Small-group, all-inclusive journeys deep into remote parts of the South Island and outlying islands define Driftwood Tours. Operating with typically six to eight guests—or up to twelve on the Chatham Islands—trips run in comfortable 4WD vehicles, with occasional transfers by boat or small aircraft. Itineraries reach across private high country stations and remote coastal reaches, including a 6-day tour of D'Urville Island, a 4-day fly-in tour and multi-day overland journeys through high-country runs such as Molesworth and Mt White Station, as well as a 5-day tour through the Southern Alps. Across all journeys, accommodation, meals, transport, and station visits are fully arranged, geared towards those who want an unhurried look at rural life, wildlife, geology, and local history without the logistical hurdles of navigating isolated terrain independently.
Guests particularly praise the depth of local knowledge from guides, the quality of the meals, and the rare privilege of meeting working islanders and station owners whose gates are otherwise closed to ordinary travellers. Booking involves an email confirmation followed by a deposit within four days and the remaining balance ninety days prior to departure; spaces are limited per season and frequently fill well in advance. Based at Beechnest Drive in Saint Arnaud, this is our pick for venturing behind the farm gates and onto the quietest backroads of the South Island.