Solo South Island Escape (Superior)
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Discover New Zealand’s South Island over 11 unforgettable days, starting and finishing in Christchurch, alongside like-minded solo travellers. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury small-group coach as you explore dramatic alpine scenery, coastlines and charming towns. Highlights include the iconic TranzAlpine Rail Journey, a Milford Sound cruise with lunch, and a nostalgic voyage on the TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown. You’ll also visit Mt Cook, Dunedin, and Franz Josef, with plenty of time to soak up local culture and scenery. With premium accommodation and a guaranteed single room, this journey blends comfort, connection and spectacular landscapes perfectly.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
11 daysHotel Rating
4-5 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-guideCountry
New ZealandMeals Included
Breakfast: 10, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 8Passengers
$9,965.00
$500.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max 20
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-guideGroup Size
Min 1 / Max 20Range
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 ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
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. We continue through Haast Pass, a region of striking natural beauty, before arriving in Queenstown. Set on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this alpine resort is one of New Zealand's most scenic destinations. 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. You may choose the excitement of a jet boat ride or join a heritage tour into scenic Skippers Canyon.
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 High Tea in the Grand Ballroom and time to wander through the gardens, recognised as a Garden of International Significance.
Day 9 - Travel to Oamaru & Admire Mount Cook
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.
Day 10 - View Lake Tekapo & Return to Christchurch
This morning we take in the grandeur of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. There is also the opportunity to join an optional scenic flight, weather permitting, for breathtaking views over the Southern Alps.
We then 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.
Tour Reviews
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.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
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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