New Zealand for Solo Travellers

Resort:	New Zealand for Solo Travellers
Operator:	Riviera Travel
Destination:	Australia & The Pacific
Price From:	£7499.00

Overview

Its mountains, rivers, fiords and glaciers are breath-taking. Experience magnificent National Parks, charming towns and pristine landscapes plus wonder at its volcanic geysers and boiling mud pools. A bit of a clich, yes, but its true: New Zealand is one of those holiday destinations of a lifetime its mountains, rivers, fjords, and scenery are quite literally breath-taking! And with a population of only a few million in a land approximately the same size as the UK, youll quickly become attuned to the easy-going Kiwi lifestyle as you travel through the countrys magnificent national parks, charming towns and pristine landscapes.

Getting to New Zealand can be a long and tiring journey, so we have chosen to include a stopover inSingapore and fly with Singapore Airlines, renowned for their world class service and with direct onward flights to Auckland and from Christchurch. We have two days here to explore the many attractions this thrilling Asian metropolis has to offer, including its dazzling architecture, superb cuisine and vibrant mix of cultures.

We stay in Auckland for two nights to give you the best opportunity to acclimatise to the time zone. We then travel to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands for two nights a wonderful region of small historic towns and a deeply indented coastline filled with golden sandy coves, a paradise for sailing and boating.

New Zealand is primarily a farming country, full of dairy herds and of course millions of sheep so what better way to experience this way of life than to stay a night with a New Zealand family.In the fertile region of Cambridge, south of Auckland, our group will be split between a number of local local homesteads where youll be able to gain a firsthand understanding of the very basis of the countrys economy whilst getting to know your friendly hosts.

Rotorua is one of North Islands greatest areas of geothermal activity, with its spectacular geysers, steaming hot pools and bubbling mud. Its also a centre of Maori settlement and in the evening you attend a Maori Hangi (feast) featuring a Powhiri (formal welcome) and traditional songs and dances relaying the stories of Maori myths and legends, followed by a meal of lamb, chicken and kumara (sweet potato) cooked in the traditional way, in an underground oven.

We continue to the east coast and the renowned wine-producing region of Hawkes Bay, facing the Pacific Ocean. Here we stay in charming Napier, famous for its unique architecture, a legacy of a 1931 earthquake when the whole town was rebuilt in just two years in the Art Deco style of the time.

Wellington, New Zealands diminutive capital, offers a bustling waterfront and from Mt Victoria, there are outstanding views of the citys beautiful harbour. Te Papa, the fascinating National Museum, covers every aspect of New Zealands history, art, culture and geography.

Crossing the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands by InterIslander ferry we cruise through the Marlborough Sounds with their beautiful turquoise-blue waters on our way to Nelson, known as South Islands sunniest spot and next to the beautiful coastal scenery of the Abel Tasman National Park.

New Zealand has gained a reputation as an outstanding wine-growing nation, and Marlborough on the northeastern corner of South Island is certainly one of the key regions for producing premium quality wines.

Christchurch is the countrys second largest city and following the devastating earthquake of February 2011, a major reconstruction programme is underway in the city centre. Fortunately, access to the wonderful Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park and the Canterbury museum has not been affected and already city architects are winning awards for some very innovative projects, including the new temporary cardboard cathedral.

The TranzAlpine crossing of the Southern Alps from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass must rate as one of the worlds great train journeys and our tour then follows the west coast of South Island to the magnificent Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. The best way to experience these amazing natural phenomena is from the air, so we have arranged for an included helicopter flight, with an alpinelanding, to see the magnificent Franz Josef glacier a breathtaking highlight of your tour!

Queenstown, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, is described as the Adventure Capital of the World, or the Scenic Gem of the South Island. Whichever description is most apt, you can be sure youll not be disappointed by your stay in one of the countrys outstanding resorts. We have a full day at leisure here, so you can choose to relax or be as active as you wish.

