The Southern Drift
12 Days Starting and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: Christchurch, Franz Josef/Waiau, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Invercargill, Dunedin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NZSI25
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 16
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on "The Southern Drift," an unforgettable 12-day journey through New Zealand's South Island. Begin in Christchurch, exploring its vibrant cityscape before boarding the scenic TranzAlpine train to Franz Josef/Waiau. Relax in geothermal hot pools and marvel at the Franz Josef Glacier. Experience the thrill of a jet boat ride on the Haast River and discover the historic charm of Arrowtown. In Queenstown, enjoy leisure activities from wine tours to steamship cruises. Cruise the majestic Milford Sound, explore Invercargill's motoring history, and visit the pristine Stewart and Ulva Islands. Conclude your adventure with a visit to Dunedin's craft distilleries and a celebratory dinner in Christchurch. This small-group tour offers premium accommodations, expert guides, and a wealth of natural and cultural experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montreal Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred by private car to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Perhaps visit the International Antarctic Centre or the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. This evening, join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception.
Day 2: Christchurch - Franz Josef/Waiau
Location: Franz Josef/Waiau
Accommodation Name: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 centre of the West Coast well-known for its Pounamu (jade). Later we continue to Franz Josef/Waiau. Your eco-friendly accommodation is set amid native bush, with an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. This evening, why not enjoy Franz Josef’s/Waiau local geothermal hot pools?
Day 3: Franz Josef/Waiau 'Relaxed Start'
Location: Franz Josef
Accommodation Name: Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Meals Included: Breakfast
We explore this area on a walk with a local guide, who will take you up alongside the Waiho River bed following the glacier’s path of retreat, and will explain the history behind mighty Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Later, you may want to get up close to the glaciers on an optional helicopter flight. Your flight will hover over the snow face and may land high up in the valley so that you can walk across the ice fall – subject to weather conditions.
Day 4: Franz Josef/Waiau - Arrowtown - Queenstown
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: The Rees Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning it’s time for an adventure as we travel in a purpose-built fully enclosed river jet boat and journey down the Haast River. After a lunch stop at Makarora we head to Queenstown, taking time to stop to explore the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown. The adventure-capital awaits you for your extended 3 night stay, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore it during an orientation tour when you arrive.
Day 5: Queenstown At Leisure
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: The Rees Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy Queenstown your way! Perhaps view The Lord of the Rings film locations on a scenic tour of Queenstown and Glenorchy or spend time having a relaxing massage in the spa. Why not sit back and enjoy a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station, for a gourmet BBQ dinner?
Day 6: Queenstown At Leisure
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation Name: The Rees Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Perhaps join a wine tour and taste some of Central Otago’s world-renowned Pinot Noir. Or simply relax, shop or enjoy time at one of the many cafés and restaurants while soaking up the alpine views. Tonight, enjoy a Local Dining Experience at one of Queenstown’s exclusive restaurants.
Day 7: Queenstown - Te Anau - Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Location: Milford Sound/Piopiotahi
Accommodation Name: Milford Mariner
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. Stop for lunch at a local farm, where you will hear stories of life on the land and meet a cuddly animal or two. Continue through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges before driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel. Spend the night aboard the iconic Milford Mariner and wake up in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins. Hear from the specialist nature guide on board or choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat. Enjoy exclusive access to the Fiord once the day trippers depart the sound.
Day 8: Milford Sound - Invercargill
Location: Invercargill
Accommodation Name: The Langlands Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave the majestic Fiordland National Park for the fertile sheep-dotted pastures of South Otago through to Gore, the country music capital of New Zealand, for a lunch stop. Journey to Invercargill, New Zealand's southernmost city. This commercial hub is full of grand architecture and gardens. A city obsessed with motoring history, there are tributes to speed legends across town, from the famous Burt Munro to Bill Richardson and his shed full of classic vehicles. Enjoy a tour of the largest private collection of its type in the world. Later this afternoon you will have some free time to explore this city, and an evening free to seek out local hot spots.
Day 9: Invercargill (Stewart & Ulva Islands)
Location: Invercargill
Accommodation Name: The Langlands Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board a ferry at Bluff and cruise to Stewart Island, known by locals as Rakiura the Maori reference to Glowing Skies. It has been described as rugged, pristine and tranquil – and rightly so as 97% of the island is designated National Park and Conservation Estate. This means the birdlife, native flora & fauna and other natural environmental features have been able to thrive. Once you arrive, you will gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand's southernmost community and learn about the history and environment of Stewart Island on a Village and Bays tour. Later you will join a leisurely cruise, including a picnic lunch, around Paterson Inlet that will take you past unique places including Acker's Cottage before docking at Ulva Island to admire the bird life and native flora. Back to Invercargill for a relaxed dinner.
