New Zealand South Island Tours for Solo Travelers
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10 best New Zealand South Island solo travel packages
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
- Solo-ish New Zealand
- Remarkable New Zealand - 20 days
- New Zealand Southern Pioneer
- New Zealand South Island Adventure
- New Zealand: Ultimate 9-Day Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
- Summer Blast from Christchurch - Top rated by National Geographic
- Big South
- A Self-Drive Odyssey Across New Zealand - Private
- Southern Kiwi - Small Group Tour
- Southern Secrets - Small Group Tour
The South Island beckons with shared experiences at Kaikoura's seal colonies and Franz Josef Glacier walks. Travelers forge bonds during Hokitika Gorge hikes and Fiordland cruises, while enjoying personal space in comfortable hotels throughout the southern region.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Waitomo, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Hokitika, Greymouth, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator G Adventures From $7,699
15% Off- NZ$6,544You save $1,155
Natural wonders of the South Island unite travelers at Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound cruise, and Lake Tekapo cooking class. The itinerary features guided walks in Mount Aspiring National Park and wine tasting in Marlborough, with 4-star accommodation.
Duration 20 days Destinations Auckland, Coromandel, Whitianga, Rotorua, Te Puia, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Picton, BlenheimSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator On The Go Tours From $15,735
5% Off- NZ$14,948You save $787
The South Island beckons solo travelers (67% of guests) with shared discoveries. Twin rooms complement visits to Lake Tekapo's lupins, Wanaka's #thatwanakatree, and Franz Josef's glacier. Activities include Mou Waho Island cruise and TranzAlpine train journey.
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Ohau, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Travel From $6,145
20% Off- NZ$4,916You save $1,229
Shared twin rooms await in Te Anau hostels and Stewart Island accommodations. Connections flourish during Nile River Train journey and Milford Sound cruise. Group meals and walks through Fiordland National Park create natural socializing opportunities.
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Travel From $7,595
15% Off- NZ$6,456You save $1,139
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Dunedin, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Across Caribbean Excursions From
15% Off- NZ$4,850
Summer Blast from Christchurch - Top rated by National Geographic
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great itinerary, fantastic tour leaders, wonderful food, and overall terrific experience.”
Eric, traveled in December
Duration 13 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Oamaru, Moeraki, Dunedin, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 26 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Flying Kiwi From
15% Off- NZ$4,595
Big South
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“He shared his true passion, joy and knowledge with the group, and ensured everybody was having an amazing time.”
SophievanSonsbeek, traveled in February
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough, Kaikoura Age Range Ages 18-39 Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Room Type Shared Operator Wild Kiwi From
15% Off- NZ$3,816+$585 upfront costs
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Vio Travel From $5,279
5% Off- NZ$5,015You save $264
Duration 15 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Hanmer Springs, Franz Josef, Lake Hawea, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 18-49 Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Room Type Shared Operator Kiwi Experience From
5% Off- NZ$3,549
Duration 8 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Hanmer Springs Age Range Ages 18-49 Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Room Type Shared Operator Kiwi Experience From
5% Off- NZ$1,749
What people love about touring New Zealand South Island solo
- New Zealand Panorama (Southbound)
The tour was amazing, visited great places and the optional and included activities were all epic. The ultimate highlight was having Isobel as a guide, we is informative and hilarious, super organised and friendly, I could not have wished for more!
- Southern Spectacular (2025/2026)
The 10 day tour of the South Island was well planned and a great experience.. Both the driver and tour guide were first class and couldn't be faulted. Full of knowledge and fun the whole time. Would recommend to anyone.
- Wild West from Queenstown - Top rated by National Geographic
“It was a great experience with funstaff and passengers”
What our customers ask about New Zealand South Island Tours for Solo Travelers
What's the typical single supplement cost for solo travelers on New Zealand South Island tours?
Solo travelers should expect to pay an additional USD 200-600 for single room supplements on South Island tours. The cost varies based on tour length and room quality. Higher-end properties like Heritage Queenstown set supplements around USD 300 while budget accommodations cost less. Budget-conscious travelers might want to look for tours using hostels and backpacker lodges which often have lower single supplements or roommate matching options.
Which South Island destinations are most popular with solo travelers?
Three destinations stand out among solo travelers. Queenstown draws visitors with its mix of daytime activities and evening social scene along Lake Wakatipu. At Franz Josef Glacier travelers join guided hikes and unwind in communal hot pools. Milford Sound's group boat tours create natural opportunities to connect with others while taking in the fjord landscapes. The Scenic Hotel Franz Josef serves as a social hub where travelers often gather to share stories from their day's adventures.
What's the best time of year for solo travelers to visit New Zealand's South Island?
Summer months from December through February see the highest number of solo travelers with nearly one-third of annual bookings. The warm weather and increased tour options create more chances to meet people. October-November and March-April offer good alternatives with mild temperatures and smaller crowds. Winter brings fewer visitors but creates perfect conditions for ski enthusiasts to connect on the slopes.
What transportation options work best for solo travelers on the South Island?
Guided tours typically use modern coaches equipped with WiFi and commentary systems particularly on routes to Milford Sound. The TranzAlpine railway between Greymouth and Christchurch gives travelers a chance to move around and chat with others while crossing the Southern Alps. Many solo travelers find these group transport options lead to natural conversations and shared experiences.
What are the most popular activities for solo travelers in New Zealand's South Island?
Group activities create natural ways to meet others while exploring. The Hooker Valley Track at Mount Cook draws hikers while Milford Sound cruises bring people together on deck. Wine tours through Central Otago vineyards and soaks in Lake Tekapo Springs' thermal pools give solo travelers easy ways to connect. Adventure activities in Queenstown from bungee jumping to jet boating often include group transportation making it easy to meet others with similar interests.
How safe is it for solo travelers on guided tours in the South Island?
The South Island's guided tours provide strong safety networks for solo travelers. Companies like Contiki and G Adventures use established accommodations such as the Hokitika Beachfront Hotel and maintain clear safety protocols. Guides create buddy systems for activities while offering 24-hour support. The combination of professional oversight structured itineraries and well-vetted accommodations helps solo travelers focus on enjoying their experience.
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