Solo Travelers South Island Highlights
Ultimate Small Group Escorted Tour
CHRISTCHURCH | FRANZ JOSEF | QUEENSTOWN | TE ANAU | DUNEDIN | TWIZEL | CHRISTCHURCH
Set off on a escorted tour with likeminded travellers to experience firsthand the highlights of New Zealand’s spectacular South Island. Ride the iconic TranzAlpine and cruise across Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamship, far below the Remarkables Mountain Range. Travel up the Otago Peninsula across scenic highways and discover flora and fauna set beside turquoise blue waters of Lake Tekapo before driving to Aoraki/ Mount Cook where the mountains majestically command the Southern Alps. This South Island tour incorporates everything the solo traveller could need.
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
Day 1 : Christchurch
On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. We recommend boarding the restored tram and hop on/ off as you please, commentary will share points of interest as well as show where regeneration building work has taken place since the 2011 earthquake. This evening enjoy a complimentary predinner drink as you meet your fellow solo travellers.
Hotel: Distinction Christchurch, 2 nights
Day 2 : Christchurch
This morning visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. Feel the chill of the Antarctic storm room, take a ride on the Hagglund all-terrain vehicle, see the little blue penguins and be astonished within the immersive 4D theatre. This is followed by a city tour of Christchurch. The rest of the day and evening is at leisure, why not wander through the botanical gardens or be gently taken along the River Avon by a punting boatman.
Day 3 : Franz Josef
Board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges from the viewing carriage as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Rejoin your coach and travel to Hokitika, the home of greenstone, maybe purchase a piece of natural Aotearoa, New Zealand. Your journey continues down the rugged coastline to Franz Josef. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 4 : Queenstown
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you meander through the stunning Haast Pass where waterfalls are seen a plenty from the comfort of your seat. You will continue south into picturesque Queenstown set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables Mountain Range as the stunning backdrop. This evening is free to dine at leisure. Restaurants are on your doorstep or if you enjoy a burger the most iconic outlet is Fergburger or Asian inspired cafés and restaurants at Steamer Wharf.
Hotel: Mercure Queenstown Resort, 2 nights
Day 5 : Queenstown
Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. With an abundance of activities from the gondola ride where stunning views of the Remarkables Mountain Range will take your breath away to hiring an e-bike and cycling around the lake or join a guided gin or wine tour, you will be spoilt for choice. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise to Walter Peak Station to enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard your cruise back to Queenstown
Day 6 : Te Anau
Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, visit an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).
Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel, 2 nights
Day 7 : Te Anau
Depart Te Anau for a jaw dropping drive to Milford Sound where you board your cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available.You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional)
Day 8 : Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin for a city tour then travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour followed by Devonshire tea. Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Day 9 : Twizel
Head north to Oamaru famous for its limestone, then follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you continue to marvel at Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Hotel: Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel
Day 10 : Christchurch
Continue to Lake Tekapo, view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink with your new friends at the farewell dinner. Hotel: Distinction Christchurch
Day 11 : Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye, you will be transferred back to the airport for your onward journey.
