New Zealand is an outdoor lover’s dream, and on this two-week Solo-ish adventure, you’ll explore with new mates while still carving out time for yourself. Dive into nature’s wonders in Franz Josef and Queenstown, and satisfy your taste buds with a delicious Kiwi cooking experience in Auckland. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Māori culture with your local hosts in Rotorua. Discover the charm of Hokitika, a quirky west coast gem, as you journey from the North Island to the South. This is your chance to tick New Zealand off your bucket list in the most unforgettable way.
Travel Style
Solo-ish Adventures
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Dinner Party: Dinner Party, Auckland
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
We Day: Mt Eden Summit Walk, Auckland
We Day: Kohutapu Tribal Tour, Rotorua
Your Discover Moment: Franz Josef
Me Day: Queenstown Me Day, Queenstown. Complimentary arrival transfer. Mt Eden Summit Walk. Cruise Lake Rotoiti to hot springs. Free time in Rotorua. Full day immersion with Kohutapu Lodge. Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. Visit to Kaikoura Seal Colony. Free time in Kaikoura. Hike Hokitika Gorge. Franz Glacier Trek. Free time in Franz Josef. Full Day Cruise at Doubtful Sound. Free time in Queenstown. Transport to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Mt Eden Summit Walk, Cruise Lake Rotoiti to hot springs, Full day immersion with Kohutapu Lodge, Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, Visit to Kaikoura Seal Colony, Hike Hokitika Gorge, Franz Glacier Trek, Full Day Cruise at Doubtful Sound
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Flight, private vehicle, boat, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (13 nts)
Itinerary
Dinner Party: Auckland
Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand! After taking your included arrival transfer to the hotel, join your fellow solo-ish travellers for a welcome meeting. Then get hands on with a cooking class! Alongside your new mates, cook up a fresh and delicious Kiwi meal while getting to know the people you're travelling with.
G Day: Rotorua
After grabbing your first Kiwi breakfast, join your CEO for a guided walk up to the Mt Eden Summit. The views of Auckland at the top are incredible-so don't forget to take some photos. Later, make your way south to Rotorua where you can choose to enjoy a lunch stop at Eat Street, a local block of popular food stalls and restaurants. In the afternoon, join your fellow Solo-ish travel mates and board a boat to cross Lake Rotoiti, with a surprise en route. Together we'll relax lakeside in hot springs, nestled within the bush. A pretty awesome day to enjoy Rotorua and to get to know your group.
We Day: Rotorua
Together we head to the Maori-owned Kohutapu Lodge, to explore New Zealand's Indigenous culture on this full day excursion. Learn how a hangi lunch is prepared in an underground pit, the traditional way, and enjoy the feast with your Maori hosts. Learn about traditional eel traps and be welcomed into a traditional marae. Walk through the 800-year-old podocarp trees in the Whirinaki Rainforest to learn about the history of the forest and spot endemic birds and medicinal plants. Today's adventure is one of New Zealand's most authentic and community-based Indigenous programs, and will surely stand out as a highlight of your Solo-ish Adventure.
Rotorua: Free Day
A full day free gives you the opportunity to explore this unique town how you want. With seemingly endless options, choose to visit some hot springs, go white water rafting or explore from the treetops on a Rotorua Canopy Tour.
Rotorua to Auckland: Glow Worm Caves
This morning we drive from Rotorua to Waitomo to see the magical glow worms illuminate the caves. Ride a boat through the water filled caves, and as the sunlight fades, see how the bright blue glow brightens from the silk worms hanging from the ceiling. After, drive to Auckland for the night, our last evening on the North Island.
Auckland to Kaikoura: South Island
Together we fly to New Zealand's South Island this morning. After arriving, drive to North Canterbury, stopping for lunch along the way. Then continue the drive to Kaikoura. In the afternoon, visit the giant and adorable fur seals that live on the peninsula.
Kaikoura: Free Day
Kaikoura is one if the best places in all of New Zealand to see wildlife. Spend today however you wish, but of course we recommend trying to see some of these amazing animals in the wild. Opt to go on a Giant Sperm Whale watching tour or out for a tour in hopes to swim with the Dusky Dolphins.
Kaikoura to Hokitika
Drive to Hokitika, a town nudged between the Tasman Sea to the west and the Hokitika River to the south. Full of beautiful nature, wildlife and a history of ship wrecks, gold and green stone miners, Hokitika is not to be missed. The drive can make for one of our longer days, but we'll make some pitstops along the way to break up the journey. After arrival, enjoy free time to explore the town.
Hokitika to Franz Josef: Franz Josef Glacier
Walk through remarkable Hokitika Gorge, crossing the suspension bridge and admiring the incredibly blue water. Head back to town for a group lunch. Then drive to Franz Josef, and hike through the rain forest of Franz Josef with views of the beautiful glacier.
Franz Josef: Free Day
A free day today in Franz Josef calls for adventure. Opt to take a scenic helicopter flight up to the impressive glacier, or kayak on Lake Mapourika. Or choose to join the Guided Heli Hike, taking a helicopter to the glacier and hiking through the snow capped mountains and over the bright blue glacier.
Franz Josef to Queenstown
Drive with your fellow solo-ish travellers to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown. After arrival, settle in and enjoy an evening stroll in this picturesque lakeside town.
Me Day: Queenstown
Today is your Me Day, which means today is all about me... well you! With so much to do in Queenstown, opt to spend today exploring the adventure capital however you so wish. Or choose to join your CEO and other solo-ish travellers to ride the famous Queenstown gondola. Ride to the top of the mountain and take in the beautiful view of the lake and mountain peaks. Then tonight, choose to join your CEO for a final group dinner in New Zealand. This may be an early dinner because we have an early morning tomorrow, but come together for a bite and a drink before our final day in New Zealand together.
Fiordland National Park
Wake early for a visit to one of New Zealand's most spectacular destinations on a day trip to Fiordland National Park. Drive from Queenstown, board a boat and cruise between the breathtaking mountain slopes, cascades and sea. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and rainbows made by the waterfalls. After the boat ride, drive back to Queenstown and enjoy one last free evening in Queenstown.
Queenstown
You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