The small lakeside township of Te Anau is the gateway to the World Heritage Fjordland National Park, and what a park it is! The grandeur and majestic beauty of this untouched landscape almost defies description, from glacier-carved valleys, through thousands of hectares of virgin forest, to glimmering lakes, waterfalls, and Alpine peaks, these are world-class sights to savour. Our cruise, on one of the worlds great fjords, Milford Sound, is the highlight of our visit before heading north to Mount Cook, New Zealands highest mountain and a fitting conclusion to your holiday in Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Of course, New Zealand is not just about its extraordinary landscapes the cuisine and wines are just a good reason to go: you wont find better lamb or beef, or fresher seafood. Look out for blue cod from South island, green-lip mussels, snapper and for big appetites, grouper! The local free-range lamb is world-famous, but the cheese, manuka honey, fruit and even ice-cream are all equally superb. And you cannot leave without trying a kiwi pavlova for dessert! If you enjoy wine, then Marlboroughs Sauvignon Blancs are considered some of the best in the world we include a wine tasting at a famous estate on our way through the region.

Our wonderful tour has been designed to make getting to New Zealand as easy as possible and covers all the awe-inspiring highlights of this remarkable country, as well as many less explored corners, such as our farm stay in Cambridge, Art Deco Napier and Nelson with the Abel Tasman National Park. Our included trips on the TranzAlpine train, the helicopter flight over the staggering Franz Josef glacier and the visit to Mt Cook will be experiences that you will treasure for many years to come.

Itinerary Details

DAY 1DEPARTURE

DEPARTURE

Travel to the airport for your direct overnight flight to Singapore.

DAY 2ARRIVAL IN SINGAPORE

ARRIVAL IN SINGAPORE

On arrival, transfer to the four-star Swissotel Merchant Court, with breakfast, located on the Singapore River and next to the many restaurants of Clarke Quay. This exciting stop-over allows time to relax and adjust to the time difference between flights. It also offers the opportunity to explore Singapores unique mix of Indian, Chinese and Malay influences. Enjoy a tour of the riverfront area and time in the beautiful botanic gardens, of which the Orchid enclosure is an outstanding feature.

Tonight we enjoy an included welcome dinner to get to know your tour manager and fellow solo travellers.

DAY 3FREE DAY & FLY TO AUCKLAND

FREE DAY & FLY TO AUCKLAND

Today is at leisure to further explore all the attractions of Singapore. In the evening we take the Singapore Airlines overnight flight to Auckland.

DAY 4ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND

ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND

Arrive in Auckland around midday, transferring to the four-star Rydges Hotel, well located to all the citys attractions. The rest of the day is at leisure.

DAY 5AUCKLAND

AUCKLAND

Your sightseeing tour of the City of Sails includes the panoramic city and harbour views from Bastion Point, trendy Parnell Village, the lovely bays of the waterfront drive and the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area. We also visit the Auckland Museum which gives an excellent introduction to the artistic legacy and cultures of the peoples of the Pacific including the monumental carvings, buildings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori as well as the diversity of cultures which now combine to form the rich tapestry of race, nationality and creed which is modern New Zealand. Your afternoon is free to explore the city further.

DAY 6BAY OF ISLANDS

BAY OF ISLANDS

Departing Auckland we head north over the Auckland Harbour Bridge along the Hibiscus Coast to view giant Kauri trees at the Parry Kauri Park. Continuing our journey we reach Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, where youll take a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty House, where in 1840 Maori chiefs and the original European settlers signed the Treaty of Waitangi, the basis of the future governance of New Zealand. Our hotel for the next two nights is the four-star Scenic, with breakfast.

DAY 7BAY OF ISLANDS CRUISE

BAY OF ISLANDS CRUISE

This morning we see the Bay of Islands in the best way possible via a fascinating boat cruise meandering around the idyllic beaches of the islands that make this area so popular. Theres an excellent chance of seeing wild dolphins which are common in the Bay of Islands. Continue on to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock, through which the boat will sail, conditions permitting, before we disembark at the historic small town of Russell. The first European settlement in New Zealand and just a 10-minute ferry trip from Paihia (ticket included), Russell is an ideal place for a spot of lunch or a relaxing walk along the waterfront. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy many of the activities the Bay of Islands offers.

