Solo Travellers! 2023 New Zealand South Island Departure

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

DAY 1: Arrive Christchurch

On arrival into Christchurch, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink.

• Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel or similar (2 nights)
• Included Meals: 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.

• Included Meals: Breakfast

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

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, before continuing to the township of Franz Josef to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

• Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)
• Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

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.

• Hotel Mercure Queenstown (2 nights)
• Included Meals: Breakfast

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.

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

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).

• Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Room. 2 nights)
• Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

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 a picnic 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).

• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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.

• Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
• Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 9: Dunedin - Mt Cook - Twizel

Travel to Oamaru, see Lake Benmore as you continue to Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.

• Hotel MacKenzie Country Hotel
• Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

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 for a city tour. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

• Hotel Sudima Christchurch Airport Hotel or similar
• Included Meals: Breakfast & Speciality 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.

• Included Meals: Breakfast

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

One Departure Only -23 February 2023

Prices from $6,489 single traveller

Call our Australian based travel team on 1300 414 198 to book your preferred departure. We can assist with flights and all your travel needs.

During your tour, you'll stay at the following properties:

• Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights)
• Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)
• Mercure Queenstown Resort (Lake View Room 2 nights)
• Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Room. 2 nights)
• Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
• MacKenzie Country Hotel

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS
All visitors require a passport to enter New Zealand. Your passport must be valid for at least three months past 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 visit customs.govt.nz for full entry requirements.

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. If visiting during the months ofMay and September, pack warm winter garments and layer your clothing.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 ofNew 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.

WEATHER

These are average minimum/maximum temperatures in Celsius only during Spring (Sep to Nov). They could vary by up to 4-6 degrees.

• Auckland 11 - 18
• Rotorua 07 - 17
• Wellington 09 - 15

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.

LUGGAGE LIMITS

Each traveller is entitled to travel with ONE suitcase on tour measuring (length + width + depth) no more than 150cm (59”). The maximum suitcase weight allowed is 23kg (50lbs).

ROLE OF YOUR COACH CAPTAIN

Your Coach Captain is responsible for driving and maintaining the coach and for providing commentary throughout the tour. They are 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.