SPECIAL OFFER:
Save £200 per person when you book an Exclusively Solos tour to Australia and/or New Zealand, on departures from September 2026. Book by 30th November 2025.
Request a brochure
29-day Australia & New Zealand Discovery from
£10,695pp £10,495pp
This epic 29-day adventure, created especially for solo travellers, takes us from the vibrant energy of Singapore to the wild beauty of New Zealand and the iconic highlights of Australia. Discover volcanic landscapes, turquoise lakes, and the majesty of Milford Sound before crossing the Tasman to Sydney’s dazzling harbour, the sacred heart of Uluru, and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
Along the way, journey through the vibrant cities of Auckland, Sydney and Wellington; discover the Art Deco charm of Napier, the rich Māori culture of New Zealand and the Aboriginal traditions of Uluru. Savour unforgettable moments, from cruising spectacular fiords to watching the sun set over the Red Centre. This is a journey of contrasts, revealing the diverse beauty and spirit of these two remarkable lands.
Save £200 per person when you book an Exclusively Solos tour to Australia and/or New Zealand, on departures from September 2026. Book by 30th November 2025.
Depart from the UK airport most convenient for you with Qantas & Emirates, at no extra cost. Choose from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow.
In-flight meals and drinks
Arrive into the wonderful city of Singapore where we meet our local guide and transfer to our hotel, The Robertson House, where we spend the next two nights.
In-flight meals and drinks
Known as ‘the crossroads of Asia’, Singapore is a city where east meets west; a cosmopolitan melting pot with an inspirational identity. Following a leisurely morning, we gather with our travelling companions for a city sightseeing tour. Witness the intriguing ethnic quarters where Chinese, Malay and Indian influences fuse to produce Singapore’s unique culture. Later, we explore Singapore’s iconic Merlion Park and the botanical gardens. This evening, we dine together at a local Peranakan restaurant. Bursting with flavour, this delicious cuisine is popular throughout Singapore and is renowned for its mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian ingredients.
Breakfast and dinner
A day at leisure in Singapore until it’s time to leave for our evening flight to Auckland. Perhaps explore the impressive Gardens by the Bay or enjoy a Singapore sling at the iconic Raffles hotel.
Breakfast and in-flight meals and drinks
On arrival in Auckland, we transfer to the centrally located Legacy Airedale Hotel Auckland, where we spend our first two nights in New Zealand. At the hotel, we meet our local Coach Captain, who will be our driver and guide during our time in New Zealand.
In-flight meals and drinks
This morning, we take an orientation tour of the city. Known as the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland is New Zealand’s most populous city, with a beautiful waterside setting and a landscape dotted with volcanic hills. We drive along the stunning coastline of the famous Waitemata Harbour. In the distance we see Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano, dominating the horizon. Our afternoon is free to spend as we please. Perhaps take a scenic boat trip in Auckland’s harbour. Later, we enjoy dinner together at our hotel.
Breakfast and dinner
Departing Auckland this morning we travel to the world-famous thermal region of Rotorua. On arrival, we explore Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, with its spurting geysers and boiling mud pools. Following our visit we head to the Millenium Hotel for our overnight stay. Rotorua is also well-known for being at the heart of New Zealand’s rich Maori culture and this evening we attend a cultural experience and buffet dinner at the Mitai Maori Village, where highlights include traditional song and dance, including the world-famous war dance – The Haka.
Breakfast and dinner
This morning, we make our way along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. We visit the impressive Huka Falls where the Waikato River suddenly narrows to a chasm less than 15 metres across and heaves its vast bulk over an 11-metre ledge to boil furiously in a deep semi-circular basin below. Our journey continues to the Art Deco city of Napier, located in an area dominated by orchards and vineyards. Napier’s seamless line of 1930s architecture is quite extraordinary and on arrival we join our local guide for a walking tour – one of the best ways to experience the town. We stay overnight at the delightful Scenic Hotel Te Pania, superbly situated on Napier’s seafront.
