The Southern Drift

Experience the best of New Zealand’s South Island on this twelve-day guided tour. Travel to the "Edinburgh of the South," Dunedin, to sample craft gin at Dunedin Craft Distillers. 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 complete with an onboard naturalist, activities and lectures. Take time to explore the charming town of Queenstown: here, you can choose a guided e-bike tour or join a boutique wine tour, then dine on exceptional fare at an exclusive restaurant on the lakeshore. Travel to the picturesque former mining village of Arrowtown, take in the alpine beauty of Wānaka, and marvel at the Franz Josef Glacier on the wild West Coast. Conclude your adventure aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train to Christchurch, travelling in the exclusive Scenic Plus carriage, as you raise a toast to your journey through the South Island.

Our prices start from

$ 9,095 LAND ONLY

12 Days • GUIDED • 20 Meals

Operated Tour

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The Details

11 nights accommodation
Travel concierge is the name and not travel director
Services of a travel director
All on-tour transportations and related fees
Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
Round-trip airport to hotel transfers (Restrictions apply)
Airport transfers (Restrictions apply)
11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners

Itinerary

Engaging Experiences These special places and experiences are considered tour highlights. Look for them in the daily itineraries.

Day 1 - Welcome To Christchurch

Hotel Montreal

Your New Zealand luxury tour begins by private car to your boutique hotel located in the heart of Christchurch and just minutes from North Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens. Pay a visit to the blooms at the Botanic Gardens or ride the Christchurch Tram before meeting your travel concierge where you’ll raise a glass to a grand journey.

Day 2 - Christchurch To Dunedin

Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner Included

Travel down the coast through the towns of Timaru and Oamaru to Dunedin to uncover the city’s highlights. Discover grand Edwardian architecture at the Dunedin Railway Station before arriving at your heritage hotel. Dine on favourites such as surf and turf, braised lamb, catch of the day, or other modern twists on traditional local dishes at Parcels Restaurant.

Day 3 - Distillery Tour And Dunedin At Leisure

Delight in the rich history of chocolate in Dunedin, uncover the origins of OCHO and learn the art of crafting true, artisanal chocolate. Indulge in an exquisite 10-sample bean-to-bar tasting, elevating your senses to the heights of luxury.

Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Breakfast Included

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before taking a guided tour at Dunedin Craft Distillers, the first distillery in Aotearoa New Zealand and one of only a handful worldwide, to produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill. Discover on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, how owners, Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell do it in a "Bread to Bottle Tour" which takes you through the process used to turn bread into spirits. Venture just next door for a special Chocolate tasting journey at OCHO Chocolate covering the history of chocolate in Dunedin, OCHO's genesis, how "real" chocolate is made and a 10-sample bean-to-bar tasting. Relax or continue exploring Dunedin as you wish. Perhaps take a wildlife cruise of the Otago Peninsula or visit the iconic Larnach Castle.

Day 4 - Dunedin To Doubtful Sound

Give in to the wilderness, and escape to the secluded Pātea Doubtful Sound, located in the depths of the Fiordland National Park. Unlike a day cruise, this unique overnight experience completely immerses you in nature. Wake up feeling connected, in harmony, and full of wonder for Aotearoa’s native flora and fauna.

Fiordland Navigator

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Included

Travel by road to Manapouri, then by Catamaran and coach to Doubtful Sound to meet the Fiordland Navigator. Doubtful Sound is a stunning fiord with ancient valleys, waterfalls and wildlife. Your overnight nature cruise comes complete with an onboard naturalist, activities and lectures, not to mention delicious locally sourced cuisine.

Day 5 - Doubtful Sound To Queenstown

A warm welcome awaits you at a local farm, where you’ll savour a rustic lunch while listening to captivating tales from landowner Chris. Immerse yourself in the farm's charm, with the chance to interact with friendly animals and enjoy an abundance of fascinating stories—an unforgettable experience in nature.

The Rees Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch Included

Spend the morning discovering hidden coves and soaking up the serenity of this majestical fjord. At the completion of the cruise, you will be welcomed to a local farm, where you will enjoy a rustic lunch and hear from landowner Chris. There will be farm animals to pet and stories aplenty. Continue to Queenstown to enjoy lakeside views from your award-winning boutique hotel, The Rees.

Day 6 - Queenstown

Ride the scenic trail on an e-bike, visit hidden gems of the area and learn local history.

