New Zealand for solo travellers: Land of the Long White Cloud
- Solo Holiday
New Zealand is one of those holiday destinations of a lifetime. Explore the very best parts of this beautiful country, discovering the breath-taking mountains, National Parks, rivers, and all the must-see attractions.
Travel to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands– a wonderful region of historic towns and a deeply indented coastline filled with golden coves. Heading south from Auckland to Hamilton, marvel at the world-famous Hamilton Gardens, before exploring Rotorua, one of the North Island’s greatest areas of geothermal activity with its spectacular geysers.
Visit the wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay, facing the Pacific Ocean and Marlborough on the north-eastern corner of South Island is certainly one of the key regions for producing premium quality wines. Stay in charming Napier, famous for its unique architecture and marvel at outstanding views of the capital city’s harbour from Mount Victoria.
Our tour covers the highlights of this remarkable country, such as our trips on the TranzAlpine train and the helicopter flight over the beautiful Franz Josef glacier.
At a glance
Highlights
- Experience the warm sub-tropical climate in the stunning Bay of Islands including a dolphin-watching cruise.
- Spend time exploring the famous cities of Christchurch, Auckland and Queenstown.
- Cross the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine train, one of the world’s great train journeys.
- Enjoy an included helicopter flight around the iconic Franz Josef glacier, with an amazing alpine landing.
- Get close-up views of snow-capped Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
Your itinerary

Overnight flight to Auckland
Begin the journey to New Zealand.
In flight
Spend the day in the air as we continue our journey to New Zealand.
Arrival in Auckland
Arrive in Auckland, transfer to our hotel and enjoy time at leisure in the city.

Stay at Grand Millenium Hotel
Welcome to New Zealand! You’ll arrive in Auckland and transfer to the four-star Grand Millennium for one night with breakfast, well-located for all the city’s attractions.
The rest of your day is at your leisure.

Bay of Islands
See the giant Kauri trees of Parry Kauri Park and visit Waitangi Treaty House in the Bay of Islands.

Stay at Scenic Hotel Bay of Island
Departing Auckland we’ll head north over the Auckland Harbour Bridge along the Hibiscus Coast to view giant Kauri trees at the Parry Kauri Park.
Continuing our journey over the gentle green landscape of North Island we’ll reach Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands in the afternoon. Here you’ll 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 Hotel, with breakfast.

Bay Of Islands cruise
Enjoy views of the Bay of Islands by boat.

This morning we’ll see the Bay of Islands in the best way possible via a boat cruise meandering around the idyllic beaches that make this area so popular. If you’re lucky, there’s a chance you may see wild dolphins which are common in the Bay of Islands.
We’ll continue on to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, through which the boat will sail slowly, conditions permitting.
The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy many of the activities the Bay of Islands has to offer.

Auckland
Embark on a sightseeing tour of ‘City of Sails’ and visit Auckland Museum.

This morning we leave the Bay of Islands, travelling south on the Twin Coast Discovery Highway through Whangarei and across Harbour Bridge arriving in Auckland for a sightseeing tour of the ‘City of Sails’. See this panoramic city and harbour views from Bastion Point, the trendy Parnell Village, the bays of the waterfront drive and the vibrant Viaduct Harbour area.
Auckland Museum
We’ll also visit the Auckland Museum which gives an introduction to the 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.

Waitomo Caves & Rotorua
Gaze in awe at the extensive underground cave system in Waitomo, visit Rotorua and tuck into a traditional Hangi buffet.

Stay at Distinction Rotorua
Waitomo Caves
Leaving Auckland, we'll head south through some of New Zealand’s lush farmlands within the Waikato Valley and journey along the east bank of the country’s largest river – the Waikato – arriving in the rural area of Waitomo. Here, we’ll go underground to explore the famous Waitomo Caves – an ancient labyrinth of caves and grottos famous for their fascinating limestone stalagmites and stalactites formed over thousands of years. You can also enjoy a silent boat ride within the underground waters to the starry wonderland of the magnificent glowworm grotto.
Back up above ground, the journey will continue across the bush-clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua.
Rotorua
Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with mud pools, geysers, hot springs and terrace formations created by the hot, mineral-rich waters. Rotorua is also renowned for its Maori cultural activities.
We’ll visit Te Puia – where our local Maori guide will explain traditional Maori arts and crafts - and we’ll view the famous Pohutu Geyser in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley.
Traditional Hangi buffet dinner
After our guided tour, our evening begins with a delicious buffet dinner in the Pātaka Kai Restaurant, including food from the hangi - a traditional Maori method of cooking.
The evening concludes with a powerful cultural performance in the fully carved Te Aronui-a-Rua meeting house, featuring waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant) poiand haka.