Breakfast
Our journey continues south via Hastings and the Kapiti Coast as we make our way to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Upon arrival we have a short orientation tour of Wellington, including a visit to the top of Mount Victoria for the finest view of the city and its picturesque harbour. From Mount Victoria we make our way to Wellington’s James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor where we stay for the next two nights. Later, we dine together at our hotel.
Breakfast and dinner
A Freedom Day to spend as we please. Wellington is compact, cultured and full of character. There are a whole host of excellent activities in and around Wellington. A visit to Te Papa museum is highly recommended, as it offers a fascinating insight into New Zealand’s rich history and cultural heritage. Alternatively, ride a cable car to Wellington’s beautiful botanical gardens or take a relaxing stroll through the city’s streets and waterfront.
Breakfast
This morning, we leave North Island in our wake as we board the ferry for our inter-island cruise to New Zealand’s South Island. With the possibility of sea birds and dolphins following, we make our way across the Cook Strait to Picton, and enjoy spectacular views as we approach Queen Charlotte Sound. On arrival, we travel along the beautiful east coast of South Island, until we arrive at the Distinction Hotel Christchurch, located in the heart of the city.
Breakfast
Considered the most English of New Zealand’s cities, this morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Christchurch. We start our day with a visit to the Sign of the Takahe, a historic building on the edge of the city, before continuing to view the key landmarks of the city centre. On leaving Christchurch, we head south-west across the Canterbury Plains and climb into Mackenzie Country. A stop is made at The Church of the Good Shepherd and the turquoise-tinted Lake Tekapo, which gains its colour from the melting water of a glacier. Later, we arrive at the Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel in Twizel. Settle into our hotel before dining together this evening.
Breakfast and dinner
Leaving Twizel, we travel through the dramatic Lindis Pass which links the Mackenzie Basin with the Central Otago region. We journey along the picturesque Lake Dunstan, and through the Kawarau Gorge to reach spectacular Lake Wakatipu. Our journey continues onwards through high country landscapes to the lakeside town of Te Anau, gateway to the spectacular Fiordland National Park. We spend the night at the Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau. Later, we cruise across beautiful Lake Te Anau to visit the magical Te Anau Glowworm Caves, before dinner at our hotel.
Breakfast and dinner
Tour Highlight
Today we travel to the magnificent Fiordland National Park and to Milford Sound, which will undoubtedly prove to be one of our tour’s many highlights. Only when out cruising on Milford Sound can the sheer scale of the dramatic scenery be fully appreciated: towering peaks rise all around and spectacular waterfalls cascade into the calm waters below. Our cruise takes in the impressive Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Remember to keep a look out for dolphins as well as seals and penguins. Later, we travel to Queenstown, where a scenic drive takes us through a variety of landscapes – farmland, native tussock grasslands, lush beech forests and impressive glacial valleys. Enjoy two nights at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront.
Breakfast
Today has been left free to take advantage of the incredible variety of activities available in and around New Zealand’s most glamorous alpine resort. For a relaxing experience, follow Queenstown’s wine trail for an enjoyable day of wine tasting and sightseeing, or for something a little more adventurous, take a four-wheel drive adventure along the famous Skippers Road. This evening as our time in New Zealand comes to a close, we take a leisurely cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamboat TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak’s Homestead Restaurant, where we enjoy a relaxed buffet dinner together.
Breakfast and dinner
This morning, we visit the nearby historic mining town of Arrowtown. The heart of its history is Buckingham Street, a procession of small-town heritage buildings that stretch into a tree-lined avenue of tiny miners’ cottages. Be sure to try a cream tea in one of the quaint tea rooms. Sadly, we must then bid farewell to New Zealand as we head for Queenstown Airport for our flight to Australia. On arrival in Queensland’s vibrant capital, we clear customs and transfer to the Royal on the Park Hotel Brisbane, perfectly located for our first three nights in Australia.
Breakfast and dinner
The sunny capital of Queensland, Brisbane, is a cosmopolitan city of two million people, with a relaxed atmosphere. Today we tour the city’s landmarks, conveniently lined along the bends of Brisbane River: historical buildings such as city hall and customs house, the old botanic gardens, Story Bridge and Kangaroo Point. Tonight, we dine together along Brisbane’s vibrant and scenic riverbanks.
