Skip to main content
Proudly Australian owned & operated Speak to one of our experienced consultants 1300 414 198 · 7 days a week
Starts at 60
Get in touch
Cruise · Trafalgar Tours · 8 nights

(LSCC) New Zealand's Southern Drift - Small Group

  • Expert Travel Director and professional Driver accompany your small group
  • All land transport and transfers included throughout the journey
  • Three-course buffet dinner and cooked breakfast aboard Milford Mariner
From
$6,885 pp twin share
8 nights
Enquire
Cruise Snapshot
8 Nights

Explore New Zealand's South Island with a small group, staying in cherry-picked hotels and cruising Milford Sound overnight

  • Overnight cruise through majestic Milford Sound with nature expert guidance
  • Meet locals including the Pavlova Queen at Lake Tekapo
  • Travel through Highlands Motorsport Park Museum and dramatic alpine landscapes

Trip Details

Departs
20 October 2027
Returns
12 April 2029
Embarks
Operator
Trafalgar Tours

See the south island of New Zealand unfold on this 9-day tour starting in Christchurch. With a Small Group of no more than 24 travellers, accompanied by a Travel Director and Driver, you’ll meet locals who bring each place to life including the Pavlova Queen of Lake Tekapo. You’ll cruise through majestic Milford Sound overnight, explore Highlands Motorsport Park Museum and travel through landscapes that feel almost unreal. This is the south island at its most varied, most beautiful and most unforgettable.

When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs
20 October 2027
Returns 12 April 2029
Returns
12 April 2029
Duration
8 nights
From pp twin share
$6,885 pp
  • 20 Oct 2027 - 28 Oct 2027
    from $6,885 pp twin share *
  • 03 Nov 2027 - 11 Nov 2027
    from $6,885 pp twin share *
  • 10 Nov 2027 - 18 Nov 2027
    from $6,885 pp twin share *
  • 01 Dec 2027 - 09 Dec 2027
    from $6,885 pp twin share *
  • 12 Jan 2028 - 20 Jan 2028
    from $6,885 pp twin share *
  • 02 Feb 2028 - 10 Feb 2028
    from $6,885 pp twin share *
  • 16 Feb 2028 - 24 Feb 2028
    from $6,885 pp twin share *
  • 23 Feb 2028 - 02 Mar 2028
    from $6,885 pp twin share *
  • 15 Mar 2028 - 23 Mar 2028
    from $6,885 pp twin share *
  • 05 Apr 2028 - 13 Apr 2028
    from $6,885 pp twin share *
  • 18 Oct 2028 - 26 Oct 2028
    from $7,299 pp twin share *
  • 01 Nov 2028 - 09 Nov 2028
    from $7,299 pp twin share *
  • 08 Nov 2028 - 16 Nov 2028
    from $7,299 pp twin share *
  • 29 Nov 2028 - 07 Dec 2028
    from $7,299 pp twin share *
  • 10 Jan 2029 - 18 Jan 2029
    from $7,299 pp twin share *
  • 31 Jan 2029 - 08 Feb 2029
    from $7,299 pp twin share *
  • 14 Feb 2029 - 22 Feb 2029
    from $7,299 pp twin share *
  • 21 Feb 2029 - 01 Mar 2029
    from $7,299 pp twin share *
  • 14 Mar 2029 - 22 Mar 2029
    from $7,299 pp twin share *
  • 04 Apr 2029 - 12 Apr 2029
    from $7,299 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Welcome to Christchurch

    Christchurch is a city that has reinvented itself with courage and resilience. This South Island city has some of New Zealand's most innovative architecture, not to mention forward-thinking restaurants and bars. Tonight, it's time to meet your Travel Director and travelling companions for a tour briefing and drinks.

  2. 2

    Discover Christchurch and Lake Ōhau

    Discover Christchurch’s city sights before heading into the Mackenzie Basin, where alpine scenery and brilliant blue lakes define the landscape. Stop at Lake Tekapo to see the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of the South Island’s most photographed landmarks. Then enjoy a special Be My Guest experience at the lakeside home of Angie and Stan Taylor. Over afternoon tea, Angie shares her legendary pavlova and her take on the famous trans-Tasman debate, while Stan reflects on a lifetime of farming in this remarkable region. Later, continue to Lake Ōhau Lodge, where wilderness surrounds you and a family-style dinner is served beside lake views and a cosy open fire.

  3. 3

    Queenstown

    Travel through Lindis Pass towards Cromwell, with wide open country and changing light guiding the way. Stop at the Jones Family fruit stall for fresh local produce before visiting Highlands Museum, where motoring history and innovation come together in a way that appeals to enthusiasts and first-timers alike. Continue to Arrowtown, a heritage village shaped by the gold rush, then arrive in Queenstown. Lunch is at your leisure, with the chance to visit cult favourite Fergburger, known for its generous gourmet burgers and lively atmosphere.

