Exclusively for Solo Travellers with Just You
Price: From $9,499CAD Per Person
(Price per person, flights, and transfers not included.)
Offer: No Single Supplement
Departure Date: October 23, 2023
Return Date: November 6, 2023
Photo: City of Auckland, New Zealand
Inclusions
- No single supplement
- A room of your own
- Over 20 years of expertise
- Your money is 100% protected
- Vacation assurance guarantee
Photo: Map of the Breathtaking New Zeland
Day 1: Auckland
Make your own way to our first hotel where your Holiday Director will meet you for your welcome meeting that evening.
Day 2: Auckland
The beautiful city of Auckland is the largest in New Zealand, situated on the North Island in the Hauraki Gulf. We'll admire its spectacular skyline on an included tour this morning, which takes us to all the must-see sights. Later, you will have time to explore the city further in the company of your fellow travelers.
Day 3: Auckland - Rotorua
The warm, emerald-green North Island was shaped by volcanic activity, and evidence of this remains in the thermal springs surrounding Rotorua. En route, we will journey through the dairy-rich Waikato farming region, home of the Maori kingdom, and visit the world-famous Waitomo Caves. The amazing glow-worm grotto is a fascinating sight and we will explore it in the company of a Local Guide.
You can also take an optional flight today, either by float-plane or helicopter, over Mount Tarawera Volcano. You'll learn how the volcano's 1886 eruption - the largest in New Zealand's living memory - affected the landscape and, if you chose the helicopter flight, you will actually land at the site of the eruption. Those choosing the float-plane excursion will have the added excitement of taking off and landing on water at the Rotorua City Lakefront.
Day 4: Rotorua
Today you have the option to join a tour of Hobbiton, the location created for the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films. We'll explore the site, which includes hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn, while our guide offers fascinating insight – a must for fans of the films. Te Puia Thermal Reserve is home to the extraordinary boiling mud pools and spouting geysers that New Zealand is so famous for. We will call here this morning to see this spectacular sight for ourselves.
Tonight, you'll have a chance to experience a Maori concert and sample an authentic Hangi meal on an optional tour. This is where your food is cooked by steam underground using a centuries-old method that harnesses the power of nature.
Photo: Geothermal geyser at Rotorua, New Zealand
Day 5: Rotorua - Napier
The route to Napier takes us through the Wairakei Valley, past the spectacular Huka Falls to beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest freshwater lake. We will pause here to take in the mesmerizing views. Napier is home to one of the finest collections of Art Deco-style buildings in the world and has the ideal climate for growing grapes. Sampling some of the locally cultivated wines is certain to be a treat before we discover more about the town as we explore on foot in the company of your Holiday Director. We'll enjoy a group dinner this evening at a winery estate.
Day 6: Napier - Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand's wonderful capital, enjoys a beautiful setting on the southern tip of the North Island. We'll head here today with an orientation tour on arrival to highlight the city's main sights.
Day 7: Wellington - At Leisure
We have left today free for you to explore the city with your traveling companions. Perhaps take the cable car to the Botanical Gardens or visit the Te Papa Museum, which offers a wealth of information about New Zealand and its history, along with a collection of art.
Day 8: Wellington - Christchurch
We set sail for the South Island today. Once back on land, we continue the drive to Christchurch, often referred to as the most English city outside of England. We'll enjoy the stunning scenery of the Kaikoura coast along the way.
Day 9: Christchurch - Franz Josef
Today we will journey from Christchurch to the stunning Franz Josef region. En route, we will stop at Hokitika, a quaint town with some excellent arts and crafts stores. We will then continue to Tree Tops, to enjoy spectacular views from walkways high in the ancient tree canopy. Later, upon arrival in Franz Josef, perhaps join an optional helicopter flight with a landing on the glacier.
Day 10: Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown
The road through Westland National Park is one of the most scenic ever built, with tremendous ocean views to one side and spectacular forest views to the other. Experience it for yourself as we head to Queenstown, a popular resort in both summer and winter, traveling south crossing the Haast River Bridge, and passing Lake Hāwea and Lake Wanaka along the way. This evening, if you wish, you could enjoy a relaxing steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu and a gourmet barbecue dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak.
Day 11: Milford Sound
Milford Sound is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand. Te Anau is the gateway to Fjordland National Park and our first port of call on today's tour. We continue through the lush beech forests of the Eglinton Valley and the eroded glacial canyons of the Hollyford Valley, before arriving at Milford Sound itself. A cruise on the Sound, which we include weather permitting, is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the area, and lunch is also included.
Photo: Panoramic view of Milford Sound, New Zealand
Day 12: Queenstown - At Leisure
Explore Queenstown in the company of your fellow travelers or perhaps join us on an optional excursion. If you're feeling adventurous, there's a fantastic opportunity to take an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Dart River. You'll also enjoy a walk through the bush and go on an exciting four-wheel drive.
If you're looking for an adrenaline rush, why not take an optional ride on the Kawarau Jet Boat. On this thrilling adventure, you will travel at speeds of up to 50 miles an hour in very shallow water. Later on, you may wish to join us for an optional ride on the Skyline Queenstown Gondola. We'll travel 450 meters above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak for fabulous views. A delicious dinner in the restaurant at the top of the gondola rounds off a wonderful evening.
Day 13: Queenstown - Omarama
Today we travel via the gold-mining town of Arrowtown. New Zealand's spectacular scenery is never-ending and another stunning route delivers us to the Mount Cook region today. If you wish you can take an optional scenic flight over some of New Zealand's highest mountains and largest glaciers. Your pilot will provide interesting commentary as you admire them from the air.
Day 14: Omarama - Christchurch
A lovely drive this morning takes us across Burkes Pass and onwards to Lake Tekapo. We will travel over the Canterbury Plains and on to Christchurch, where an orientation tour introduces us to all the main sights. This evening we will gather with the group to enjoy a farewell drink.
Day 15: Christchurch
Today it's time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your vacation comes to an end.