Breakfast
Today, we leave the city behind us and travel inland to the stunning Brisbane hinterland. Think fresh mountain air, pretty, rural towns full of character and charm and lush green rainforests. Our morning drive takes us towards the Glass House Mountains National Park, where remnants of extinct volcanoes form an otherworldly landscape, stopping at picturesque lookouts along the way. We spend time in the quaint village of Montville. First settled in 1887, Montville is home to art galleries, boutique stores and cosy coffee shops. We finish our day with a visit to the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, a biodiverse area of endemic subtropical rainforest containing 391 plant species, 141 bird species and 68 species of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, many of which are threatened or rare.
Breakfast
After breakfast this morning, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Cairns. On arrival in tropical North Queensland, we transfer to the DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns, where we stay for the next four nights. The remainder of the day is free to relax and settle in.
Breakfast
Tour Highlight
A holiday to Australia would not be complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Its colourful marine life and coral make this World Heritage site a must-see for all visitors. Our day begins with a scenic river cruise on the Mulgrave, whose lush ecosystem supports a diverse range of wildlife. Our destination is Normanby Island, part of the beautiful Frankland Island Group, in the Great Barrier Reef Marine National Park. This uninhabited island is home to vibrant fringing reef and many species of marine life. With the shortest crossing time of all Great Barrier Reef sites, we have ample time to explore the island and the unspoilt beauty above and below the waterline. Take a guided snorkel safari with a marine biologist, explore the sea floor on a semi-submarine tour, join an informative guided island walk and enjoy a delicious beachside buffet lunch. Late afternoon, we return to Cairns after a magical day of exploration.
Breakfast and lunch
Today is the first of two Freedom Days in Cairns. Perhaps take an optional trip to Kuranda, reached using one of the most unique rail journeys in Australia, the Kuranda Scenic Railway. During our journey we encounter no fewer than 40 bridges and 15 tunnels. ‘The village in the rainforest’, Kuranda, awaits. It’s a lovely place to while away a few hours visiting the markets, butterfly sanctuary or the Koala Gardens. We continue our adventure with a visit to Rainforestation Nature Park, where we spend time with the Pamagirri Aboriginal people and learn about one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world. Travel back to Cairns by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a beautiful experience gliding over the rainforest canopy with stunning views out over the Cairns coastline.
Breakfast
Another Freedom Day to enjoy in Far North Queensland. For an unforgettable experience, take a day trip to nearby Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest rainforest. Learn about the fascinating secrets of the Daintree on a guided walk and enjoy a cruise on the Daintree River – look out for saltwater crocodiles! If you prefer to stay in Cairns today, there’s lots to enjoy, whether you browse the many shops and galleries or take a cooling dip in the infinity pool at Cairns Lagoon.
Breakfast
We Recommend - Daintree Rainforest
Visit the Daintree Rainforest and cruise the Daintree River looking for crocodiles.
Tour Highlight
An early start as we say goodbye to Queensland and board our flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock) in Australia’s Red Centre. Before landing, we may have the opportunity to view the world’s largest monolith from our aircraft. On arrival, we take a rock base tour enabling us to discover more about its historical and cultural importance. We visit the Cultural Centre, where we learn more about Anangu culture and the park’s natural environment, before checking in at the Outback Pioneer Hotel, our overnight hotel accommodation. This evening, we enjoy a glass of sparkling wine whilst witnessing the changing colours of Uluru as the sun begins to set. It’s truly a photographer’s delight.
Breakfast
With an Indigenous name meaning ‘many heads’, our day begins with a tour of the impressive Kata Tjuta, or the Olgas as they are also known, a set of domed rock formations, rising from the red sand of the outback. We bid a fond farewell to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Uluru and make our way to the airport for our flight to Sydney - a city that takes full advantage of its natural setting. On arrival we transfer to the View Sydney hotel, where we will spend our final four nights in Australia.
