Solo Traveller Tour of New Zealand's South Island (Feb'27)

Your fare excludes:

Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch

On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink when you meet your Tour Leader and travelling companions for dinner.

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 remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure to explore further.

Day 3: Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Day 4: Franz Josef - Queenstown

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south into picturesque Queenstown. This evening is free to dine at leisure.

Day 5: Queenstown (Free Day)

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise to Walter Peak Station to enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along.

Day 6: Queenstown - Te Anau

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. This innovative museum is heavily involved in the protection of the historic buildings scattered around town. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Day 7: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a 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: Te Anau - 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.

Day 9: Dunedin - Mt Cook - Twizel

Travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone, then follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you continue to marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.

Day 10: Twizel - 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.

Day 11: Depart Christchurch

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

Departs Christchurch 21 February 2027 | Arrives Christchurch 3 March 2027

• from $8,449 per person solo traveller

AIRFARES

Departures from Brisbane, Melbourne & Sydney

• from $580 per person

Departures from Hobart, Launceston or Devonport

• from $920 per person

Departures from Gold Coast

• from $620 per person

Departures from Perth

• from $1,130 per person

Departures from Adelaide

• from $900 per person

Departures from Canberra

• from $910 per person

Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your seat on this popular tour, which will sell out!

Please note flights are out of date range. Once flights are within range the best options and any relevant conditions will be provided. Air taxes are subject to change and will be confirmed on the receipt of your final invoice.

• Distinction Christchurch Hotel (3 nights)
• Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
• Mercure Queenstown Resort (2 nights)
• Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (2 nights)
• Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
• Distinction Mackenzie Country 

Comprehensive Travel Insurance is not included but is strongly recommended for all travellers. It is the traveller’s responsibility to arrange their own travel insurance.

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS:

All visitors require a passport to enter New Zealand. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date that you intend to leave New Zealand. For Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport, you do not need a visa or permit to visit New Zealand. Visitors from visa-waiver countries must request an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) prior to travelling to New Zealand. For visitors from non-visa waiver countries, it is recommended you contact NZ Immigration for full entry requirements. If you are not an Australian Citizen or permanent resident, you may also have to pay for an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

LUGGAGE LIMITS:

Due to limited space onboard the coach, please ensure carry-on bags do not exceed 6kg. Each traveller is entitled to travel with ONE suitcase on tour measuring (length + width + depth) no more than 140cm (55”).The maximum suitcase weight allowed is 23kg.

CLOTHING:

Whilst on tour, dress is informal and relaxed on most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants. The seasons are more pronounced and the weather is more changeable. In summer, a jacket and sweater should be included in your luggage should the weather turn cooler or you visit higher altitudes. You can expect some rain, so also include a light rainproof jacket or coat. You may have the option to relax and unwind in thermal hot pools so don’t forget to pack your swimwear.

MONEY MATTERS:

New Zealand’s unit of currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). All major international credit cards are accepted and provided they are encoded with a PIN, may be used to obtain cash from Automatic Teller Machines throughout New Zealand. Check with your bank whether this facility is available to you. It is highly recommended you obtain a small amount of New Zealand currency prior to your arrival in New Zealand. Cash Passports or Travel Money Cards are popular and are a safe and convenient way to allow you to access cash at Automatic Teller Machines throughout New Zealand.

TIPPING:

New Zealanders do not depend on tips for their income, however tipping in appreciation for extra-special service is at the discretion of the individual traveller. Some tours may organise an envelope to be circulated for a group presentation to the Coach Captain and/or Tour Guide but any contribution is based on individual appreciation and is not mandatory.

INCIDENTALS:

We suggest you allow a minimum of NZ $40-$50 per day per person for incidental cash expenses such as lunch, morning and afternoon tea.

ROLE OF YOUR COACH CAPTAIN & TOUR GUIDE:

Your Coach Captain is responsible for driving and maintaining the coach and for providing commentary throughout the tour. Your Tour Guide is responsible for your wellbeing and for co-ordinating all the accommodation and activities. It is important whilst travelling on tour that you follow all Crew instructions.

COACH SEAT ROTATION:

For the enjoyment of all travellers a daily seat rotation operates which all travellers must participate in as a condition of booking. The coach seat plan is displayed on the coach for your reference.