The Southern Drift

10 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
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Small Group Tour
Discover New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures. From the vibrant city of Christchurch to the serene shores of Lake Ohau. Wander through charming historic towns from Cromwell to Arrowtown. Sample world class wines and delight in gourmet cuisine amidst the beauty of native flora and fauna.
26% OFF
$8,232
From$6,098
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    Discover New Zealand's breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures. From the vibrant city of Christchurch to the serene shores of Lake Ohau. Wander through charming historic towns from Cromwell to Arrowtown. Sample world class wines and delight in gourmet cuisine amidst the beauty of native flora and fauna.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 22 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transport
Start CityChristchurch (Nz)
End CityChristchurch (Nz)

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • 50 Plus

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 22

Trip includes

    • Small group (average 16 guests) 17 included meals (9 breakfasts, 1 High Tea, 1 lunch, 7 dinners) 9 Nights premium and authentic accommodation

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch

Upon your arrival in Christchurch, travel to your hotel by private car transfer. Join your Journey Director for a Welcome Reception with local wine and canapés.

Hotel Montreal Christchurch

Welcome Reception

Day 2: Christchurch - Lake Ohau

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 you...

Day 3: Lake Ohau - Queenstown

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 doo...

Day 4: Queenstown

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 ...

Day 5: Queenstown - Milford Sound

Start the day with a journey along the Devil's Staircase, with its dramatic landscapes leading you to the charming town of Te Anau. Here, you'll enjoy a delightful lunch at a local farm, immersing yourself in the authentic flavors and hospitality of the region. Contin...

Day 6: Milford Sound - Wanaka

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. As...

Day 7: Wanaka - Franz Josef

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 Ha...

Day 8: Franz Josef

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 o...

Day 9: Franz Josef - Christchurch

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 Pas...

Day 10: Farewell from Christchurch

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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,098
Price per day$610
Last Updated: 2/27/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Room (Shared)
Single Room
Availability
22 Oct 2025
31 Oct 2025
$6,098
$8,159
05 Nov 2025
14 Nov 2025
$6,775
$9,065
12 Nov 2025
21 Nov 2025
$6,098
$8,159
03 Dec 2025
12 Dec 2025
$6,775
$9,065
31 Dec 2025
09 Jan 2026
$6,098
$8,159
14 Jan 2026
23 Jan 2026
$6,775
$9,065
04 Feb 2026
13 Feb 2026
$6,098
$8,159
18 Feb 2026
27 Feb 2026
$6,098
$8,159
25 Feb 2026
06 Mar 2026
$6,775
$9,065
18 Mar 2026
27 Mar 2026
$6,098
$8,159

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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AAT Kings Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,637
Great
448
Average
82
Disappointing
26
Terrible
17
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Other AAT Kings Reviews

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Southern Spectacular

Great hotels and good food. Excellent guide and bus driver. I must commend how well organized the entire trip was. Might go for a smaller group next time. Also i fee...

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Jet boat ride, enjoyed the heratige steam boat ride. And Milford sound.

Funny and well informed. Ran on time. Requests were politely handled. Kirsty and Peter were delightful! There are so many beautiful places to see on south island, i...

T

Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Written on

Port Arthur , Hobart

Both were fantastic

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • Hotel Montreal Christchurch
  • Lake Ohau Lodge
  • The Rees
  • Milford Mariner
  • Edgewater Lake Wānaka Hotel
  • Te Waonui Forest Retreat
Cancellation policy

Cancellation by the Traveller
Travel arrangements for any member of the party may be cancelled at any time by written notice by the person who made the booking.

If notice of cancellation is received by the Provider before final payment is due (see The Table), the deposit will be retained. If cancellation is made after final payment is due cancellation fees will apply (see The Table). These cancellation fees represent the costs incurred less any expected recoveries. Please also refer to Air cancellation Section where applicable.Notice of cancellation must be made in writing directly to the Provider or through your Travel Agent. Please also refer to the Provider's Gold Seal Additional Protection.

If a person in a party cancels and there is a room change caused by this cancellation (such as a twin share to Single, or Triple to twin share), charges for the new room type will be the responsibility of the remaining party. The charges detailed in the Summary Terms table (which includes GST), representing costs incurred by the Provider in cancelling your travel arrangements, will apply when notice of cancellation for your trip is given after the booking is confirmed. Please also refer to the Provider's Gold Seal Additional Protection.

If a guest fails to join the trip on the day of departure, cancellation fees will be 100% (unless the guest notifies us of the delay and joins the trip later at their own expense).

Cancellation fees as per The Table apply to additional accommodation and/or chargeable transfers prior to and after the trip, itinerary extensions or cruise reserved through the Provider.

Cancellation fees and charges will include any amounts that we have paid or have contractually committed to pay to third parties to deliver your travel arrangements which we cannot reasonably recover (for example payments made or due to airlines and hotels). Any payments we have made to third parties will only be refunded to you once we have deducted the above cancellation fees and charges and once we have actually recovered the amounts from the third parties.

All cancellation fees as per The Table are additional to any cancellation fees or other charges that may be levied by your Travel Agent.

Gold Seal Protection premiums are non-refundable.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under your insurance, you may be able to reclaim these charges from your insurer. You are responsible for making the claim to your insurer. We will provide you with documentation to support your claim.

Cancellation by the Provider
The Provider reserves the right, to modify or cancel any trip, accommodation, in-destination activity or arrangement, definite or not, at any time.

Cancellation due to Failure to Pay

If full payment is not received by the due date (see The Table), The Provider has the right to cancel your reservation and no refund will be made. The Provider will not be responsible for lost reservations.

Cancellation due to Force Majeure Events

If The Provider cancels a trip as a result of a Force Majeure Event, a future travel credit (FTC) to the value of funds paid to date, less any unrecoverable third-party costs incurred, will be provided. All FTCs will be valid for 24 months from date of issue.

Where a trip is terminated mid-trip due to a Force Majeure event, if we provide you with any alternative services or assistance (such as hotels or travel) then you agree to pay for these costs.

Cancellation due to Events other than Force Majeure Events

If the cancellation by the Provider is not as a result of a Force Majeure Event, the Provider will provide an alternative comparable trip (if available). If an alternative is not available, then a refund will be made. The Provider is not liable for any cancellation or change cost or penalties incurred on other travel arrangements, including air travel, that may be affected thereby.

The Provider is not responsible for other travel arrangements that you or your party have made outside the Provider and which are affected by our cancellations.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.aatkings.com/about-us/booking-conditions-published-5-august-2024/

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 6 Full Breakfast (B)
  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 1 High Tea (HT)
  • 2 Lunch (L)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
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Trip ID
aatkin-NZSI26

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