New Zealand, AustraliaSolo-ish Down-Under
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.
Dinner Party: Dinner Party
Food is a universal language, and there's no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. New Zealand is famous for having extremely fresh and local ingredients in their dishes. Use these beautiful ingredients to make an amazing meal of Ika Mata, coconut milk ceviche, and Horopito roasted Lamb Rump, then sit down with your fellow solo-ish travellers and enjoy the feast!
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Oaks Auckland Hotel
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools
Take a water taxi across Lake Rotoiti to the geothermal pools. Jump between the cold lake water and the hot springs, walk through the bush that engulfs the spring pools and grab a beer or coffee from the cafe onsite.
We Day: Mt Eden Summit Walk
With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures. Join your CEO for a trek up Mt Eden, or Maungawhau, which means ‘mountain of the whau tree’. This area was one of the largest and most elaborate Māori settlements in the region. At the top, enjoy spectacular 360 views over Auckland.
Accommodation
Sudima Lake 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.
We Day: Kohutapu Tribal Tour
With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures. Travel to Kohutapu Lodge, a social enterprise owned by a local Maori family who are making a difference in their local community through community-driven initiatives. Led by your Maori guide, start the dat at Lake Aniwhenua Domain and be welcomed onto tribal lands by your guide. Watch as the guide sets the traditional eel traps, a method still being used today. Next, witness the laying of a ground cooked hangi that you will have the opportunity to taste later in the day. Continue with your Maori guide and enjoy a number of additional activities, all based around the community and what may be happening the day of your visit. Finally indulge in a delicious hangi lunch-the very same you watched be put underground to cook. Conclude the day in Whirinaki rainforest- a Jurassic Podocarp forest- where you will be led by your Maori guide to discover more about the Maori culture and learn about the history of the forest. Spend a final few moments bathed in the forest’s sights and smells while indulging in a cup of hot kawakawa tea.
Accommodation
Sudima Lake Rotorua
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.
Free Time
Enjoy a free day to explore this lakeside adventure town.
Optional Activities - Day 4Show
Accommodation
Sudima Lake Rotorua
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Waitomo Spellbound Cave Excursion
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through 30 million year old caverns covered with magical glowworms that are unique to New Zealand. Hundreds of thousands of these tiny creatures radiate luminescent light in underground caves carved by rivers and time. Take in more than 136 years of cultural and natural history on this unique excursion.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Oaks Auckland Hotel
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Seal Colony Visit
Stop to experience a close encounter with the many southern fur seals lying about on rocks just off the highway.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodation
The White Morph
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.
Free Time
Spend today at leisure in the seaside town of Kaikoura.
Optional Activities - Day 7Show
Accommodation
The White Morph
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy a free afternoon in Hokitika.
Accommodation
Beachfront Hotel Hokitika
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Franz Glacier Walk
Hike the short and easy trek through the Franz Josef rainforest with views of the glacier and snow covered mountains.
Hokitika Gorge
Visit the crystal blue water of Hokitika Gorge. Hike through the bush and look for the rare blue mushroom, walk across the suspension bridge over the beautiful water and admire the incredible beauty of the South Island.
Accommodation
Rainforest Retreat
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.
Free Time
Spend today however you'd like in Franz Josef.
Optional Activities - Day 10Show
Accommodation
Rainforest Retreat
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Heartland Hotel 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.
Me Day: Queenstown Me Day
Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge, refresh and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for an incredible activity, or take the time to yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.
Optional Activities - Day 12Show
Accommodation
Heartland Hotel Queenstown
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Fiordland National Park Day Cruise
Cruise through stunning Fiordland National Park, one of the most untouched, remote places in the world. Depending on the departure, the cruise will be in either Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound – two of the most stunning regions within the park. Marvel at the steep cliff walls and cascading waterfalls, and keep an eye out for area wildlife: dolphins, penguins, seals, and a variety of birds.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Say goodbye to New Zealand today as you fly to Australia and continue your Solo-ish adventures. You'll meet some new Solo-ish mates who will be joining the trip in Australia at a welcome meeting in Melbourne. You'll say goodbye to your Kiwi CEO in Queenstown and meet your new Australian CEO at your welcome meeting in Melbourne this evening.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Causeway 353 Hotel
Today, get to know your fellow Solo-ish travellers, CEO and the city of Melbourne with a full day immersion into this vibrant city. Start at the Queen Victoria Markets. Continue your day with a cooking class in the heart of Melbourne CBD's Little Italy. Dive head first into Australian-Italian cuisine and cook up some pizzas alongside your new travel mates. After the delicious feast, join your CEO for a tour of Melbourne's laneway street art.
Dinner Party: Melbourne Cooking Class
Food is a universal language, and there's no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. Melbourne’s vibrant food scene reflects its rich multicultural heritage, blending flavors from around the world. From Italian pasta in Carlton to Vietnamese pho in Richmond, the city offers an array of global cuisines, making it a culinary haven that celebrates diversity. Join your Solo-ish travel mates for a pizza making class in the heart of Melbourne's Little Italy as you get to know your travel mates. Then sit down together and enjoy your lunchtime-Dinner Party.
G Day: Queen Victoria Market & Melbourne Street Tour
With your Solo-ish travel mates and CEO, explore some of the worlds coolest activities alongside new friends. It's not just an epic day of fun, its chock full of incredible experiences to take your day to 11. Visit the largest market in the state of Victoria. With hundreds of vendors, from food, to handicrafts and thrifted treasures, its easy to spend hours here. Then admire Melbourne CBD through its unique Street Art. Wander through alleyways on a tour to discover some of the most interesting outdoor galleries.