Middle Earth
Adventure to Middle Earth on a visit to the Hobbiton movie set.

This morning, we'll step into the pages of JRR Tolkien's famous novels - or as close as we can get - with a guided visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire which featured in Peter Jackson's films, ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy and, more recently, ‘The Hobbit’.
It begins with a drive through the picturesque 1,250-acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. We'll then follow our guide around the ten-acre site as they recite fascinating details of how the Hobbiton set was created. We’ll see structures made for both the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films - including The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, and the Mill - and learn more about how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth.
After our walking tour, we'll return to the Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary drink and return to The Shires Rest, before heading back to Rotorua for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Napier
Hear the water rush over Huka Falls and see the Art Deco architecture of Napier on a tour.

Stay at Scenic Hotel Te Pania
Huka Falls
Departing Rotorua we’ll 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.
Napier
Then it’s on to Napier, known as the Art Deco capital of the world. After an earthquake in 1931, the centre of the town was rebuilt in the Art Deco style which was in fashion at the time. On arrival we’ll meet our local guide 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.

Wellington
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington.

Wellington
Today we’ll continue south through Hastings and the Hawkes Bay sheep and cattle farming country to Woodville, before driving onto Wellington.
On arrival we will enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing passing Parliament Buildings, Ols St Paul’s Cathedral, the lovely Botanical Gardens, Victoria University and a visit to Te Papa – the National Museum of New Zealand.

Nelson
Sail across Cook Strait and head to Marlborough for a tasting in the world-famous wine region before arriving in Nelson.

Stay at Rutherford Hotel
Today we’ll 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’ll continue to Blenheim and the famous wine-producing region of Marlborough where we’ll stop for some wine tasting.
Our final destination today is Nelson, New Zealand’s sunshine town, known for its many art and craft galleries, and relaxed atmosphere.
Our hotel for the next two nights is the excellent four-star Rutherford Hotel Nelson, with breakfast.

Abel Tasman cruise
Cruise through Abel Tasman National Park on a scenic catamaran cruise, then enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Nelson.

This morning we’ll join a catamaran cruise along the stunning shoreline of Abel Tasman National Park.
En route you’ll learn about the history of the park and view the famous Split Apple Rock, a fur seal colony and the park’s golden beaches and clear waters. For the more adventurous, there is the option of landing ashore at Anchorage and take the Pit Head Loop walk (approx 2hrs), where the boat will pick you up at Anchorage on its return down the coast.
The rest of the afternoon is at leisure in Nelson.
A packed lunch is included today.

Christchurch
Travel through the Maruia Forest, over Lewis Pass we stop off at Hanmer Springs, before arriving in Christchurch.

Stay at Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Travelling south through the Maruia Forest and over the Lewis Pass we’ll arrive at the 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 city’s rebuilding programme is in full swing and there will be an opportunity to visit to the Botanic Gardens.
Our hotel is the four-star Distinction Christchurch Hotel, with breakfast.

Tranzalpine train & helicopter flight
Enjoy a scenic journey to Arthur's Pass on the TranzAlpine train and birds-eye views of Franz Josef Glacier by helicopter.

Stay at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
TranzAlpine train
Today we’ll traverse the Southern Alps aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass. From your modern panoramic carriage, you’ll see the farmland of the Canterbury Plains give way to the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, crossing bridges and viaducts en route.
At Arthur's Pass, we’ll be met by our coach for the journey to the West Coast, stopping in Hokitika to visit a Greenstone workshop where the local jade-like stone, highly prized by pre-European Maori, is crafted into exquisite jewellery.
We’ll 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.
Franz Josef Helicopter Flight
This afternoon prepare yourself for what will be one of your trip’s highlights!
On arrival you will experience this magnificent glacial alpine environment with a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight. View the incredible phenomenon of the glacier as it winds slowly down the ice-carved valleys from its origin in the mountains high above you. This exhilarating experience finishes with an alpine landing (subject to poor weather conditions. Alternative flights are in Queenstown or Mount Cook). Our hotel tonight is the four-star Scenic, with breakfast.

