The Southern Drift

Upon your arrival in Christchurch, travel to your hotel by private car transfer. Join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception dinner with local wine and canapés. Stay: Hotel Montreal Christchurch (D)

Begin your day by exploring Christchurch's buzzing city sights before journeying to the brilliant bright blue waters of Lake Tekapo. You'll visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, which was built in 1935, and the first church in the Mackenzie Basin.

Continue your adventure to the exquisite Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, where you'll indulge in a sophisticated High Tea complemented by local sparkling wine and the majestic views of Lake Pukaki. This experience supports the owners, Kaye and Luke Paardekooper, ongoing land regeneration project, which was initiated in 2010 and has been thriving ever since.

Conclude your day at the charming Lake Ohau Lodge, nestled in the Mackenzie High Country and surrounded by breathtaking wilderness. The Main Lodge boasts a cozy open fire and expansive windows with stunning views of the lake, providing the perfect setting to unwind before a delectable dinner with wine. Stay: Lake Ohau Lodge (B/D)

Travel through Lindis Pass to Cromwell. Visit Mrs. Jones Orchard for fresh produce, then explore the Highlands Museum, a paradise for car enthusiasts and novices alike. Enjoy a special wine tasting experience and delicious lunch at Gibbston Valley's Kinross cellar door.

Continue your journey to Arrowtown, a charming village with a rich gold rush heritage, before reaching scenic Queenstown for the night. Stay: The Rees Hotel (B/L)

Today, explore Queenstown at your own pace. 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 (own expense). As the day winds down, prepare for an unforgettable evening at the Bathhouse, an elegant dining establishment spectacularly situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Savour a sumptuous meal while taking in vast, serene lakeside view, creating a perfect finale to your day. (B)

Travel the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau for lunch at a local farm, immersing yourself in the authentic flavours of the region. Journey through Fiordland National Park, marveling at glaciers and Mirror Lake, then traverse Homer Tunnel. Spend the night on the iconic Milford Mariner for an exclusive overnight experience. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord's spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains, and diverse wildlife. Stay: Milford Mariner, overnight cruise (B/D)

Depart the serene beauty of Fiordland National Park and journey to the picturesque town of Wānaka, nestled amidst the majestic Southern Alps and gracing the shores of Lake Wānaka. This idyllic town offers a perfect blend of natural splendour and leisurely pursuits. Upon arrival, choose between a variety of outdoor activities at the opulent Edgewater Lake Wānaka. Whether you prefer to explore the scenic surroundings by mountain bike, enjoy a friendly game of tennis, or relax with classic lawn games, there is something for everyone.

As the day concludes, savour a delightful dinner accompanied by wine, set against the tranquil backdrop of Lake Wānaka. Stay: Edgewater Lake Wānaka Hotel (B/D)

Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Wānaka, passing the quiet waters of Lake Hawea and the picturesque settlement of Makarora – a hikers hub surrounded by vast alpine scenery and river valleys of lush temperate rainforest. Continue to the West Coast town of Haast, full of diverse landscapes that will captivate your senses. Experience a Haast River jet boat adventure, gliding through pristine waterways surrounded by breathtaking wilderness. This exhilarating ride offers a unique perspective of the region's natural beauty.

Arrive in Franz Josef and settle into the splendid Te Waonui Forest Retreat. In the evening, indulge in a sumptuous dinner accompanied by wine, enveloped by the serene ambiance of this forest sanctuary. Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat (B/D)

Begin your day at a leisurely pace, soaking in the spectacular surroundings of Franz Josef. Explore this captivating region with a local guide, who will illuminate the wonders of its majestic glaciers, verdant rainforests, and uniquely varied landscapes.

After a day of immersive discovery, return to the calm respite of Te Waonui Forest Retreat, where you can unwind and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. (B)

Depart Franz Josef for Hokitika, where you will go on an informative walking tour led by a local history expert. Learn about the West Coast's rich heritage, including shipwrecks, gold miners, and pounamu hunters. Then, enjoy a scenic TranzAlpine ride from Arthur's Pass to Christchurch, marveling at the Southern Alps' breathtaking scenery. Conclude with a Celebration Dinner in Christchurch, toasting to your unforgettable journey. Stay: Hotel Montreal Christchurch (B/D)

As your extraordinary journey draws to a close, enjoy a seamless transfer to Christchurch Airport. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences and cherished memories made during your exploration of New Zealand. (B)