Cook.

Travel back to Christchurch where you can enjoy a sightseeing tour of a city getting back on its feet, as well as a hearty farewell barbecue lunch.

What's Included:

• Return flights.
• 10 nights in hotels, 1 night cruising and 2 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar).
• Mixed meal plan basis.
• Selected activities, excursions and entrance fees.
• All transfers.
• Services of an experienced tour manager.

Days 1-2: Arrive Christchurch

Upon arrival at Christchurch Airport you’ll be transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for dinner and a welcome drink.
Overnight - The George (day 2) Meals - Dinner (day 2)

Day 3: Christchurch – Punakaiki

Board the famous TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys, for your journey across the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps. Then rejoin your coach at Arthur’s Pass and travel over the Southern Alps. Later travel to Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
Overnight - Punakaiki Resort Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4: Punakaiki - Franz Josef

Visit the small town of Hokitika on the way to Franz Josef. This afternoon you’ll take a guided tour with an expert local glacier guide to the viewing area at the mighty Franz Josef Glacier.
Overnight - Te Waonui Forest Retreat Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Franz Josef - Queenstown

Travel over the Haast Pass and along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and explore the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown. Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown’s stunning scenery is inspiring and revitalising.
Overnight - Millbrook Resort Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

Days 6-7: Queenstown

Two free days for you to explore New Zealand’s adventure-capital at your leisure; there’s so much to see and do in Queenstown that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Your Tour Director will be on hand to help you decide. On day 5 you’ll ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak for dinner with a view overlooking stunning Queenstown.
Overnight - Millbrook Resort Meals - Breakfast (& Highlight Dinner on Day 5)

Day 8: Queenstown – Milford Sound

Travel through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Take some time to kayak this majestic fiord before a magical dinner and overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner where you’ll cruise the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea with plenty of time to view waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife.
Overnight - Milford Mariner Meals- Breakfast & Dinner

Day 9: Milford Sound – Stewart Island

Continue to the southern-most city in New Zealand, Invercargill before taking the ferry to Stewart Island with its simpler, slower lifestyle.
Overnight - Bay Motel Meals - Breakfast

Day 10: Stewart Island

This morning take a Village and Bays tour before enjoying a cruise on Paterson Inlet where you’ll see the many remote sandy beaches and wildlife. You’ll stop at Ulva Island and this afternoon take a tour of Ulva Island’s wildlife sanctuary.
Overnight - Bay Motel Meals- Breakfast & Lunch

Day 11: Stewart Island – Mount Cook

Admire the rural farming views of Southland as you travel over the Lindis pass and into the MacKenzie high country and along the shores of Lake Pukaiki to the footsteps of Mount Cook.
Overnight - The Hermitage Meals - Breakfast & Dinner

Day 12: Mount Cook – Christchurch

See Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, then enjoy a barbecue lunch before travelling to Christchurch. Enjoy a sightseeing tour and see how Christchurch is being rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 2011.
Overnight - The George Meals - Breakfast & Lunch

Day 13-14: Depart Christchurch

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
*Meals - Breakfast (day 13)