Accommodation
Causeway 353 Hotel
When we say one epic day- we do mean one.epic.day. On a full day trip to French Island, join your CEO on an off roading tour through the national park. French Island National park is home to Victoria's healthiest and most abundant wild koala population. With beautiful beaches, rocky coastline, and protected mangroves as the backdrop, join your local guides for an incredible adventure trying to spot koalas, long-nosed potaroos and potentially the incredibly rare bandicoots. End the day with an incredible G Adventures-style surprise.
We Day: French Island Day Trip
With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures.. Take the ferry to the beautiful French Island National Park, an island just south of Melbourne. Enjoy a 4WD adventure through this remote island to spot koalas and check out incredible views.
Accommodation
Causeway 353 Hotel
Board a flight bound for Yulara, the gateway to Uluru and the Red Centre. Together with your Solo-ish mates and CEO, spend your day exploring the Australian outback, starting first with Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park and the Walpa Gorge walk. Watch the sunset around Uluru before making your way back to your permanent tented camp. Enjoy an outdoor meal and some bonding time under the stars with your fellow Solo-ish friends.
Uluru and Kata Tjuta
Explore Walpa Gorge where the sheer faces of the dome extend hundreds of meters above you. The gorge itself is a natural creek that carves its way between the two tallest domes of Kata Tjuta. Come together as the sun sets at Uluru, marvel at the changing colours over the desert and keep reminding yourself that yes, you really are there.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodation
Uluru Camp
Rise early this morning and catch the breathtaking sunrise over Uluru, Australia's most iconic Indigenous landmark. This morning, explore Uluru on foot on a guided walk through some of the most culturally significant areas of the site. These sacred spaces are some of the oldest on the planet, and understanding the interpretation behind them makes them even more impactful. In the afternoon, drive to Kings Canyon overland, to your next permanent tented camp in the bush.
Uluru Mala Walk
Take a guided walk along the northwest side of Uluru to learn about the history of the area, hear the stories of the Anangu people and gaze upon these awe-inspiring uplifted sandstone rock formations.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Uluru at Sunrise
Get up early, grab a coffee and watch the reddish hues of massive Uluru come to life as the sun rises.
Accommodation
Kings Canyon Camp
In the desert morning, head out for an early hike throughout Kings Canyon. Choose between the harder 3 hour Rim hike and a more approachable 1 hour option. The Rim walk is a 6km walk along the upper rim of Kings Canyon. The most difficult part of the hike is the very beginning with a 500 step ascent, but the landscapes and views you are rewarded with are more than worth the effort. You won't even remember the effort it took to get up there. (Sort of!) If you prefer to take it easy, enjoy a 2km hike through canyon valley. In the afternoon, rest your legs on the drive to Alice Springs.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Kings Canyon Hike
HIke through beautiful Kings Canyon in Watarrka National Park on this walk that visits the natural amphitheatre, the North and South walls, and the Garden of Eden.
Accommodation
Desert Palms Alice Springs Hotel
Enjoy a morning tour of Alice Spring learning about Telegraph Station, Anzac Hill and more. Then fly from Alice Springs to Sydney. Arrive to the city in the afternoon and enjoy free time to settle in or explore. Opt to visit Spice Alley with your CEO and other hungry solo-ish mates for an Asian inspired dinner in this cool and unique spot.
Alice Springs Town Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of Alice Springs to explore the town. You'll drive to the top of Anzac Hill, learn about the significance of Telegraph Station, and see the ephemeral Todd River — which may or may not exist!
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Accommodation
Rydges Sydney Central
Join your CEO as you climb aboard the local ferry and travel from Sydney to Manly Beach. Manly is one of Australia's most famous beaches, which is quite the praise for a giant island nation. With world class surfing, beautiful water and lined with pine trees, you'll quickly learn why its so popular amongst locals and travelers alike. Relax on the beach, grab some fish n chips and ice cream or take the easy coastal walk to Shelly Beach. Return to Sydney CBD this evening for a dinner together out on the town.
Ferry to Manly Beach
Board the ferry and travel from Sydney to the famed Manly beach, just a little over an hour north of the city.
Free Time
Spend the afternoon enjoying Manly Beach however you'd like.
Accommodation
Rydges Sydney Central
Spend today in Sydney however you'd like. It is your Me Day after all! Opt to join your CEO and other fellow Solo-ish travellers for a guided tour of the Sydney Opera House or choose to enjoy some solo time. Opt to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, or whip through the bay on a Jet Boat ride.
Me Day: Sydney Me Day
Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge, refresh and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for an incredible activity, or take the time to yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.
Accommodation
Rydges Sydney Central
Leave the city behind and fly north to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This afternoon, have a chance to explore Kuranda Village tucked away in Kuranda National Park. Do some shopping in the local market and visit the beautiful gardens. Then ride the Skyrail down towards Cairns. Pass over the top of the tropical rainforest, admire the incredible view and makes stops at a waterfall and other incredible lookout points.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Kuranda Skyrail
Visit Kuranda town and take some time to explore the markets and gardens. Then, settle into a comfortable 6 seat gondola for a ride with a spectacular view. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway passes over a canopy of one of Australia's tropical rainforests, so close to the tree tops it's as if you could reach out and touch the leaves. Stop and get off at Barron Falls and Red Peaks to admire the forrest, falls and the greenery of Kuranda National Park.
Accommodation
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
A free day in Cairns means one thing for most people, an adventure to the Great Barrier Reef! Book a tour out to sea to snorkel or scuba dive through the biggest coral reef system in the entire world. In the evening, opt to join your fellow Solo-ish travellers for one last hoorah together.
Free Time
Spend the full day free in Cairns and at the Great Barrier Reef.
Optional Activities - Day 24Show
Accommodation
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish friends and depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