Breakfast
Tour Highlight
Famous for its sparkling harbour, host to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the spectacular Sydney Opera House, it is very easy to understand why Sydney is one of the world’s favourite cities. This morning’s sightseeing tour begins with a drive through some of Sydney’s most fashionable inner-city suburbs en route to Bondi Beach. Travel by Double Bay and Rushcutters Bay as we make our way back to the city centre. Travel via Hyde Park and Parliament House to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Royal Botanical Gardens, where we stop for the classic photo opportunity of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We complete our tour in the best possible way – enjoying a luncheon cruise around Sydney’s beautiful harbour. The views of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the many dream homes nestled along the edge of the water are truly amazing. The afternoon has been left free to spend as we please.
Breakfast and lunch
This morning offers two very different treats: a guided tour of Sydney’s Opera House and a stroll through Sydney’s famous Botanic Garden with an Aboriginal guide. The afternoon has been left free for you to explore as you please. Catch up on some shopping, climb the impressive Harbour Bridge, visit Taronga Zoo, or enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over Sydney Harbour. Whatever you wish to do, our Tour Manager will be very happy to assist.
Breakfast
Today has been left free, but for those that so desire, we shall be taking an optional trip to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains are a perfect example of native Australian bushland, with gum trees, majestic peaks and deep gorges stretching as far as the eye can see. Experience the panoramas from a series of lookouts, including Echo Point – the prime position to view the Three Sisters rock formation. The excursion also visits the pretty village of Leura, famous for their annual garden festivals and playing host to many of the region’s local artists.
Breakfast
The morning is ours until it’s time to depart for the airport. Our flights to our chosen UK airport operate via Dubai where there will be a change of aircraft.
Breakfast and in-flight meals and drinks
We arrive into our preferred airport (London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh or Glasgow) this morning. With many memories and new-found friendships made, our epic adventure through these two amazing countries comes to an end.
In-flight meals and drinks
Save £200 per person when you book an Exclusively Solos tour to Australia and/or New Zealand, on departures from September 2026. Book by 30th November 2025.
Date | Price (Per Person) | Offer | Availability |
13th October 2026 |
|
SAVE £200 per person | Just Launched |
13th October 2026
Just Launched£10,695pp £10,495pp
Date | Price (Per Person) | Offer | Availability |
26th January 2027 |
|
SAVE £200 per person | Just Launched |
26th January 2027
Just Launched£10,995pp £10,795pp
Prices: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room. No single occupancy supplements apply.
Deposit: £1,000 per person if travelling in Economy Class, £1,950 per person if travelling in Premium Economy, and £3,750 per person for business class.
Flight upgrades: Upgrade to Premium Economy on selected routes from £2,295 per person return. Upgrade to Business Class from £4,995 per person return.
Australia visa: An Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is required to enter Australia. A processing fee of £15 per person will be added to your confirmation invoice.
New Zealand visa: Travellers to New Zealand are required to obtain a visa (NZeTA). For more information on applying for your visa and the associated costs, please refer to our FAQ’s.
Important Information: Prices and flight upgrades are subject to fuel surcharges and the availability of flights. The correct price will be confirmed before you book. Full Booking Conditions are available here.
Return economy flights with Qantas & Emirates from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, or Glasgow and all domestic flights within Australia, inclusive of all airport charges, security charges, any applicable fuel surcharges and UK Air Passenger Duty
Two-night outbound stopover in Singapore
Carefully selected hotels in great locations, with all hotel porterage and applicable taxes
Meals worth £891 per person, with daily breakfast, six dinners in Singapore, Auckland, Wellington, Twizel, Te Anau and Brisbane, hangi buffet dinner in Rotorua, buffet dinner at Walter Peak, Queenstown, buffet lunch on the Great Barrier Reef and a Sydney Harbour lunch cruise
Services of an experienced Tour Manager
All overseas transfers and modern, air-conditioned coaches throughout
Your holiday is covered by our Price Promise and is fully ATOL protected
All the hotels on our tours are carefully selected by our travel experts to ensure they meet their high standards. They understand exactly what elements of a hotel work best on a touring holiday, with an emphasis on location and quality. Throughout your touring holiday, rest assured that you will be staying in the best possible accommodation, without it costing you the earth.
Explore further during your free time with an optional excursion to enhance your experience. You don’t have to decide if you want to arrange anything before you go, your tour manager will happily arrange this for you while you are on tour.
