Picturesque Solo New Zealand Tour
Picturesque Solo New Zealand Tour
Picturesque Solo New Zealand Tour
9 Days Starting in Auckland and ending in Queenstown
Visiting: New Zealand
Tour Overview
This solo tour of New Zealand will show you some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world! You will discover fascinating rainforests, magnificent mountains, powerful waterfalls, stunning glaciers and more on this magical journey. Begin your tour in Auckland, the cultural capital of New Zealand packed with diverse neighborhoods and historical landmarks. Drive over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and take in the magnificent views of the Hauraki Gulf and the city skyline. Visit The Domain, the oldest park in Auckland and one of the largest in the city! Head on a tour of the Waitomo Caves as you travel through the beautiful farmland regions and embark on a scenic boat ride on the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. Explore Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland where you will discover magnificent glaciers, natural hot springs, and mud pools. Catch a flight to Christchurch and discover Mount Cook, the tallest mountain peak in New Zealand with a height of 3,724 meters. Visit Lake Tekapo, a breathtaking glacier-fed Lake where you will discover extraordinary views of the Southern Alps. From there you will drive to Queenstown, the Adventure Capital of New Zealand known for its wide range of outdoor activities including ziplining, bungee jumping, paragliding, and skydiving. Your tour of New Zealand will end in this fascinating city, and you will head home filled with unforgettable memories!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland (Arrival)
Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival at the Auckland International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Auckland
Day 2: Auckland
This morning you will head on a half-day tour of Auckland that is packed with city sights and historical landmarks! Board your coach and travel through the city center, along Karangahape Road as you discover its diverse vibe and pass by the fashionable Ponsonby area. Make your way over the Auckland Harbour Bridge as you take in the breathtaking views of the Hauraki Gulf and the city skyline. Visit the Viaduct Harbour and discover Auckland's famous Queen Street before making your way to the Auckland Domain. The Domain is the city's oldest park, and, at 75 hectares, one of the largest. Developed around an extinct volcano, the park boasts tropical gardens, duck ponds, and public art, and is also home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. After visiting the Domain, your tour will continue to the Parnell Village for a short morning tea stop (at your own expense). The historic buildings of Parnell have been transformed into a trendy shopping area featuring a wide range of boutiques, craft, and specialty stores. From there you will be transferred back to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight in Auckland
Day 3: Auckland – Rotorua - Auckland (-/-/-)
Today you will discover the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand along with the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Your tour will also take you to the famous glowworm caves of Waitomo. Depart Auckland in the morning to travel the breathtaking farmlands of the Waikato and King Country regions as you listen to the commentary from your driver guide. Learn about the history of the region as you pass by sites of interest such as Rangiriri, the site of a major battle in the Maori Land Wars in 1863. Your first stop will be in the small town of Waitomo, where you will head on a 45-minute guided tour through the world-famous Waitomo Caves. Travel through these underground limestone caverns, discovered in 1887, and find out how the incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and other fascinating rock formations were formed over a period of 30 million years. Your tour will end with a short yet magical boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto — a subterranean cavern illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. After that you will visit Rotorua, in the heart of the Central North Island. Visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Te Puia's marae (meeting house) where you will receive a traditional welcome and an invitation to see a Maori cultural performance, where ancient and modern stories will be told through songs, dance, poi, and stick games. You will develop an understanding of this unique culture and history as you are entertained by the talented and charismatic performers. You will be transfered back to Auckland by the end of the tour.
Overnight in Auckland.
* We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a warm jacket for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour.
Day 4: Auckland – Christchurch
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or book an optional tour.
Overnight in Christchurch
Day 5: Christchurch
Hop on your coach for a half-day tour of Christchurch. The trip will start by covering the central city highlights including the botanical gardens, the Museum and Art Centre, the Avon River, the Bridge of Remembrance, the city's new pop-up container mall, and many other highlights. As you leave the inner city, the coach will take you to Mona Vale and its historic homestead and gardens. You will travel up to the Sign of the Takahe, a historic building boasting breathtaking views of the city, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps, and make your way over the Port Hills to the Port of Lyttleton. Travel through the harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and the cave rock before returning to the central city and the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Christchurch
Day 6: Christchurch – Queenstown
Today you will head to Queenstown. En route, discover the beauty and grandeur of the Southern Alps with a sightseeing day tour via Mount Cook. Leaving Christchurch in the morning, you will travel through the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the shores of the breathtaking glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, where you can see the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd and take in the sights of the extraordinary Southern Alps. Continue your tour to New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, situated in a National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising 3,724 meters high, Aoraki certainly lives up to its name; Maori is translated to 'cloud piercer'. Legend tells of a young boy named Aoraki who was stranded with his brothers when their canoe struck a reef. As it tilted, the brothers climbed to the high side, where they were frozen by the south wind and turned into stone. Aoraki and his brothers now make up the Southern Alps. Spend time in the village of Mount Cook. Alternatively, you will have time to head on an optional helicopter or ski plane flight to uncover incredible views of the mountain peaks and glaciers. The tour will continue south, past Lake Pukaki and through the tawny tussock of the Mackenzie Country. En route, stop in the quaint village of Omarama, and, if time permits, visit the Jones Family Orchard near Cromwell.
Overnight in Queenstown
Day 7: Queenstown
Spend the day at leisure or pre-book an optional tour.
Overnight in Queenstown
Day 8: Queenstown
Spend the day at leisure or pre-book one of the following optional tours.
Overnight in Queenstown
Day 9: Queenstown – Usa/Canada
In the morning you will check out of your hotel. If needed, you will be able to store your luggage in the hotel and explore the town before you are transferred to the Queenstown International Airport to prepare for your onward flight home.
What's Included
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08 nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed superior hotels or similar
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Daily Buffet Breakfast
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All Arrival and departure airport transfers
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All Transportation in AC modern vehicles
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Services of English-speaking guide during the tours
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All sightseeing as per the detailed itinerary
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All entrance fees as per the detailed itinerary
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Domestic flight: Auckland - Christchurch
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All applicable taxes
What's Not Included
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Items of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities
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Visa fees, if applicable
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Airport transfer for land only passengers
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Items not mentioned as included
Check out our Q&As
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions