Southern Drift

Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. On arrival at Christchurch Airport you'll be driven by private car to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Perhaps visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens or take a ride on the Christchurch Tram. In the evening meet your traveling concierge for a welcome reception.

It's all aboard the TranzAlpine train. Rated as one of the world's great scenic railway journeys, you'll travel in comfort across the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps. From Arthur's Pass, visit the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural center of the West Coast, to learn the importance of Pounamu, better known as jade or greenstone. Continue to Franz Josef where your eco-friendly accommodation is set amid native bush and has an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. This evening, enjoy Franz Josef's local geothermal hot pools or perhaps a massage.

During a Glacier Valley Walk, explore the area with a local guide who will explain the history behind the surrounding fascinating landscape.

This morning it's time for an adventure as you journey down the Haast River in a purpose-built, fully enclosed, river jet boat. After a lunch stop at Makarora travel to Arrowtown where there is time to stop and explore this historic gold-mining village on the Arrow River. Continue to Queenstown for an orientation tour.

Experience Queenstown at leisure. Perhaps join an optional wine tour or view The Lord of the Rings film locations. Tonight you can dine at one of the local restaurants along the waterfront in town or simply relax at your hotel.

Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Take an optional jet boat ride down the mighty Shotover River or get wet white water rafting down the Kawarau River. In the evening, enjoy a highlight dinner at one of Queenstown's exclusive restaurants.

Take the scenic journey through rainforests, flats and meadows of Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Stop at Mirror Lakes, where the stunning mountain scenery is perfectly reflected in the waters, then on to the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel, and after, to one of the world's most dramatic alpine drives, down through the Cleddau Valley and its impressive Chasm.

Explore the famous Milford Track on an easy-going half-day guided walk. This is a place steeped in rich history and stories; and the flora and fauna is unique and special. Enjoy the best of both worlds as you listen to a specialist nature guide while relaxing onboard a modern catamaran. Your guide will introduce you to the natural wonders of Milford Sound.

We leave the majestic Fiordland National Park for the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago. Travel through Te Anau and on to the country music town of Gore before continuing to Dunedin, New Zealand's southernmost city. Enjoy dinner and wine at Parcels Restaurant.

Take a guided tour and sample the tasty craft beer at Emerson's Brewery before an afternoon at your leisure - relax or continue exploring as you wish. Perhaps take a train ride or wildlife cruise.

Travel up the east coast of the South Island via Oamaru and Timaru. On arrival in Christchurch embark on an in-depth sightseeing tour of the city. Toast your travels together at your celebration dinner.

Bid farewell to your fellow travelers after breakfast, as your journey comes to an end with a transfer to Christchurch International Airport for your onward flight. On arrival at your home airport, your driver will greet and escort you to your waiting car for your private transfer home.