DAY 8HOMESTEAD STAY

HOMESTEAD STAY

This morning leave the Bay of Islands and travel south through rolling forested hills and lush farmland to the Cambridge region south of Auckland. Here you will have the unique experience of staying the night at a number of local homesteads (maximumsix guests per stay), including a home-cooked dinner and lively conversation! New Zealand is primarily an agrarian economy, so this is the perfect opportunity to understand this way of life.

DAY 9ROTORUA

ROTORUA

Saying goodbye to our hospitable farming hosts, we take the short drive to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers, beautifully coloured hot springs and terrace formations created by the hot, mineral-rich waters. Rotorua is also renowned for its Maori cultural activities. We visit Te Puia where our local Maori guide will explain traditional Maori arts and crafts and well view the famous Pohutu Geyser in the Whakarewarewa geothermal Valley. This evening youll enjoy a visit to the Tamaki Maori Village, a recreation of a typical Maori forest community, where well be treated to an evening of ceremonial rituals, storytelling and intriguing insights into Maori life, ending with a powerful cultural performance, before dining on the traditional Hangi buffet dinner (Maori feast) cooked the traditional Maori way in an earth oven. Our hotel is the four-star Distinction Hotel, with breakfast.

DAY 10NAPIER

NAPIER

Departing Rotorua we travel to the charming lakeside town of Taupo, stopping en-route at Huka Falls to marvel as the mighty Waikato River thunders through its narrow canyon. Then its on to Napier, known as the Art Deco capital of the world. On arrival we meet our local guides and take a fascinating walking tour of these beautiful Art Deco buildings. Our hotel is the excellent four-star superior Scenic Hotel Te Pania, with breakfast, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

DAY 11WELLINGTON

WELLINGTON

Continue south to Wellington where we enjoy a night in New Zealands capital city, staying at the four-star James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, with breakfast.

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington with free time to explore the vibrant waterfront and beautiful gardens. We also visit Te Papa, New Zealands outstanding National Museum, to learn about the shaping of its land, the spirit of its diverse peoples, its unique wildlife, landscapes and its distinctive popular culture.

DAY 12NELSON

NELSON

Today we cruise to South Island, across the Cook Strait by Interislander ferry, through the Marlborough Sounds, including the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound and into Picton. We continue to Blenheim and the famous wine-producing region of Marlborough where we stop for some wine tasting. Our final destination today is Nelson, New Zealands sunshine town, with its many art and craft galleries, and relaxed atmosphere. Our hotel for the next two nights is the excellent four-star Trailways, with breakfast.

DAY 13ABEL TASMAN CRUISE

ABEL TASMAN CRUISE

This morning we join a catamaran cruise along the stunning shoreline of Abel Tasman National Park. En route learn about the parks history also viewing the famous Split Apple Rock, a fur seal colony and the parks famed golden beaches and crystal clear waters. For the more adventurous, there is the option of landing ashore at Apple Tree Bay and walking the short 7km-section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track to Anchorage (approx. 2 hours walk). This walk has stunning views of the Tasman Bay through native bush. The track is well defined and requires a reasonable level of fitness. Our boat will collect the walkers at Anchorage on its return down the coast. A packed lunch is included today. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure in Nelson.

DAY 14CHRISTCHURCH

CHRISTCHURCH

Travelling south through the Golden Downs Forest and over the Lewis Pass we arrive at the lovely alpine village of Hanmer Springs for a lunch stop (not included) before joining the upper reaches of the Canterbury Plains to the garden city of Christchurch. Since the earthquake of 2011, the citys rebuilding programme is in full swing and there will be an opportunity to visit to the Re-Start Mall, the controversial Cardboard Cathedral and the Botanic Gardens. Our hotel is the three-star superior Quality Hotel Elms, with breakfast.