The Rees Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner Included

Take in the surrounding landscape on a Lake Wakatipu scenic cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw and visit Walter Peak High Country farm for an Eco Experience - an idyllic place to spend a few peaceful hours. Or, choose a guided e-bike scenic ride along the lake. Enjoy dinner tonight at local restaurant The Bathhouse, located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Day 7 - Queenstown To Wanaka

Wānaka Lavender Farm is just a few minutes drive from Wānaka, 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 Wānaka Lavender Farm products that are lovingly made on site.

Edgewater Wānaka Hotel

Breakfast, Lunch Included

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before discovering the picture postcard historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. Enjoy lunch and a wine tasting in Gibbston Valley of the Vines at Kinross before continuing to Highlands Motorsport Museum and come face to face with the state-of-the-art machines. Meet Mrs Jones Orchard, a traditional fruit stall owner, and indulge in real fruit ice-cream and stone fruit. Later today enjoy a breathtaking walk through the flower fields at the Wānaka Lavender Farm. Your destination is your hotel in Wānaka: sitting at the edge of Lake Wānaka and designed to flow with the seasons, Edgewater is a place you’ll find nature at your own pace.

Day 8 - Wanaka

Take a leisurely cruise across the pristine waters of Lake Wānaka to Stevenson’s Arm, gateway to the Mount Burke high-country sheep station. Verdant pastures give way to the dramatic rise of Mount Gold, dominating the northern skyline. Step ashore on Stevenson’s Island for a short hike led by your local expert, then return aboard to unwind with a refined selection of refreshments served against a backdrop of alpine serenity.

Edgewater Wānaka Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner Included

Day 9 - Wanaka To Franz Josef

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.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Breakfast, Dinner Included

Cruise down the Haast River in a purpose-built, fully enclosed jet boat past snow-capped mountains contrasting with sub-tropical, untouched rainforest basking in the beauty of the Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. Your guide is eager to share their expert knowledge of this glacial valley as the sunlight pours across the wilderness or the waterfalls tumble down in a light, misty rain. In the the town of Franz Josef, your eco friendly retreat nestled in the wilderness welcomes with natural ambience paired with impeccable luxury, inviting you to enjoy the view from your private balcony.

Day 10 - The Mighty Franz Josef Glacier

Discover the wild beauty of the West Coast with a personalised scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika. Step off the boat and into a Jurassic rainforest, where a guided nature walk follows a low-impact track created by your skipper, Dale, and his team. Wander through untouched old-growth forest, rich in native flora and teeming with birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for graceful white herons and New Zealand’s native bush birds in this peaceful, otherworldly sanctuary.

Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Breakfast Included

Glide across the mirror-like waters of Lake Mapourika aboard a private vessel, surrounded by dramatic alpine vistas. Step ashore into a pristine rainforest sanctuary, where a local expert reveals rare wildlife and ancient flora on an intimate guided walk. The remainder of your afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure – perhaps take time to unwind, explore the surroundings or indulge in the serenity of your luxurious accommodation.

Day 11 - Franz Josef To 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.

Hotel Montreal

Breakfast, Dinner Included

Visit the charming town of Hokitika, the cultural centre of the West Coast where you will meet a local expert for a guided history walk. Travel from the lush rainforest of the West Coast to Arthurs Pass where you will embark on one of the world's great scenic railway journeys aboard the Tranzlapine train. Travel in luxury on the Scenic Plus purpose-built premium carriage designed to enhance every aspect of your journey including a specialist concierge. Enjoy service dinner onboard with exclusive drinks and dining service throughout the journey with a Paddock to Plate regionally inspired food menu and Paired drinks menu. Travel through the dramatic Southern Alps passing the ice fed Waimakariri River and native beech forest, before you traverse the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Day 12 - Farewell from Christchurch

Breakfast Included

2026 Tour Dates

DECEMBER

$9,095

Prices are subject to change. Pricing is per person, double occupancy, land and cruise only, based on June 13, 2026 travel date.

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The Southern Drift

2026 Tour Dates

All this makes it AAA Vacations®

OTHER SUGGESTED PACKAGES

Australia's Outback To New Zealand's South Island

Cambodia & Vietnam In Style

Inspiring Australia

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Contact a AAA Travel Agent Today!

All this makes it AAA Vacations^®