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The Southern Drift

12 Day Small Group Tour from Christchurch to Christchurch with Inspiring Journeys

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Inspiring Journeys 12 Day The Southern Drift. Discover New Zealand on this Inspiring Journey through the natural treasures of the South Island. From the still waters of Milford Sound and snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps...read more

     
Our Price From:
$ 7,362
Per Person ($AU)
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$ 388
Per Person ($AU)
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Small Group Tour Starts In
Starts In
Christchurch
Small Group Tour Ends In
Ends In
Christchurch
Accomodation
Accomodation
4 - 5 Star
20
Max Group Size
20
Small Group
Trip Style
Small Group
Scenic / Cultural
Trip Style
Scenic / Cultural
Countries Explored:
New Zealand
Trip Operated By:
Inspiring Journeys
Inspiring Journeys
10 Reviews
Trip Reviews:
4.0 out of 5
1 Reviews
Trip Code:
NZSI

Itinerary

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1 Welcome to Christchurch
Your New Zealand adventure begins in Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’. Spend the afternoon at leisure before joining your Journey Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception. Stay: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch
2 Christchurch – Franz Josef Glacier
Traverse the verdant Canterbury Plains and snow-capped Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys. Witness more epic scenery as you board your coach at Arthur’s Pass. Later, admire the vivid hues of greenstone (jade) on a visit to Hokitika for demonstration by a local carver. Today’s final stop is the extraordinary Franz Josef Glacier, where you’ll spend the night in an eco-friendly retreat in the pristine wilderness. (D) Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, 2 nights
3 Franz Josef Glacier
Spend the morning relaxing and then explore the area with a local guide, who’ll explain the history behind Franz Josef Glacier. Later, why not take to the air on an optional experience scenic flight over this spectacular glacier? (D)
4 Franz Josef Glacier – Queenstown
It’s time for adventure as you board a purpose-built fully enclosed jet boat for a journey down the Haast River. Stop in Makarora at lunchtime and later the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown. The adventure-capital of Queenstown awaits and you’ll have the opportunity to explore it during an orientation tour when you arrive. (D) Stay: Crowne Plaza Queenstown, 3 nights
5 Queenstown Journey Select
Today, select your choice of sightseeing: consider a day indulging in the region’s vintages on a wine tour. View the Lord of the Rings film locations and scenery of Queenstown and Glenorchy on a scenic tour or spend time in the spa indulging in a relaxing massage.
6 Queenstown Free Time
Calling all thrill-seekers! Today’s the day to earn your stripes tackling some of Queenstown’s most adventurous activities. This evening, enjoy a memorable dinner at one of Queenstown’s fine restaurants.
7 Queenstown – Milford Sound
Skirting the shores of Lake Wakatipu southwards, venture to Te Anau and then deep into the Fiordland National Park Driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel, you’ll emerge into a photographer’s paradise where glaciers and peaks give way to the unexpected serenity of Mirror Lake. Stop to explore the wonder of the Chasm Walk before arriving at Milford Sound Lodge, with its exquisite views of the Cleddau Valley. (D) Stay: Milford Sound Lodge, 2 nights
8 Milford Sound Cruise
Wake up to the startling beauty of your surrounds. Learn more about Fiordland National Park during an informative talk by a specialist Nature Guide and board the Southern Discoveries vessel for a half-day exploration of magnificent Milford Sound. Cruise out to the Tasman Sea looking for wildlife along the way, and take the opportunity to go sea-kayaking in Harrison Cove. (L/D)
9 Milford Sound – Dunedin
Embark on a journey from the rainforests of Fiordland to the rolling hills of Central Otago, travelling through Te Anau, known for its beautiful lake. Stop in the country musical town of Gore at lunchtime, before arriving in Dunedin, New Zealand’s southernmost city. (D) Stay: Distinction Dunedin Hotel, 2 nights
10 Dunedin
This morning, join an exclusive tour of Larnach Castle. Your afternoon is at leisure. Perhaps ride the historic Taireri Gorge Railway or take a wildlife cruise.
11 Dunedin – Christchurch
Discover the shores of Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd today before crossing the Canterbury Plains and arriving in Christchurch for an in-depth sightseeing tour on arrival. This evening, join your Journey Director for a memorable Celebration Dinner. (D) Stay: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch
12 Christchurch – Wellington
It’s time to say a fond farewell to your fellow travellers this morning as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end.