  4. 4

    Queenstown, It's All Yours

    Queenstown is yours to enjoy today. For those drawn to adrenaline, this is the place to lean in, perhaps with a thrilling jet boat ride at your own expense. If your pace is a little slower, you might choose to visit a wildlife centre and get closer to some of New Zealand’s unique birdlife, also at your own expense. However you spend it, Queenstown’s lakeside setting and mountain backdrop make every moment feel special.

  5. 5

    Onwards Milford Sound

    Travel south along the Devil’s Staircase, where the road curves beside Lake Wakatipu through landscapes that are dramatic even by New Zealand standards. Pass through Te Anau and into Fiordland National Park, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site of immense natural beauty. Along the way, see Mirror Lakes and travel through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel before arriving in Milford Sound. Tonight, stay on board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise that reveals the fiord in a different light. With fewer crowds and more time on the water, you’ll take in waterfalls, rainforest, towering peaks and native wildlife with guidance from a specialist nature expert. There’s also the chance to explore by kayak or tender. On board, relax in the observation lounge, take in the views from the spacious decks and enjoy a three-course buffet dinner followed by a cooked breakfast in one of the world’s most extraordinary settings.

  6. 6

    Explore Wānaka

    Farewell Milford Sound and travel on to Wānaka, a town that blends natural beauty with an easygoing atmosphere. Set on the shores of Lake Wānaka beneath the Southern Alps, it’s a place where the scenery does a lot of the talking. Your hotel is centrally located, making it easy to explore the village and stroll down to the lakefront, with cafes and restaurants close by.

  7. 7

    Fox Glacier Township

    Leave Wānaka behind and travel past Lake Hāwea and the alpine settlement of Makarora, where river valleys and rainforest shape the landscape. Crossing Haast Pass, you’ll enter a region where mountains, forest and glaciers create one of the South Island’s most memorable journeys. Arrive in Fox Glacier Township, where you may wish to take an optional scenic flight over Fox and Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Weather permitting, there may even be the chance to land on the glacier, at your own expense.

  8. 8

    Journey to Christchurch

    This morning, there’s another chance to take to the skies on an optional scenic flight over Fox and Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere, weather permitting and at your own expense. Then begin your journey north along the West Coast, passing rainforest, wild beaches and the creative town of Hokitika, known for its greenstone and laid-back feel. From there, turn inland and travel through the Southern Alps. As you climb towards Arthur’s Pass, the scenery transforms from lush forest to rocky gorges, alpine peaks and open tussock country. Keep watch for kea along the way, the world’s only alpine parrot and one of New Zealand’s most playful native birds. Arrive back in Christchurch this evening and join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a farewell dinner to mark the end of your journey.

  9. 9

    Farewell Christchurch

    Your New Zealand adventure comes to a close today. From Māori culture and vineyard visits to alpine lakes, coastal wildlife and the majesty of Milford Sound, this has been a journey rich in contrasts and connections. Say farewell to Christchurch and take home memories of a country that leaves a deep impression long after you’ve returned home.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver.
  • Porterage where hotels provide this service.
  • Must-see sightseeing.
  • All land transport shown.
  • All transfers shown.

Not included

  • Adrenaline activities such as jet boat rides
  • Wildlife centre visits
  • Scenic flights over glaciers and glacier landings
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

  • Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront
  • Heartland Glacier Country, Heartland Fox Glacier
  • Lake Ohau Lodge
  • Milford Mariner
  • Wanaka Hotel
  • Wyndham Garden
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 9 days and 8 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 20 Oct 2027 and 12 Apr 2029, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Ready to lock in?

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this cruise
More like this

You might also like

The Southern Drift
Cruise · Luxury Gold · 11 nights

The Southern Drift

  • Travel Concierge arranges all reservations, transportation and tailored experiences
  • Hotel taxes, porterage, tips and complimentary Wi-Fi included throughout
  • Local Expert Guides illuminate destinations on a deeper level
Departs 2 December, 2026 + More Dates
From $13,490 pp twin
Discover more
New Zealand's Southern Drift
Cruise · AAT Kings · 8 nights

New Zealand's Southern Drift

  • Overnight stay aboard Milford Mariner with four-course dinner and cooked breakfast
  • Travel Director and small group companions included throughout journey
  • Guided city sights tour of Christchurch and access to Highlands Motorsport Park Museum
Departs 3 February, 2027 + More Dates
From $6,334 pp twin
Discover more
Spirit of New Zealand - Small Group
Cruise · Trafalgar Tours · 20 nights

Spirit of New Zealand - Small Group

  • Expert Travel Director and professional Driver accompany you throughout
  • Six two-night stays in cherry-picked, tried and trusted hotels
  • All land transport and transfers included as shown in itinerary
Departs 19 November, 2026 + More Dates
From $13,173 pp twin
Discover more
From (twin) $6,885 pp
Enquire