Inspiring Journeys 12 Day The Southern Drift

Arrive 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 Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand’s only open-range zoo.

Christchurch to Punakaiki via The Tranz Alpine Scenic Train

All aboard the famous TranzAlpine train! Rated as one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys, you’ll travel across the Canterbury Plains through the Southern Alps. Then re-join your coach at Arthur’s Pass and travel to Punakaiki to view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. You’ll stay in an eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront. Enjoy dinner while watching the thundering surf at your door step!

Punakaiki to Franz Josef

Today visit Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast, for a greenstone (jade) jewellery demonstration by a local carver. Continue to the gold-mining town of Ross en route to Franz Josef. You may want to get up close and personal with the glaciers on a 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 (Optional Experience, own expense). Tonight, your eco-friendly accommodation is set amid native bush, with an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. This evening, why not treat yourself to Franz Josef's local geothermal hot pools or perhaps a massage. Dinner tonight is at the retreat.

Franz Josef to Queenstown

Today travel over the Haast Pass and along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, stopping at Makarora at lunchtime. Also stop to explore the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown, followed by an orientation tour of Queenstown. Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown's scenery is inspiring. Tonight dinner is included at your hotel.

Explore Queenstown

Explore exciting Queenstown your way! Take the opportunity to encounter a Queenstown legend and ride the Shotover Jet Boat or venture out on a 4WD Skippers Canyon Scenic Tour. If laid-back and relaxed is more your idea of fun then join a Wine Tour and sample some of Central Otago's award-winning wines, or visit our native birds at Queenstown's Kiwi Birdlife Park. Your AAT Kings Travel Director will assist you in booking all of your chosen optional experiences. This evening, enjoy a memorable Highlight Dinner at one of Queenstown's fine dining restaurants, against the backdrop of the beautiful snow-capped Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.

Another day to experience Queenstown

Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Why not sit back and enjoy a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealands oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station Otherwise, you could simply relax, shop or enjoy time at one of the many cafes and restaurants while soaking up the alpine views.

Queenstown to Milford Sound

Travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau on the shores of the South Island's largest lake. Later you'll travel through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges before driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to the amazing Mirror Lake. Afterwards, walk to see the Chasm on your way into Milford Sound and take some time to kayak this majestic fiord, considered by many as the Eighth Wonder of the World (Optional Experience - own expense). Tonight stay at the magical Milford Sound Lodge, with views of the Cleddau Valley.

Milford Sound

Wake up to the startling beauty of Milford Sound. Board the Southern Discoveries vessel for a half day exploration of Milford Sound, often called the "eighth natural wonder of the world". Sail out to the Tasman Sea, looking for wildlife along the way, for a visit to the Underwater Observatory and the opportunity to go sea kayaking in Harrison Cove. This afternoon learn more about breathtaking Fiordland National Park with an informative talk by a local expert.

Milford Sound to Wedderburn

This morning, embark on a journey from the rainforests of pristine Fiordland National Park, through Te Anau and the rolling hill country of Southland to the dry and arid region of Central Otago. Arrive in Wedderburn and head out to a high-country farm to learn about life on the alpine plains. Finish the day with dinner at the local pub.

Wedderburn to Mt Cook

Travel to the town of Naseby to learn the history of this gold mining region. Maybe you'll try your hand at the ancient sport of curling! From here it's on towards the spectacular scenery of the Southern Alps and then along the shores of majestic Lake Pukaki, before arriving in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere, helped Sir Edmund Hillary hone his skills in preparation for his conquest of Everest. Tonight enjoy dinner with a breathtaking mountain view.

Mt. Cook to Christchurch

Your epic encounter with New Zealand's scenic beauty continues this morning as you see the splendour of Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, where you'll stop to view the famous and iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, built as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie region, with its alter window framing stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Later, begin your return journey to Christchurch, the City of Churches, and the largest city in the South Island. Crossing the Canterbury Plains, arrive in Christchurch this afternoon and embark on a sightseeing tour of the city to learn about its rebirth after the devastating 2011 earthquake.

Farewell From Christchurch and Transfer to Airport

Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end and you'll be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.