DAY 15TRANZALPINE TRAIN & HELICOPTER FLIGHT

TRANZALPINE TRAIN & HELICOPTER FLIGHT

Today we traverse the Southern Alps aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train to Arthurs Pass. From your modern panoramic carriage youll see the farmland of the Canterbury Plains give way to the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, crossing numerous bridges and viaducts en route. At Arthurs Pass, we are met by our coach for the journey to the West Coast, stopping in Hokitika where we visit a Greenstone workshop where a local jade-like stone highly prized by pre-European Maori is crafted into exquisite jewellery.

Continue south through forests and farmland, with views of the Alps to the east and the Tasman Sea to the west, to the village of Franz Josef. This afternoon prepare yourself for what will be one of your trips highlights!

On arrival you will experience this magnificent glacial alpine environment with a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight. Follow steep, scarred ridges, through a mountain pass revealing superb views of the surrounding peaks, finishing with an alpine landing.

Our hotel tonight is the four-star Scenic, with breakfast

DAY 16FRANZ JOSEF TO QUEENSTOWN

FRANZ JOSEF TO QUEENSTOWN

Continuing south, we travel past deserted beaches, through vibrant rainforests and tiny settlements. This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fjordland have some of the worlds most dramatic forest, mountain scenery and natural resources. We travel over the Haast Pass to the popular Lake Wanaka, and then to the beautiful year-round resort of Queenstown staying for two nights in the four-star Copthorne Lakefront Resort, with breakfast.

DAY 17FREE DAY IN QUEENSTOWN

FREE DAY IN QUEENSTOWN

Nestled below the rugged Remarkable Mountains, Queenstown enjoys an exceptionally scenic setting and is known as the adventure capital of the world. Today is at leisure to enjoy all that this resort has to offer. Experience the thrill of a jet-boat ride along the Shotover River, a 4×4 safari, helicopter trips, guided walks, a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the 100-year-old vintage steamboat TSS Earnslaw, or ride the Skyline Gondola high above Queenstown for superb views of the area the choices are almost endless!

DAY 18MILFORD SOUND CRUISE

MILFORD SOUND CRUISE

Leaving Queenstown we skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and travel via Te Anau through the Homer Tunnel into the spectacular Cleddau valley and famous Milford Sound. A boat trip on the deep fjord waters between sheer granite cliffs rising thousands of feet, affords wonderful views of mile-high Mitre Peak and the 500-foot Stirling Falls. There is a good chance of seeing dolphins, fur seals or penguins during our trip before we return to Te Anau. A packed lunch is included today. Our hotel in Te Anau is the four-star Distinction Luxmore, with breakfast. Late afternoon there will be time for an optional visit the nearby Glowworm caves, unique to New Zealand.

DAY 19OMARAMA

OMARAMA

Today we travel back north and visit Arrowtown, a township with a colourful history – in its heyday this was a rough and ready frontier gold-mining boomtown. Nowadays, its main street is lined with some excellent art galleries, cafs and boutiques. We continue through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, pass pretty Lake Dunstan, cross the distinctive Central Otago countryside (where many scenes from the Lord of the Rings were filmed) and over the dramatic Lindis Pass to the Mackenzie Basin. Your overnight accommodation is the simple three-star Heritage Gateway Hotel, with breakfast, in the small rural community of Omarama.

DAY 20MOUNT COOK

MOUNT COOK

A day with some spectacular sights. We head north alongside the azure glacier-fed Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook, at 12,316ft New Zealands highest mountain and surrounded by jagged snow-covered peaks. Theres time for short walks in the spectacular Hooker Valley and a visit to the Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre (entrance fee), or for the excursion option of a helicopter flight (extra charge pay locally, subject to availability) over the spectacular West Coast glaciers.

We continue towards the magnificent blue waters of Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, before crossing Burkes Pass and the Canterbury Plains back into Christchurch and the Quality Hotel Elms.

DAY 21RETURN FLIGHT

RETURN FLIGHT

A fond farewell to New Zealand and transfer to the airport for your flight home via Singapore.

DAY 22ARRIVE HOME

ARRIVE HOME

Arrive home after an incredible once-in-a-lifetime tour.

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