
Solo South Island Escape
New
Discover New Zealand’s spectacular South Island on this 11-day journey starting and ending in Christchurch, designed for like-minded solo travellers. Travel in comfort through ever-changing landscapes, from the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine to the dramatic beauty of Milford Sound on a scenic cruise. You’ll explore vibrant Queenstown, charming Arrowtown and historic Dunedin, with highlights including a vintage steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu and a visit to Larnach Castle. With 4-star stays, guided sightseeing and plenty of social moments, this tour blends iconic sights, relaxed pacing and great company throughout.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Overview
Duration
11 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelsStarts
ChristchurchEnds
ChristchurchMinimum Age
16 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in New Zealand that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - Escorted by a professional driver-guide and experienced tour leaderCountry
New ZealandMeals Included
Breakfast: 10, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 8Passengers
$6,860.00
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max 32
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - Escorted by a professional driver-guide and experienced tour leaderGroup Size
Min 1 / Max 32Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursTrip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Christchurch

On arrival in Christchurch, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your tour leader and fellow travellers before dinner.
Please note: For arrivals later than 8.00pm, dinner is not included.
Day 2 - Explore Christchurch

This morning we visit the International Antarctic Centre, where interactive displays offer a fascinating insight into life in Antarctica. Experience the Antarctic storm room, ride in a Hagglund all-terrain vehicle, see the little blue penguins and enjoy the immersive 4D theatre.
Afterwards, we take a city tour of Christchurch to learn more about its history and culture. This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely ride on the Christchurch Tram. The evening is free for you to explore Christchurch’s dining scene.
Day 3 - Take the TranzAlpine through the Southern Alps & Travel to Franz Josef

This morning we board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the world’s great train journeys. Travel across vast viaducts, through river valleys and past dramatic gorges as we climb to Arthur’s Pass in the heart of the Southern Alps. Rejoining the coach, we continue to Hokitika, famous for its greenstone, then travel on to Franz Josef. Time is available to take an optional scenic flight - weather permitting - over the glaciers.
Day 4 - Journey to Queenstown

Today we take in the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as we travel south to picturesque Queenstown. This evening is free for you to dine at leisure.
Day 5 - Queenstown at Leisure & Cruise Lake Wakatipu

Today is yours to enjoy Queenstown at your own pace.
This evening, we board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station for a gourmet barbecue dinner. After dinner, enjoy a short farm tour before reboarding the TSS Earnslaw for the return cruise and a sing-along.
Day 6 - Visit Arrowtown & Continue to Te Anau

Enjoy a relaxed start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, a former gold mining settlement. Here we visit the Lakes District Museum, which plays an important role in preserving the town’s historic buildings and stories. We then continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. You may wish to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves this evening - optional.
Day 7 - Experience Fiordland National Park & Return to Te Anau

We travel from Te Anau through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, one of New Zealand’s most dramatic natural settings. Here we board our cruise and take in the scale of this remarkable fiord, including Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak, while enjoying lunch on board.
This afternoon we return to Te Anau, where some free time is available. You may also choose to round off your Fiordland experience with a screening of Ata Whenua - Shadowland at the Fiordland Cinema - optional.
Day 8 - Dunedin City Tour

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, often known as the Edinburgh of the South, and enjoy a city sights tour. We then continue along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, where a guided tour reveals its tragic and scandalous history. Enjoy a delicious Devonshire Tea and time to wander through the gardens, recognised as a Garden of International Significance.
Day 9 - Admire Mount Cook & Transfer to Twizel

Today we travel to Oamaru, known for its distinctive limestone buildings, then follow the Waitaki River and pass Lake Benmore. As we continue inland, enjoy impressive views towards Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. There is also the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight - weather permitting - over the Southern Alps. We then continue to Twizel for our overnight stay.
Day 10 - View Lake Tekapo & Return to Christchurch

This morning we continue to Lake Tekapo, where we see its striking turquoise waters, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue, before returning to Christchurch. This evening, enjoy a pre-dinner drink with your fellow travellers at the farewell dinner.
Day 11 - Goodbye Christchurch

It is time to bid farewell to Christchurch. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Please note: If you depart the hotel before the restaurant opens, breakfast is not included.
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Tour Reviews
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.







Trip Type
Standard (max group 32)
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Single Rooms can also be booked by any other person wanting the comfort and privacy of their own room.
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