Queenstown
Continuing south, we’ll travel past deserted beaches, through vibrant rainforests.

Continuing south, we’ll travel past deserted beaches, through vibrant rainforests and settlements.
This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest, mountain scenery and natural resources in the world.
We’ll travel over the scenic Haast Pass to the popular Lake Wanaka, and then on to the beautiful year-round resort of Queenstown where our hotel for the next two nights is the four-star Copthorne Lakefront Resort, with breakfast.
Free time in Queenstown
Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the city - the centre of bustling Queenstown is just a short walk away.

Free day in Queenstown
Enjoy a day at leisure in the adventure capital of the world, 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 town has to offer. The centre of bustling Queenstown is just a short walk away or you may choose to join one of our additional optional excursion.
Personalise your holiday
TSS Earnslaw Cruise and BBQ lunch
Price: From £129pp
Step on board the TSS Earnslaw cruise, an iconic century-old coal-fired steamship, and travel across Lake Whakatipu, where you will take time to explore the vessel that has been lovingly maintained since 1912, view the engine room and study the historic displays of the steamship’s former life. Your journey will take you across the lake, past the Remarkables mountain range and Cecil Peak, to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you will then enjoy a BBQ at the Lakeside Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, whilst overlooking Lake Whakatipu and Queenstown’s alpine scenery. You will then have time to explore the beautiful lakeside gardens and enjoy an entertaining farm demonstration.
Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking.

Milford Sound cruise
Take a boat trip on the deep fjord Thermal pool in Waiotapu.

Stay at Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Leaving Queenstown we’ll skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and travel via Te Anau through the Homer Tunnel into the spectacular Cleddau valley and famous Milford Sound, arguably the most spectacular fjord in the country within the Fiordland National Park part of the UNESCO South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.
A boat trip on the deep fjord Thermal pool in Waiotapu, Rotorua 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’ll return to the charming small lakeside resort of Te Anau. A packed lunch is included today.
Our hotel in Te Anau is the four-star Distinction Luxmore, with breakfast.

Omarama
Travel through New Zealand’s most epic landscapes and visit charming Arrowtown.

Stay at Heritage Gateway Hotel
Arrowtown
Today we’ll 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 popular main street is lined with some excellent art galleries, cafés and boutiques.
Ōmarama
We’ll 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 vast Mackenzie Basin.
Your overnight accommodation is the three-star Heritage Gateway Hotel, with breakfast, in the small rural community of Ōmarama.

Mount Cook
See the spectacular sights of Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo.

Stay at Distinction Christchurch Hotel
A day with some more spectacular sights.
We’ll head north alongside the azure glacier-fed Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook, at 12,316ft New Zealand’s highest mountain and surrounded by jagged snow-covered peaks.
Lake Tekapo
We’ll continue towards the magnificent blue waters of Lake Tekapo and visit the exterior of the Church of the Good Shepherd, before crossing Burkes Pass and the Canterbury Plains back into Christchurch, and the Distinction Christchurch Hotel for our last night in the country.

Journey home
Say goodbye and start your journey home.
Arrive home
Arrive back home after an incredible once-in-a-life-time tour.
Hand-picked hotels

Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Christchurch, New Zealand
Chosen for its ideal location a few minutes' walk from the Avon River.

Rutherford Hotel
Nelson, New Zealand
Chosen for its ideal central location and superior guest amenities.

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront
Queenstown, New Zealand
Chosen for its amazing views of Lake Wakatipu.

Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Te Anau, New Zeland
Chosen for its prime position close to Milford Sound and Fiordland World Heritage National Park.

Heritage Gateway Hotel
Omarama, South Island
Chosen for its breathtaking panoramic mountain views.

Distinction Rotorua
Rotorua, New Zealand
Chosen for its exceptional service and welcoming atmosphere.

Grand Millenium Hotel
Auckland, New Zealand
Chosen as a place to reboot and start afresh the next day.

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Wellington, New Zealand
Chosen for its unique location in the centre of Lambton Quay and The Terrace.

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef, New Zealand
Chosen for its thrilling location mere steps away from the Franz Josef Glacier.

Scenic Hotel Te Pania
Napier, New Zealand
Chosen for serene beachfront location overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Scenic Hotel Bay of Island
Paihia, New Zealand
Chosen for tropical resort style ambience and stunning landscaped grounds.

