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 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.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Price Per Day $309 Operator Wild Kiwi From
- NZ$2,164+$325 upfront costs
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 18 to 49 year olds Price Per Day $212 Operator Kiwi Experience From
- NZ$1,699
Affordable South Island tour at approx. $140 daily includes stays at Rainforest Retreat and Hawea Hotel. Visitors enjoy Lake Matheson walks, Church of the Good Shepherd visits, and Devils Punchbowl hiking trails.
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Lake Hawea, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range 18 to 49 year olds Price Per Day $237 Operator Kiwi Experience From
- NZ$1,899
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 18 to 39 year olds Price Per Day $478 Operator On The Go Tours From
- NZ$3,345
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 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Lake Tekapo Age Range up to 45 year olds Price Per Day $82 Operator Kiwi Experience From
- NZ$815
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.
No departure dates availableDuration 15 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Hanmer Springs, Franz Josef, Lake Hawea, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range 18 to 49 year olds Price Per Day $0 Operator Kiwi Experience New Zealand South Island Express
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Loved the whole trip. Our guide Duli was amazing he read our wishes from our lips and made them happen.”
Maximilian, traveled in August
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 18 to 99 year olds Price Per Day $204 Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,445
25% Off- NZ$1,834You save $611
NZ Adventure South
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fantastic itinerary with a budget. Seen and did both touristy and adventurous itinerary.”
Tan, traveled in November
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 18 to 45 year olds Price Per Day $210 Operator INTRO Travel From $2,099
10% Off- NZ$1,889You save $210
NZ Adventure 17 Day
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was absolutely excellent from start to finish, and I'm not sure that there is even one thing I would have changed about it.”
Freya, traveled in February
Complete South Island tour at approx. $180 daily, with dorm stays in Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, and Queenstown. Featuring Milford Sound cruise, jet boating, Mount Cook hikes, Mount John trek, Lake Wanaka kayaking, and city walking tours.
Duration 17 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range 18 to 45 year olds Price Per Day $249 Operator INTRO Travel From $4,699
10% Off- NZ$4,229You save $470
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 18 to 99 year olds Price Per Day $483 Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- NZ$6,765
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."