Budget Tours & Trips to New Zealand South Island
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10 best cheap New Zealand South Island tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
South Island adventure costs approx. $260 daily, with dorm accommodations and guided transport. Highlights include Church of the Good Shepherd visits and Cape Foulwind seal watching. Optional add-ons await in Queenstown and Franz Josef.
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough, Kaikoura Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $490 Operator On The Go Tours From
- NZ$6,855
South Island adventure costs approx. $120 daily with stays at Hotel Give and Dusky Lodge. Featuring Marlborough wine tasting, Hanmer Springs thermal pools entry, daily breakfasts, plus guided tours of Tawanui Farm and Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park.
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Hanmer Springs Age Range Ages 18-49 Price Per Day $219 Operator Kiwi Experience From
- NZ$1,749
This 6-night South Island tour runs approx. $260 per day with social hostel stays. Highlights include Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks, Abel Tasman National Park, and Marlborough wine region. Luxury transport with Wi-Fi, 6 breakfasts, and expert local guide included.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Lewis Pass, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson, Marlborough, Kaikoura Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $484 Operator On The Go Tours From
- NZ$3,385
South Island tour at approx. $130 daily features multi-share stays at Rainforest Retreat and Hawea Hotel. Activities include Hanmer Springs thermal pools, Marlborough wine tasting, and Milford Sound cruise. Daily breakfasts with dietary options available.
Duration 15 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Hanmer Springs, Franz Josef, Lake Hawea, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 18-49 Price Per Day $237 Operator Kiwi Experience From
- NZ$3,549
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $158 Operator Kiwi Experience From
- NZ$1,899
Budget-friendly South Island tour at approx. $50 daily includes Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Cape Foulwind seal colony visits. Accommodations at Kaiteri Lodge and Nomads Queenstown, with Lake Matheson and Mount John walks included.
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18-45 Price Per Day $83 Operator Kiwi Experience From
- NZ$999
South Island Snow Safari
37 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It is good to visit several ski fields.”
LaurentLeeGoossens, traveled in June
Ski enthusiasts' South Island tour at approx. $220 daily includes 6 lift passes and breakfast. Mt Hutt's extensive terrain and Queenstown's peaks await, with guided mountain access and accommodation in key ski towns.
No departure dates availableDuration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Mount Hutt, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Lake Wanaka, Wanaka, Cardrona, Queenstown, The Remarkables Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $0 Operator Haka Tours 
South Island getaway priced at approx. $180 daily includes shared hostel stays and daily breakfasts. Optional add-ons feature ski passes from $120, Franz Josef heli-hiking, and Southern Alps skydiving from $300. Comfortable transport comes with WiFi and leather seating.
No departure dates availableDuration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $0 Operator Wild Kiwi New Zealand South Island Express
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Seen great sights!”
Janet, traveled in February
Natural beauty abounds at approx. $190 daily, with stays in mixed-gender hostel dorms. Package includes 7 breakfasts, transport, and guided activities like pounamu carving. Optional adventures range from approx. $120 glacier kayaking to $510 heli-hikes.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Kawarau Gorge, Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Lake Wanaka, Franz Josef, Lake HaweaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $222 Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,500
20% Off- NZ$2,000You save $500
NZ Adventure South
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was amazing and I really enjoyed stopping at certain locations to spend some time exploring and taking in the views.”
Elisha, traveled in April
South Island tour priced at approx. $160 daily with dorm accommodations. Package includes airport transfers, Lake Tekapo hot pools entry, guided hikes, and Milford Sound cruise. Most meals self-catered for flexibility.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 18-45 Price Per Day $233 Operator INTRO Travel From
20% Off- NZ$2,099
What our customers ask about Budget Tours & Trips to New Zealand South Island
When is the most affordable time to visit New Zealand South Island on a budget tour?
The best deals for South Island tours emerge during May-June or September-October. These shoulder seasons bring lower prices for both tours and places to stay. Winter (June-August) offers good value for non-skiing activities around Queenstown and Wanaka. A TourRadar traveler shared: "I went in September and it was perfect - fewer tourists lower prices and still got to see everything while saving money." Expect peak rates during the summer months of December through February.
Which regions offer the best value for budget travelers?
Lake Tekapo Franz Josef and Wanaka stand out for their mix of free activities and reasonably priced places to stay. Budget travelers can find good deals at spots like the Hawea Hotel in Lake Hawea or Lakefront Lodge in Tekapo. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "Wanaka was perfect for budget travelers - we could hike Mount Iron and enjoy Lake Wanaka without spending much." These areas combine natural attractions with wallet-friendly amenities.
How much should I budget for optional activities?
Set aside 200-400 USD for extra activities. Popular choices include bungy jumping in Queenstown (180 USD) glacier heli-hikes at Franz Josef (350 USD) or kayaking on Lake Wanaka (75 USD). From a TourRadar traveler: "Having an extra 300 USD for activities was perfect - allowed me to do skydiving in Wanaka while keeping other days budget-friendly."
What's the average daily budget needed for meals not included on tours?
Plan to spend 40-50 USD daily for meals outside your tour package. While tours usually cover breakfast and some group dinners you'll need money for other meals. Budget-conscious travelers often mix dining at places like Queenstown's Fergburger with supermarket meals. A TourRadar traveler shared: "there are plenty of affordable food options in towns like Wanaka and Franz Josef with meals ranging from 10-25 USD."
What type of accommodation is typically provided on budget tours in New Zealand South Island?
Budget tours typically put travelers in shared dorm rooms at hostels and lodges. Places like Rainforest Retreat in Franz Josef and Hotel Give in Christchurch offer clean shared spaces with good amenities. A TourRadar traveler confirmed: "the hostels were clean and cozy with great facilities for drying ski gear." Some tours let you upgrade to private rooms for an extra cost.
What essential activities are typically included in budget tour packages?
Standard inclusions cover the main attractions: Milford Sound cruise Christchurch city tours hiking in national parks and visits to landmarks like Lake Tekapo's Church of the Good Shepherd. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The included Milford Sound cruise and Franz Josef Glacier valley walk were absolute highlights that didn't require extra spending."