Grand Pacific 11 Day Signature South Island SOLO Travellers Tour

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.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel (2 nights)

• Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey, 4.5 star hotel offers Classic Rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries.

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.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel

• Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey, 4.5 star hotel offers Classic Rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries.

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.

Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)

• Only a breath away from the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier, in the heart of the village and edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, lies the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier offering everything you need to explore this dramatic region in style and comfort. The professional and friendly staff pride themselves on making your stay enjoyable and comfortable.

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south into picturesque Queenstown. This evening is free to dine at leisure.

Staying in Hotel Mercure Queenstown Resort (Lake View Room) (2 nights)

• Situated on a unique vantage point with breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain range, the Mercure Queenstown Resort is the ideal place to relax and recharge before you explore all the wonderful activities and places to discover in and around the spectacular Queenstown.  

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.

Staying in Hotel Mercure Queenstown Resort (Lake View Room)

• Situated on a unique vantage point with breathtaking views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain range, the Mercure Queenstown Resort is the ideal place to relax and recharge before you explore all the wonderful activities and places to discover in and around the spectacular Queenstown.  

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).

Staying in Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (Deluxe Room) (2 nights)

• Conveniently located in the heart of Te Anau's town shopping centre and a short stroll from the South Island’s largest lake - Lake Te Anau. Escape into the serene surroundings of Distinction Luxmore Hotel before heading out to explore the world-famous beauty of Fiordland including Milford Sound. Enjoy staying in the Deluxe Rooms which are well appointed modern rooms with a Fiordland interior design theme. The hotel offers an excellent standard of service and the team at Distinction Luxmore will make your stay in Te Anau comfortable and enjoyable.

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).

Staying in Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (Deluxe Room)

• Conveniently located in the heart of Te Anau's town shopping centre and a short stroll from the South Island’s largest lake - Lake Te Anau. Escape into the serene surroundings of Distinction Luxmore Hotel before heading out to explore the world-famous beauty of Fiordland including Milford Sound. Enjoy staying in the Deluxe Rooms which are well appointed modern rooms with a Fiordland interior design theme. The hotel offers an excellent standard of service and the team at Distinction Luxmore will make your stay in Te Anau comfortable and enjoyable.

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.

Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

• The Scenic Hotel Southern Cross is Dunedin’s largest and most established hotel boasting 178 refurbished rooms and suites with modern style, exquisite quality, convenience and exceptional service.  Just a short walk from the Octagon, railway station and close to Otago university, this perfectly located stylish inner city accommodation has everything you need for a relaxing and memorable stay.

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.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Mackenzie Country

• Located in the heart of the Mackenzie region, a unique area of New Zealand's South Island where mountains meet the riverbeds sits a true country oasis. The Distinction Mackenzie Country features natural stonework and architecture that beautifully reflects and compliments the surrounding landscape. The hotel offers comfortably furnished guest rooms all featuring their own private balcony or patio from which to soak in the glorious mountain views. Featuring natural stone, roaring fires and expansive lawns, the Distinction Mackenzie Country is the ultimate place to unwind after a day experiencing the activities and sights the region has to offer. 

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.

Staying in Hotel Distinction Christchurch Hotel

• Standing amongst the buzz of the rejuvenated Cathedral Square, the Distinction Christchurch Hotel is an urban escape combining sophisticated smarts and familiar warmth, only a few minutes' walk from the Avon River, Botanic Gardens, Christchurch Casino and Cashel Mall. This 11 storey, 4.5 star hotel offers Classic Rooms which combine luxury and relaxation for all holidaymakers. These spacious air-conditioned hotel rooms include the latest technology as well as double glazed windows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. An ensuite bathroom with shower over bath and complimentary Distinction toiletries.

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