Breathtaking New Zealand
Breathtaking New Zealand
Breathtaking New Zealand
18 Days Starting in Auckland, New Zealand and ending in Christchurch, New Zealand
Visiting: New Zealand, Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Arrowtown, Omarama, Lake Tekapo, United Kingdom, Oceania
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SLNZ
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 35
Physical rating:
Low, Classic Touring
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Please make us aware of any specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This all-encompassing tour of New Zealand starts in the beautiful city of Auckland on North Island. Discover emerald-green landscapes, thermal springs and geysers in Rotorua and Napier, then spend some time in the capital Wellington, before sailing across the Cook Strait to South Island. Snow-capped mountains, shimmering glaciers and beautiful Milford Sound await and there's also time to explore Queenstown and the vibrant city of Christchurch.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Uk - Auckland
Location: New Zealand
Accommodation: Flight to the New Zealand
Meals Included: No Meals
Today, you will fly to New Zealand via Singapore, arriving on the morning of day 3.
Day 3 : Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Auckland
Meals Included: Dinner
We'll arrive in Auckland today. There is time to rest after your flight before we gather as a group for dinner.
Day 4 : Auckland
Location: Auckland
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Auckland
Meals Included: Breakfast
The beautiful city of Auckland is the largest in New Zealand, situated on the North Island in the Hauraki Gulf. We'll admire its spectacular skyline on an included tour this morning, which takes us to all the must-see sights. Later, you will have time to explore the city further in the company of your fellow travellers.
Day 5 : Auckland - Rotorua
Location: Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
The warm, emerald-green North Island was shaped by volcanic activity, and evidence of this remains in the thermal springs surrounding Rotorua. En-route we will journey through the dairy-rich Waikato farming region, home of the Maori kingdom, and visit the world-famous Waitomo Caves. The amazing glow-worm grotto is a fascinating sight and we will explore in the company of a Local Guide.
You can also take an optional flight today, either by float-plane or helicopter, over Mount Tarawera Volcano. You'll learn how the volcano's 1886 eruption - the largest in New Zealand's living memory - affected the landscape and, if you chose the helicopter flight, you will actually land at the site of the eruption. Those choosing the float-plane excursion will have the added excitement of taking off and landing on water at the Rotorua City Lakefront.
Day 6 : Rotorua
Location: Rotorua
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Millennium Hotel Rotorua
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you have the option to join a tour of Hobbiton, the location created for the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films. We'll explore the site, which includes hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn, while our guide offers fascinating insight – a must for fans of the films.
Te Puia Thermal Reserve is home to the extraordinary boiling mud pools and spouting geysers that New Zealand is so famous for. We will call here this morning to see this spectacular sight for ourselves.
Tonight, you'll have a chance to experience a Maori concert and sample an authentic Hangi meal on an optional tour. This is where your food is cooked by steam underground using a centuries-old method that harnesses the power of nature.
Day 7 : Rotorua - Napier
Location: Rotorua, Napier
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Te Pania
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The route to Napier takes us through the Wairakei Valley, past the spectacular Huka Falls to beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest freshwater lake. We will pause here to take in the mesmerising views. Napier is home to one of the finest collections of Art Deco-style buildings in the world and has the ideal climate for growing grapes. Sampling some of the locally cultivated wines is certain to be a treat before we discover more about the town as we explore on foot in the company of your Holiday Director. We'll enjoy a group dinner this evening at a winery estate.
Day 8 : Napier - Wellington
Location: Napier, Wellington
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wellington, New Zealand's wonderful capital, enjoys a beautiful setting on the southern tip of the North Island. We'll head here today with an orientation tour on arrival to highlight the city's main sights.
Day 9 : Wellington - At Leisure
Location: Wellington
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Meals Included: Breakfast
We have left today free for you to explore the city with your travelling companions. Perhaps take the cable car to the Botanical Gardens or visit the Te Papa Museum, which offers a wealth of information about New Zealand and its history, along with a collection of art.
Day 10 : Wellington - Christchurch
Location: Wellington, Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We set sail for the South Island today. Once back on land, we continue the drive to Christchurch, often referred to as the most English city outside of England. We'll enjoy the stunning scenery of the Kaikoura coast along the way.
Day 11 : Tranzalpine Train
Location: Franz Josef Glacier
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Meals Included: Breakfast
The TranzAlpine offers a spectacular journey into the Southern Alps. We'll be on board the train from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, the South Island's highest railway station, passing through the contrasting scenery of the snow-capped Southern Alps and majestic gorges. At Arthur's Pass we rejoin our coach and continue south to the magnificent scenery and glaciers of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier regions. Perhaps join a helicopter flight with a landing on the glacier for another view of this stunning landscape.
Day 12 : Franz Josef Glacier - Queenstown
Location: Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road
Meals Included: Breakfast
The road through Westland National Park is one of the most scenic ever built, with tremendous ocean views to one side and spectacular forest views to the other. Experience it for yourself as we head to Queenstown, a popular resort in both summer and winter, travelling south crossing the Haast River Bridge and passing Lake Hāwea and Lake Wanaka along the way. This evening, if you wish, you could enjoy a relaxing steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu and a gourmet barbecue dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak.
Day 13 : Milford Sound
Location: Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Milford Sound is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand. Te Anau is the gateway to Fjordland National Park and our first port of call on today's tour. We continue through the lush beech forests of the Eglinton Valley and the eroded glacial canyons of the Hollyford Valley, before arriving at Milford Sound itself. A cruise on the Sound, which we include weather permitting, is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the area, and lunch is also included.
