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The Southern Drift

Summary:

Experience the best of New Zealand on this 12-day guided tour. Journey along the Haast River in an enclosed jet boat, then travel to the picturesque mining village of Arrowhead: here, you can choose to ride a bike along the Arrow River or join a boutique ...

Duration
12 Days
Cities
5
Next Departure
02-Dec-2024
Starting at
USD 9,285.00
Price per day
USD 774.00
Tour Type

  • Overview
  • Dates and Details
  • Map, Destinations
  • Insight Vacations Lu...
Operator
Insight Vacations Luxury Gold
Tour
The Southern Drift
Categories
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Summary

Experience the best of New Zealand on this 12-day guided tour. Journey along the Haast River in an enclosed jet boat, then travel to the picturesque mining village of Arrowhead: here, you can choose to ride a bike along the Arrow River or join a boutique wine tour. Take time to explore the charming city of Queenstown, then dine on exceptional fare at one of its most exclusive restaurants. Journey through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you’ll enjoy a half-day guided walk along the famous Milford Track — the finest walk in the world. Travel to the country’s most southern city, Dunedin, for dinner at Parcels Restaurant, then sample craft beers at Emerson’s Brewery. Embark on an in-depth sightseeing adventure in Christchurch, and toast to your travels during a celebration dinner.The Activity Level of this tour is Leisurely, meaning there is 1 to 2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces with some stairs.

Map: The Southern Drift (Insight Vacations Luxury Gold)

Short Itinerary / Route

Day 1
Welcome To Christchurch
Day 2
Christchurch To Franz Josef
Day 3
The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier Relaxed Start
Day 4
Travel From Franz Josef To Queenstown
Day 5
Explore Queenstown Relaxed Start
Day 6
Queenstown At Leisure Relaxed Start
Day 7
Queenstown To Milford Sound
Day 8
Milford Track Walk And Milford Sound Cruise Relaxe...
Day 9
Milford Sound To Dunedin
Day 10
Dunedin
Day 11
Dunedin To Christchurch
Day 12
Farewell From Christchurch

Travel Cities (5): Christchurch, Dunedin, Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound, Queenstown

Highlights

Dining Summary

  • 9 Breakfast (B)
  • 5 Dinner (D)

Choice Highlights

  • Choose between two carefully selected activities
  • Queenstown: Take part in a scenic bike ride on the Arrow River Trail and cross the famous Kawarau suspension bridge, home of the the world's first bungy jump.
  • Queenstown: Embark on a boutique wine tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region.

Additional Included Highlights

  •  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 WiFi. And, on select coaches, onboard WiFi 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.

Exceptional Dining

  • 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.

Magnificent Stays

  • 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.

Passport Moments

  • 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. Hear about its 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.
  • Milford Sound: Immerse yourself in nature with a guided walk along a stunning section of Milford Track, one of the most breathtaking walks in the world. Learn about its wildlife and heritage while you traverse beach forest and bubbling rivers as you pass along its route.
  • Fiordland National Park: Embark on a serene cruise on Lake Manapouri where you can marvel at plummeting waterfalls and see countless coves and beaches dotted along its shore. See the magnificent scenery of the Fiordland National Park with its forest-clad mountains and islands.
  • Dunedin: 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: Explore the dynamic city of Christchurch and learn how the city has reinvented itself in the past decade. See how the unique Cardboard Cathedral and Container Mall juxtapose with the older landmarks of Canterbury Museum and New Regent Street.

Personalise your day

  • Queenstown: Take part in a scenic bike ride on the Arrow River Trail and cross the famous Kawarau suspension bridge, home of the the world's first bungy jump.
  • Queenstown: Embark on a boutique wine tasting tour in the heart of the Central Otago wine region.

Travel Package

 

Coming from

 

Going to

Tour...

Christchurch

Arrow Going To

Christchurch

Group ToursThis is an Organised Group Tour: the itinerary has been predefined by the tour operator. The tour destinations, duration, accommodations, departure dates and the price are fix. You can join, enjoy and meet other people.

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