Day 10: Invercargill - Dunedin
Location: Dunedin
Accommodation Name: Distinction Dunedin Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed start before departing for Dunedin. On a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience visit Dunedin Craft Distillers, who produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill. Venture just next door for a special chocolate tasting journey at OCHO Chocolate.
Day 11: Dunedin - Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation Name: Hotel Montreal Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel up the east coast of the South Island via Omarau and Timaru. Once back in Christchurch embark on a sightseeing tour of the city to learn about its rebirth after the devastating 2011 earthquake. This evening, toast your tour at a Celebration Dinner with your new-found friends and Journey Director.
Day 12: Farewell From Christchurch
Location: Christchurch
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end and we transfer you by private car to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
-
Small group
The tour is limited to a maximum of 16 guests, ensuring a more personalized experience.
-
Unforgettable experiences
The tour includes 6+ unforgettable experiences, such as a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting at Emerson's craft brewery, a journey down the Haast River in a jet boat, and a dip in Franz Josef's local geothermal hot pools.
-
Included meals
The tour includes 20 meals, ensuring you are well-fed throughout your journey.
-
Premium accommodation
The tour includes 11 nights of premium accommodation, providing comfort and luxury during your stay.
-
Private transfers
On arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred by private car to your hotel.
-
TranzAlpine train journey
Travel in comfort across the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train, rated as one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys.
-
Milford Mariner overnight cruise
Spend the night aboard the iconic Milford Mariner, with plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife.
-
Stewart Island and Ulva Island tour
Board a ferry at Bluff and cruise to Stewart Island, followed by a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and a visit to Ulva Island.
-
Dunedin Craft Distillers and OCHO Chocolate tour
Visit Dunedin Craft Distillers and OCHO Chocolate for a special tasting journey.
-
Sightseeing tour of Christchurch
Embark on a sightseeing tour of Christchurch to learn about its rebirth after the 2011 earthquake.
What's Not Included
-
Flights
Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
-
Optional activities
Optional activities such as a helicopter flight over Franz Josef Glacier and a scenic tour of Queenstown and Glenorchy are not included.
-
Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private car transfers, the scenic TranzAlpine train, and a fully enclosed river jet boat. Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy 11 nights of premium accommodation, including stays at Hotel Montreal Christchurch, Te Waonui Forest Retreat, The Rees Hotel, Milford Mariner, The Langlands Hotel, and Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of fitness level is required for this tour?
A low level of fitness is required for this tour.
-
Are flights included in the tour price?
Flights to and from the start/end of your trip are not included in the trip price.
-
What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 16 guests.
-
What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in premium accommodations for 11 nights.
-
What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 20 meals.
-
What should I pack for this tour?
You should pack comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, warm layers for cooler months, a waterproof layer, a camera, and a sense of adventure.
-
What activities are available in Queenstown during the leisure days?
In Queenstown, you can view The Lord of the Rings film locations, enjoy a relaxing massage, take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, join a wine tour to taste Central Otago's Pinot Noir, or simply relax, shop, and enjoy the local cafes and restaurants.
-
What unique experiences are included in the Milford Sound/Piopiotahi visit?
In Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, you will spend the night aboard the Milford Mariner, view spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife such as seals, penguins, and dolphins. You can also explore the shoreline by kayak or small boat and hear from a specialist nature guide.
-
What can I expect during the visit to Stewart and Ulva Islands?
During the visit to Stewart and Ulva Islands, you will gain insight into New Zealand's southernmost community, learn about the history and environment on a Village and Bays tour, and enjoy a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet with a picnic lunch. You will also dock at Ulva Island to admire the bird life and native flora.
-
What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in Dunedin?
In Dunedin, the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience includes a visit to Dunedin Craft Distillers, who produce botanical spirits from surplus bread and bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill, and a special chocolate tasting journey at OCHO Chocolate.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a holiday with us is you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It is important to adhere to departure times while on tour for the comfort of everyone on-board, and to make sure no one misses out on the planned experiences. The coach will not be able to wait for you, and in some instances, if you miss a departure time you will need to make your own way to the next destination to re-join the tour.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
AAT Kings operated Guided Holidays have competitive single supplement rates available if you prefer to confirm your own room. Or we can match you to share with a guest of the same gender at no extra cost. If we fail to match you, we will accommodate you in a single room at no extra cost.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 100 years
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
We will email your documents to you approximately four weeks before your departure date provided you have completed your pre trip registration using the My Travel Portal. If you’ve booked through a travel agent, your documents will be emailed directly to your agent.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Sunday
Oct 22, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Nov 12, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025Wednesday - Sunday
Feb 18, 2026 - Mar 01, 2026Wednesday - Sunday
Mar 18, 2026 - Mar 29, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
AAT Kings requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of aat kings charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.