Day 14 : Queenstown - At Leisure
Location: Queenstown
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore Queenstown in the company of your fellow travellers or perhaps join us on an optional excursion.
If you're feeling adventurous, there's a fantastic opportunity to take an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Dart River.
This evening, if you wish, you could enjoy a relaxing steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu and a gourmet barbecue dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak.
Day 15 : Queenstown - Omarama
Location: Queenstown, Arrowtown, Omarama
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Heritage Gateway Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we travel via the gold-mining town of Arrowtown. New Zealand's spectacular scenery is never-ending and another stunning route delivers us to the Mount Cook region today. If you wish you can take an optional scenic flight over some of New Zealand's highest mountains and largest glaciers. Your pilot will provide interesting commentary as you admire them from the air.
Day 16 : Omarama - Christchurch
Location: Omarama, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A lovely drive this morning takes us across Burkes Pass and onwards to Lake Tekapo. We will travel over the Canterbury Plains and on to Christchurch, where an orientation tour introduces us to all the main sights. This evening we will gather with the group to enjoy a farewell drink.
Day 17 : Christchurch - Uk
Location: Christchurch
Accommodation: Flight back to the UK
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK.
Day 18 : Uk
Location: United Kingdom
Meals Included: No Meals
You'll arrive back in the UK today.
What's Included
-
Return flights from London
-
Use of an airport lounge in the UK
-
A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
-
Accommodation
14 nights in 3 to 4-star hotels plus 3 nights in flight
-
Meals
17 meals: 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners including welcome & farewell drinks
-
Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage
-
Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide
What's Not Included
Accommodation
- Park Regis Singapore
- The 4-star Park Regis Singapore is centrally located within close proximity to the city’s popular entertainment, dining and cultural hubs of Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and Chinatown. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool and gym. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV, coffee/tea-maker, mini-bar and hairdryer.
- Rydges Auckland
- Rydges Auckland is situated close to the city centre. The hotel is modern and its amenities include a fitness centre, bar & restaurant. Rooms are furnished with air conditioning, minibar, tea & coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi and flat screen TV.
- Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
- The 3-star Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua is set on the shores of the lake and close to Rotorua''s vibrant city centre.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool and spa. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, TV, safe, refrigerator, iron, tea/coffee-maker and hairdryer.
- Scenic Hotel Te Pania
- You will stay at the 4-star Scenic Hotel Te Pania perfectly located on the edge of Hawkes Bay. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar. Bedrooms have private facilities, TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities.
- Park Hotel Lambton Quay
- The Park Hotel Lambton Quay is situated in the heart of Wellington. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar & fitness centre. Rooms are furnished with free Wi-Fi, TV, tea & coffee making facilities and a hairdryer.
- Quality Hotel Elms
- The 3.5-star Quality Hotel Elms is located in the Papanui area of Christchurch, with bars and restaurants in the local vicinity. The city centre is within easy reach.
- Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
- The 4-star Scenic Franz Josef Hotel is located close to one of New Zealand''s most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier.
Hotel facilities include restaurant, bar/lounge and spa. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, mini-bar, tea/coffee-maker, TV and hairdryer.
- Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road
- The 4-star Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road has a peaceful setting amongst alpine scenery and picturesque lakes, yet it''s conveniently close to the city.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, sauna and tennis court. Bedrooms have private facilities, tea- and coffee-making facilities, TV, hairdryer and Wi-Fi.
- Heritage Gateway Hotel
- The 3-star Heritage Gateway Hotel in Omarama is set amongst landscaped gardens offering wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.
Hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar. Bedrooms have private facilities, TV, iron, refrigerator, tea/coffee-maker and hairdryer.
- Quality Hotel Elms
- The 3.5-star Quality Hotel Elms is located in the Papanui area of Christchurch, with bars and restaurants in the local vicinity. The city centre is within easy reach.
Excursions Included
- Singapore
- Waitomo Caves
- Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Napier sightseeing
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- TranzAlpine Express
- Maori concert & Hangi meal
- Milford Sound
Optional Excursions
- Float-plane/helicopter ride to Mount Tarawera
- Hobbiton movie set or Rainbow Springs Nature Park
- Scenic helicopter flight over a glacier
- Kawarau Jet Boat ride
- Ride the Skyline Queenstown Gondola for stargazing & dinner
- Dart River excursion
- Steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu
- Mount Cook scenic flight
Optional excursions: Some of the above optional excursions can only be booked when you arrive in New Zealand.
Please note that 2020 itinerary is 18 days long and flies directly to Auckland. However, you can still visit Singapore on a pre-tour stopover.
Check out our Q&As
-
Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
No and your own room is guaranteed!
-
Are flights included in this tour?
Yes, Return flights from London
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No
-
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
Yes
-
Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
-
Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.
-
Will I eat alone?
We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.
-
Am I guaranteed a room of my own?
Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.
-
What is the typical age range on a Just You holiday?
Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Just You requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just you charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Book with Confidence
When you book your holiday with Just You, you can have complete peace of mind. Your money is 100% protected through our Independent Trust Fund, any money you pay to us is held by them & governed by 3rd?party trustees. It is also a condition of our ATOL license and is regularly monitored by the Civil Aviation Authority. We don’t receive any money until after you’ve come back from your holiday – so your money is 100% protected no matter what. If you have any questions you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable holiday advisors.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."