Go behind the scenes of some of the best-loved movies in history with this tour of the Weta Workshop near Wellington, a studio famous for creating some of the movie industry’s most famous costumes, props, special effects and much more....
From NZD $99 (approx. GBP £55) Read More >Experience Martinborough, one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions. Departing from your Wellington hotel, the tour follows the Hutt River through the Hutt Valley and over the Remutaka Ranges, with a sightseeing stop at the Summit (555m). In the Wairarapa...
From NZD $240 (approx. GBP £110) Read More >The only jet boat Queenstown operator allowed on the Dart River, the Dart River Jetboat Wilderness Safari is an exhilarating and spectacular journey deep into the heart of the world-renowned Mt Aspiring National Park. The sheer diversity of what this...
From NZD $359 (approx. GBP £175) Read More >The grandeur of Skippers Canyon is one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets. Located in Queenstown’s backcountry, this spectacular canyon, carved out by the mighty Shotover River, winds sinuously alongside this breath-taking gorge. View the dramatic landscapes and learn about...
From NZD $220 (approx. GBP £110) Read More >New Zealand has a reputation for producing some on the world’s best wines and a visit to some of the countries amazing boutique wineries in the Central Otago region, is an opportunity not to be missed. The region is one...
From NZD $249 (approx. GBP £120) Read More >There are few experience as exhilarating, and as quite literally breath-taking as a ride on a Shotover Jet in Queenstown. The ‘Can you handle the canyons?’ jet boat ride experience is with the award-winning Shotover Jet – the only company...
NZD $179 / GBP £92 Read More >Get a taste of New Zealand’s farming lifestyle at Walter Peak High Country Farm. Situated on picturesque Lake Wakatipu’s south-western shores, the farm is the perfect place to spend a relaxing few hours. Following a TSS Earnslaw cruise, disembark at...
From NZD $199 (approx. GBP £100) Read More >Distant Journeys are proud to offer some of the world’s best rail holidays . Join us on a day of discovery into the stunning rainforest clad mountains that surround tropical Cairns. We begin our day with a stunning journey onboard...
From AUD $260- $319 (approx. GBP £133 – £162) Read More >The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest continual living rainforest in the world, and this is your opportunity to discover this World Heritage Listed Wet Tropics area. A treasure trove of natural history, the Daintree Rainforest is home to the greatest...
From AUD $270 (approx. GBP £140) Read More >Prepare to climb Sydney Harbour Bridge on this exhilarating excursion. Known to Sydneysiders as ‘The Coathanger’, the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world’s largest (but not longest) steel arch bridge. Connecting the northern and southern shores of Sydney’s sparkling...
From AUD $364 (approx. GBP £185) Read More >Explore this million-acre World Heritage-listed area. This tour takes you away from the obvious tourist traps to show you the Blue Mountains from an insider’s perspective – from secluded lookouts, rainforest bush tracks and pristine valleys. You still see all...
From AUD $260 (approx. GBP £132) to AUD $355 (approx. GBP £179) Read More >Save £200 per person when you book an Exclusively Solos tour to Australia and/or New Zealand, on departures from September 2026. Book by 30th November 2025.
Small group touring with max. 24 passengers
Exclusively for solo travellers
Make An Enquiry
Call Us Today
To book or make an enquiry call FREE on 0800 141 3667
Email Us
If you have a question about our holidays or your travel arrangements
Request A Call Back
If you would like one of our travel experts to call you back
BROCHURE REQUEST
Order your free brochureDistant Journeys has won 23 awards over the last seven years, at the British Travel Awards, and we have been awarded Feefo’s highest Platinum Trusted Rating for customer satisfaction.
Know you are paying the best price for your holiday with our Price Promise. We never offer last minute discounts and we guarantee the earlier you book the better the offer you’ll receive.
Book in the confidence your money is 100% safe. All Distant Journeys holidays are fully bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL number 10913) or ABTOT (number 5427).
Planning your next holiday? Let Distant Journeys give you some travel inspiration.
There are three easy ways to request your brochures – just click on your preferred option below:
![]() online brochures |
![]() your brochures |
![]() brochures by post |