11 Signature South Island for Solo Travellers

Itinerary

(B) Breakfast. (L) Lunch. (D) Dinner. (SD) Specialty Dinner.  

 DAY 1: Arrive Christchurch (D)  

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. 
Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights)  

DAY 2: Christchurch (B)  

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 (B,D)  

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.  
Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier  

DAY 4: Franz Josef - Queenstown (B)  

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 Resort (2 nights) 

DAY 5: Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD)  

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 (B,D)  

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 Lake Te Anau (2 nights) 

DAY 7: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau (B,L,D)  

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 (B,D)  

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: Dunedin - Mt Cook - Twizel (B,D)  

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.  
Hotel Distinction Mackenzie Country 

DAY 10: Twizel - Christchurch (B,SD)  

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 Hotel  

DAY 11: Depart Christchurch (B)  

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