12 Days Inspiring Journeys - The Southern Drift 25/26

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.

Staying in:

• Hotel Montreal Christchurch (1 night)

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?

Staying in:

• Te Waonui Forest Retreat (1 night)

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.

Staying in:

• Te Waonui Forest Retreat (1 night)

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.

Staying in:

• Hotel St Moritz Queenstown (1 night)

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?

Staying in:

• Hotel St Moritz Queenstown (1 night)

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.

Staying in:

• Hotel St Moritz Queenstown (1 night)

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.

Staying in:

• Milford Mariner (1 night)

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.

Staying in:

• The Langlands Hotel (1 night)

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.

Staying in:

• The Langlands Hotel (1 night)

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.

Staying in:

• Distinction Dunedin Hotel (1 night)

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.

Staying in:

• Hotel Montreal Christchurch (1 night)

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.