Inspiring Journeys Inclusions

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Journey Highlights
  • The magnificent icy landscape of Franz Josef Glacier
  • Dunedin’s Scottish influence
  • Kayak across the waters of magical Milford Sound
  • Listen to the stories and explore the grounds of Larnach Castle
  • Vibrant Queenstown, nestled at the foot of the Remarkables
  • With an adventure on the Haast River
  • Uncover Arrowtown’s gold mining heritage
  • Stay in a luxury eco-lodge in Fiordland National Park
  • Indulge in a spa treatment in Queenstown
  • With view of mountains and rivers on the TranzAlpine Train
Trip Inclusions
  • Hand-picked accommodation
  • Travel by luxury coach
  • Airport transfers (see flight information below)
Included Meals
  • 11 Full buffet breakfasts
  • 1 Lunch
  • 6 Dinners with wine
  • 1 Local Dining Experience
  • 1 Celebration Dinner
What To Bring
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
  • Water bottle
  • Warm layers in cooler months
Arrival & Departure
  • Day 1: flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
  • Day 12: flights to depart anytime from Christchurch Airport
Activity Level
  • Low level of fitness required
Trip Notes
  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise and internal flights as specified only. Flights not specified are not included.

Reviews (1)

12 Day The Southern Drift reviews from past clients of Global Journeys.

Rating 4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 User Reviews
5 Star
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4 Star
100%
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1 Star
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“A great trip”
- QLD, Australia Jan 2015

Overall a great trip with a really good bunch of fellow travellers. Stewart Island was probably a bit of a waste of time and we feel a better wildlife experience would have been an eco-tour on the Otago Peninsular, from Dunedin. Coach driver and Tour guide were great - we love to hear local stories and get some local history. Anyone heading to the South Island needs to spend a little time in Christchurch, to see the devastation and meet the locals who are coping with rebuilding not only their...read more

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Prices & Dates

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Past Client? Save an additional $100 per booking!
Trip Starts Trip Ends Status Offer Save Now Our Price  
Monday 14 Oct 2019 Friday 25 Oct 2019 388per person 7,362per person Enquire
Monday 11 Nov 2019 Friday 22 Nov 2019 388per person 7,362per person Enquire
Monday 25 Nov 2019 Friday 06 Dec 2019 388per person 7,362per person Sold Out
Monday 09 Dec 2019 Friday 20 Dec 2019 388per person 7,362per person Enquire
Monday 06 Jan 2020 Friday 17 Jan 2020 388per person 7,362per person Enquire
Monday 13 Jan 2020 Friday 24 Jan 2020 388per person 7,362per person Enquire
Monday 27 Jan 2020 Friday 07 Feb 2020 388per person 7,362per person Sold Out
Monday 03 Feb 2020 Friday 14 Feb 2020 388per person 7,362per person Sold Out
Monday 10 Feb 2020 Friday 21 Feb 2020 388per person 7,362per person Sold Out
Monday 24 Feb 2020 Friday 06 Mar 2020 388per person 7,362per person Enquire
Monday 02 Mar 2020 Friday 13 Mar 2020 388per person 7,362per person Enquire
Monday 09 Mar 2020 Friday 20 Mar 2020 388per person 7,362per person Enquire
Monday 16 Mar 2020 Friday 27 Mar 2020 388per person 7,362per person Enquire
Monday 23 Mar 2020 Friday 03 Apr 2020 388per person 7,362per person Enquire
Monday 14 Oct 2019 Friday 25 Oct 2019 513solo traveller 9,737solo traveller Enquire
Monday 11 Nov 2019 Friday 22 Nov 2019 513solo traveller 9,737solo traveller Enquire
Monday 25 Nov 2019 Friday 06 Dec 2019 513solo traveller 9,737solo traveller Sold Out
Monday 09 Dec 2019 Friday 20 Dec 2019 513solo traveller 9,737solo traveller Enquire
Monday 06 Jan 2020 Friday 17 Jan 2020 513solo traveller 9,737solo traveller Enquire
Monday 13 Jan 2020 Friday 24 Jan 2020 513solo traveller 9,737solo traveller Enquire
Monday 27 Jan 2020 Friday 07 Feb 2020 513solo traveller 9,737solo traveller Sold Out
Monday 03 Feb 2020 Friday 14 Feb 2020 513solo traveller 9,737solo traveller Sold Out
Monday 10 Feb 2020 Friday 21 Feb 2020 513solo traveller 9,737solo traveller Sold Out
Monday 24 Feb 2020 Friday 06 Mar 2020 513solo traveller 9,737solo traveller Enquire
Monday 02 Mar 2020 Friday 13 Mar 2020 513solo traveller 9,737solo traveller Enquire
Monday 09 Mar 2020 Friday 20 Mar 2020 513solo traveller 9,737solo traveller Enquire
Monday 16 Mar 2020 Friday 27 Mar 2020 513solo traveller 9,737solo traveller Enquire
Monday 23 Mar 2020 Friday 03 Apr 2020 513solo traveller 9,737solo traveller Enquire
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Sold Out. All places on this departure have been filled.
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Trip Notes
Trip prices are per person, and reflect applicable discounts. Discounts are subject to availability, exclusive to Global Journeys and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change by Inspiring Journeys. Full terms & conditions are available here.
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