Package · Grand Pacific Tours · 10 nights

Solo Traveller Tour of New Zealand's South Island

Return airfares from your homeport with return airport transfers included
Experienced Tour Leader and Professional Coach Captain travel with you throughout
Ten cooked breakfasts and eight dinners provided, including two specialty dinners

$10,169 pp solo share

10 nights

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Milford Sound

Your tour starts and ends in Christchurch

Travel on the TranzAlpine Train through the Southern Alps

Board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station

Enjoy a nature cruise on stunning Milford Sound

Enjoy a city tour of Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South'

Visit Larnach Castle and hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour

Enjoy the majestic views as you make your way to Mt Cook

The Church of the Good Shepherd is located alongside the brilliant turquoise water of Lake Tekapo

Departs 21 February 2027 Returns 3 March 2027

Duration10 nights

OperatorGrand Pacific Tours

StylePackage

HighlightSave $250 pp*

11 days of stunning fjords, mountains, and coastal landscapes designed for solo adventurers. Meet like-minded travelers while enjoying guided tours, activities, and free time . Relax in carefully selected accommodations with all…

With like-minded travellers, discover the very best of New Zealand’s South Island on this unforgettable 11-day journey.

Designed especially for solo adventurers, this immersive experience showcases spectacular scenery, iconic rail journeys, rich heritage and warm Kiwi hospitality. Travel aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine, one of the most scenic rail journeys on earth, and cruise the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw.

Marvel at the dramatic fiords of Milford Sound on a scenic cruise with lunch, step back in time at the Lakes District Museum, and indulge in a traditional Devonshire tea at the magnificent Larnach Castle. Guided city tours reveal the charm and heritage of Christchurch and Dunedin, while a visit to the fascinating International Antarctic Centre offers a unique icy adventure.

From breathtaking alpine vistas to unforgettable shared experiences, this journey is about connection, discovery and creating lifelong memories — together.

Was $1 pp

$10,169

pp solo share

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Refundable until 90 days before departure. No pressure.

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

21 February 2027

Returns

3 March 2027

Duration

10 nights

From pp twin share

Was $1 pp

From pp solo cabin

$10,169 pp

Departs Christchurch 21 February 2027 | Arrives Christchurch 3 March 2027

from $10,169 per person solo traveller (Land only)

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

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.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Arrive Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions.
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. Afterward, embark on a city tour of Christchurch, discovering its rich history and culture. This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely ride aboard the Christchurch Tram. This evening is free to explore Christchurch’s culinary scene.
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 Ultimate Coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
4
Franz Josef - Queenstown
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty, before arriving in picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is at leisure; you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.
5
Queenstown (Free Day)
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening, board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner, enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing-along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
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).
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).
8
Te Anau - Dunedin
Journey via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South ’, and enjoy a city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales which make up the castle’s history. Indulge in an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom, followed by time to stroll through this Garden of International Significance.
9
Dunedin - Mt Cook
Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
10
Mt Cook- Christchurch
This morning there is an opportunity to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.
11
Depart Christchurch
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Experience

Return airfares from your homeport
Personalised Meet and Greet on arrival
Return airport transfers in New Zealand
Professional Coach Captain
Experienced Tour Leader
10 nights 4 star accommodation
3 two night stays
Hotel porterage
1 rail journey
2 cruises
All sightseeing and prepaid attractions
Extensive Optional Activities
Signature Documentation Pack

Coach Features

32 Premium Economy Comfort seats on a full-size coach
2 door access; seat back tray table; cup holder
Restroom; daily onboard Wi-Fi allowance

Meals

10 cooked breakfasts
8 sumptuous dinners including 2 specialty dinners: Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner including pre-dinner drink, Christchurch
Complimentary pre-dinner drink at the Welcome Dinner
1 lunch: Milford Sound Cruise
1 delicious Devonshire Tea: Larnach Castle
Enjoy GPT Hotel Wine Time (discounted drinks)

Not included

Travel insurance

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Sudima Christchurch City (3 nights)
Legacy Te Waonui Hotel, Franz Josef
Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (2 nights)
Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas (2 nights)
Distinction Dunedin Hotel
The Hermitage Hotel

Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

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.

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

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The fine print

Terms & conditions

Read the operator’s full booking conditions

Prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
Minimum numbers are required for this group to operate.
Properties used in the tour is subject to change without notice.

Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of $300 pp is due within 5 days of booking, and an additional deposit will be required (TBA) once your flights are confirmed. Due to the different airfares, this amount will vary between cities and your consultant will advise the amount required once the flights are confirmed.

Final Payment - Due no later than 4 December 2026.

Flights - If flight booking with TAS, 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. Flight Schedules and Airlines are subject to change, additional deposit for airfares are required once confirmed.

Vaccination: Based on the removal of the New Zealand government mandates, travellers arriving into New Zealand, and travelling on a GPT tour, are no longer required to be fully vaccinated.

CANCELLATIONS / TRANSFER OF BOOKING

• 75 days or more prior to departure, loss of deposit. Plus, the cost of the airfare deposit or airline ticket if issued by GPT (Travelers residing in Australia only).

• 25 - 74 days prior to departure, 50% of the tour package price.

• 15- 24 days prior to departure, 75% of the tour package price.

• 14 days or less prior to departure, 100% of the tour package price.

REFUND

Please note that no refund shall be made for any unused portion of any itinerary. Any alteration to the holiday outside the touring itinerary, made by a traveler shall be wholly at the expense of the traveler.