Novotel Hamilton Tainui
Hamilton, New Zealand
Chosen for its close proximity to the Waikato river and its serene river walks.

Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
Rotorua, New Zealand.
Sudima Lake Rotorua Hotel offers a stunning lakeside view, and a restful night’s sleep.
Extras & upgrades
Price: From £129pp
Step on board the TSS Earnslaw cruise, an iconic century-old coal-fired steamship, and travel across Lake Whakatipu, where you will take time to explore the vessel that has been lovingly maintained since 1912, view the engine room and study the historic displays of the steamship’s former life. Your journey will take you across the lake, past the Remarkables mountain range and Cecil Peak, to Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you will then enjoy a BBQ at the Lakeside Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, whilst overlooking Lake Whakatipu and Queenstown’s alpine scenery. You will then have time to explore the beautiful lakeside gardens and enjoy an entertaining farm demonstration.
Please contact us for more information and to add the above experience to your booking.
Opt for a convenient door-to-door service with transport from your home to your choice of regional airport or train station, available as an added optional with every holiday. This can be added to your booking after you've booked online by giving our reservations team a call, or when you're booking over the phone.
From hotel upgrades to holiday extensions, you can benefit from our Travel Concierge service:
- Add hotel stays before your tour in the destination your tour starts in
- Add hotel stays after your tour in the destination your tour ends in
- Change your departure airport (depending on flight availability)
- Upgrade your flight
- Book a door-to-door transfer service from your home to your departure airport or airport hotel
- Add transfers to and/or from the airport to your hotel
Available pre and post booking.
Travel connections
All transfer times listed here are approximate, and dependent on traffic. If you have a question regarding transfer times please don't hesitate to contact us.
Arrival airport | First hotel location | Transfer time |
---|---|---|
Auckland Airport | Auckland | 45 mins |
Final hotel location | Departure airport | Transfer time |
---|---|---|
Christchurch | Christchurch International Airport | 15 mins |
FAQs
The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room with single rooms available at the relevant supplement. Price includes 18 nights’ accommodation, scheduled flights to Singapore and Auckland, returning from Christchurch, all touring and transfers as mentioned, all local accommodation and airport/flight taxes, the services of a Riviera Travel Tour Manager, hotel porterage of one item of luggage per person, daily breakfast in three-and-four-star-star hotels in Singapore (including an early-check-in) and New Zealand, 2 evening meals, and 2 packed lunches.
Your included excursions are sightseeing tours in Singapore, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch; a Bay of Islands cruise, Milford Sound cruise, Abel Tasman coastal cruise and Interislander ferry. There’s also visits to Tamaki Maori village, Arrowtown and Mount Coot, and Marlborough vineyard with wine tasting. There’s guided visits to Waitangi Treaty grounds, the Te Puia geothermal area and Napier, as well as a TranzAlpine train journey, with a 20-minute scenic helicopter flight with alpine landing.
Please note that some activities such as boat cruises are weather-dependent, and whilst there will be three opportunities to take the glacier helicopter flight during the tour, should weather conditions make flying unsafe and the sterling equivalent of the fare will be refunded on your return to the UK.
Along with a valid passport, UK citizens must have an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) in order to travel to New Zealand. For the most up-to-date passport and visa information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand/entry-requirements
NZeTA cost is NZD$12 per person. Full details of how and when to apply will be sent with your booking confirmation.
We are unable to accept responsibility if you are unable to travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements.
Please note that visa costs may be subject to change.
Fact File
- Currencies: New Zealand Dollar
- Languages: English, Maori
- Time zone: GMT+11
- Countries: New Zealand
The deposit for this holiday is £500pp, then the remaining balance of the holiday is due a minimum of 90 days before you depart.
You can take a look at our solo travel FAQs to find answers to common questions.
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns. General information on mobility in connection with our tours can be found on our Passengers with Reduced Mobility FAQs page.
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09 04 2025 | 22:15 |
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Accommodation in New Zealand | £7,799 pp | Enquire now |
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01 10 2025 | 22:05 |
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Accommodation in New Zealand | £8,599 pp | Book now |
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26 01 2026 | 22:05 |
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Accommodation in New Zealand | £8,199 pp | Book now |
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10 06 2026 | TBC |
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Accommodation in New Zealand | £7,399 pp | Book now |
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21 10 2026 | TBC |
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Accommodation in New Zealand | £8,399 pp | Book now |
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