Home to epic landscapes, natural wonders, and Māori culture, New Zealand is a magnetic destination just begging for a solo adventure.
Departing on 14 April 2025, guests can now book Solos’ brand-new 20-night New Zealand Explorer that winds across the North and South Islands, meaning solo travellers can fully immerse themselves in the splendour of this fascinating country.
Solos was founded in 1982 and now offers a wide range of holidays for globetrotters. From Costa Rica to Canada, Africa to America, India to Iceland, Croatia to the Caribbean, Uzbekistan to the UK, and Norway to the newly released New Zealand, Solos has divided its holidays into easy-to-select categories depending on interests. Whether it be Winter Sun, Discovery, Walks & Treks, Golf, or City Breaks, the only thing guests need in common is a zest for life and a desire to travel.
Solos is also keen to challenge the assumption that solo travel is purely for single people. Regardless of age, ability, circumstance, background, gender – there really is something for everyone – especially on this brand-new tour.
Beginning in Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’, the New Zealand Explorer begins in the Bay Of Islands, before heading down to Rotorua and Wellington. Here, guests will cruise from the North Island to the South Island, then board the TranzAlpine train that snakes into the Southern Alps towards Arthur’s Pass National Park. Continuing by coach – pausing at Milford Sound, Te Anau and Twizel, and Mount Cook National Park – to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island, and – sadly – the end of the trip.
New Zealand is a country full of wonders; Solos has pulled out all the stops to include as many of these in the itinerary as possible, meaning guests can truly appreciate and understand this unique destination.
Highlights, from beginning to end, include:
From Auckland, cross the Harbour Bridge and enter the Reed Memorial Park in Whangarei. Stroll on an elevated canopy walkway through a remnant kauri forest – many of the maturing trees are at least 500 years old.
After travelling north to Paihia (from Auckland), cruise to the Bay Of Islands – home to 144 secluded isles. Continue to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ where, conditions permitting, the boat will travel slowly through the gap before heading to the seaside settlement of Russell, full of quaint-colonial charm.
Returning to Auckland, join a sightseeing tour followed by a visit to the Auckland Museum, showcasing the rich tapestry of New Zealand and the many treasures of the Māori.
Departing Auckland, journey down through the southern suburbs, over the Bombay Hills, into the lush Waikato Valley and on to the Waitomo Cave region. Jump on a boat and navigate the famous limestone caves into the mesmerising Glow-worm Grotto – reminiscent of a magical starry-night sky.
Continue to Rotorua, where, on arrival, visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa, showcasing the recovery plans to bring this treasured bird back from the brink of extinction. Afterwards, join a Redwood Treewalk in Redwood Grove: comprising 21 suspension bridges connecting 22 Californian Redwoods that are 115 years old, the walkway is the ideal way to appreciate the beauty of the forest. As evening falls, learn about the Māori culture complete with a waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant), poi and haka in Te Po.
Travel to Taupo and admire the humungous pine forests and thundering Huka Falls – Lake Taupo is a world-renowned trout fishery and the largest lake in New Zealand.
On arrival in Wellington, take a guided tour of the city and ride the cable car to Kelburn for panoramic views of the municipality and beyond.
After cruising to Picton and travelling to Christchurch, traverse the Southern Alps aboard the renowned TranzAlpine train to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Look out for plunging gorges, intersecting river valleys, and far reaching plains. From Arthur’s Pass, board a private coach and tour the Westland National Park, home to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Here, an optional scenic helicopter ride offers the chance to see the gnarly, icy terrain up close.
When arriving in Queenstown, sign up to extra excursions, including jet boating, guided walks, lake cruises on a vintage steamer TSS Earnslaw, a four-wheeled drive experience focusing on filming locations used in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, and even a bungee jump! Afterwards, visit Walter Peak High Country Farm and watch an entertaining sheep shearing demonstration.
Departing Queenstown early, travel around Lake Wakatipu and through Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. Think lofty mountains, rushing streams, and native rainforest. Embark on a scenic cruise down Milford Sound, past the towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Inquisitive seals and leaping dolphins can often be seen in the clear waters; keep an eye out for them during a delicious picnic lunch on board.
Before returning to Christchurch, where the tour ends, there’s time to look around Mount Cook Village. Found in a National Park, Mount Cook reaches 3,754 metres and is the highest peak in Australasia.
In Christchurch, join a sightseeing tour of the city seeing Cathedral Square, River Avon and Hagley Park. Following this, make the most of the all-day pass on the restored heritage Christchurch Tram, hopping on and off whenever wanted. As the day draws to a close, dine on fresh, local cuisine at the Curator’s House Restaurant, found in a 1920s mansion in the colourful Botanic Gardens.
Janie Burt, Managing Director of Solos, says: “After expanding our worldwide portfolio to the Oceania region, we love that we can now offer our customers this once-in-a-lifetime trip to New Zealand. The detailed itinerary we’ve created means everyone can immerse themselves in this fantastic country and make the most of their time there. Exploring the world – or in this case, the other side of the world – with like-minded individuals is an incredible experience. It’s about connecting with fellow travellers who share a passion for adventure and discovery. Whether it’s tasting local cuisine, marvelling at breath-taking landscapes, or delving into the heart of a new culture, these shared moments are what make travel truly special. If ever there was a destination to experience new places with new people – it’s New Zealand!”.
The 20-night New Zealand Explorer, departing on 14 April 2025, costs from £7,999 pp (no single supplement) and includes return flights from London Heathrow* (with a stopover in Singapore), room for sole use at a range of comfortable hotels, welcome drink, breakfast every day, one lunch and six dinners, sightseeing programme, cruises along Milford Sound, Queen Charlotte Sound, Bay of Islands, and Lake Wakatipu, journey on the TranzAlpine train, Māori experience in Rotorua, and an accompanying Solos Tour Leader.
*Regional flights available on request.
For more information on Solos, please visit https://www.solosholidays.co.uk/
