The Southern Drift

Day Stops

• Christchurch, New Zealand
• Dunedin, New Zealand

Hotel(s)

Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

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 Stop

• Dunedin, New Zealand

Experience

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.

Hotel(s)

Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast

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 Stop

• Southland Region 9679, New Zealand

Experience

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.

Hotel(s)

Fiordland Navigator

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 Stop

• Queenstown, New Zealand

Experience

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.

Hotel(s)

The Rees Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Lunch

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 Stop

• Queenstown, New Zealand

Experience

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

Hotel(s)

The Rees Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

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 Stops

• Arrowtown, New Zealand
• Wānaka, New Zealand

Experience

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.

Hotel(s)

Edgewater Wānaka Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Lunch

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 Stop

• Wānaka, New Zealand

Experience

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.

Hotel(s)

Edgewater Wānaka Hotel

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

Be awed at the natural beauty around you while relaxing on a lake cruise. Complete your bonding-with-nature experience on an afternoon nature walk.

Day Stops

• Southland Region 9679, New Zealand
• Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand

Experience

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.

Hotel(s)

Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

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 Stops

• Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand
• Waiho 7886, New Zealand

Experience

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.

Hotel(s)

Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Meal(s)

Breakfast

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 Stops

• Hokitika, New Zealand
• Arthur's Pass 7580, New Zealand
• Christchurch, New Zealand

Experience

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(s)

Hotel Montreal

Meal(s)

Breakfast, Dinner

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.

Meal(s)

Breakfast

Bid farewell to your fellow travellers after breakfast, as your journey comes to an end with a transfer to Christchurch International Airport for your onward flight.