Grand Pacific Tours - Ultimate South Island Solo Travellers Itinerary

Welcome to Christchurch

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand.

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

Meals: Dinner (not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm)

Accommodation: Christchurch - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Sudima Christchurch City

Sudima Christchurch City is situated in Christchurch, just 500 m from Hagley Park and less than 1 km from Victoria Street. At the hotel, every room is complete with air conditioning and selected rooms will provide you with a seating area. You can also enjoy dining at the on-site retaurant.

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.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Legacy Te Waonui Hotel - Franz Josef

Legacy Te Waonui Hotel is the only luxury property of its kind in the area. The retreat is nestled in the lush bush with views of the natural environment at almost every turn. Located in Franz Josef, the retreat offers easy access to the many natural wonders of the South West World Heritage Area. Mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, coastline, and native flora and fauna all lie in wait at the doorstep for visitors to admire and explore.

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 into 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.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown

Crafted from centuries-old-schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel enjoys stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and is the perfect place to mix business and pleasure. Guests can enjoy all the hotel has to offer, with extensive leisure facilities, including heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool, spa pool, sauna, gym, restaurant and bar. The modern, alpine-style accommodation sit in peaceful, scenic surroundings.

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Queenstown - Te Anau

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before traveling 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).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Distinction Hotel Te Anau & Villas

Located to make the most of this beautiful area on the Te Anau lake front, a short stroll from the Te Anau town centre. Distinction Te Anua Hotel and Villas, offers chic, elegant and comfortable room options. This 4 Star hotel is surrounded by extensive landscaped gardens where you can enjoy the spectacular view of Lake Te Anua and the Fiordland ranges.

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 tis 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).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 the Garden of International Significance.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 Night

Accommodation:

The Distinction Hotel Dunedin

The 1937 former Chief Post Office in Dunedin has been refurbished into an elegant 4 star hotel. The Distinction Hotel Dunedin occupies an entire city block in The Exchange, the historic business centre of Dunedin. The hotel offers a variety of room types to suit everyone from the businesses traveller requiring spacious and modern facilities to those wanting a relaxing weekend away.

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.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Mt Cook - 1 Night

Accommodation:

The Hermitage - Aoraki/Mount Cook

A stunning destination surrounded by the silent splendor of the Southern Alps and with spectacular views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and the surrounding National Park World Heritage area. Guests can dine at several on-site restaurants. The hotel is also home to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, that features a museum, planetarium, and cinema.

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 into Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Sudima Christchurch City

Depart Christchurch

"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

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

Meals: Breakfast (if departing the hotel prior to the restaurant opening, breakfast is not included)

Itinerary Variations:
The provider strives to improve trip itineraries. If improvements can be made, or if circumstances beyond their control make changes necessary, the provider reserves the right to vary itineraries and to make substitutions.

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What Elizabeth says about this tour: This is a fabulous opportunity to travel with other likeminded solo travellers - or bring a friend without having to share your room. 3 two night stays, Hotel porterage
1 rail journey, 2 cruises, all sightseeing and prepaid attractions taken care of - this is your chance to explore with high quality coach, accommodation and most meals included.

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