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
- Summer Blast from Christchurch - Top rated by National Geographic
- Remarkable New Zealand - 20 days
- Rhythm & Alps Festival (4 Days)
- Big South
- South Island - Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass
- Southern Kiwi - Small Group Tour
- Southern Secrets - Small Group Tour
- The Gumboot Tour
- Urban Charm & Ocean Adventure in Christchurch 4 Days
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
Summer Blast from Christchurch - Top rated by National Geographic
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Fabulous experience, great tour. Would highly recommend Flying Kiwi.”
Sharon, traveled in March
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 $4,595
17% Off- NZ$3,795You save $800
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 vibrant path from Queenstown to Wanaka calls to independent spirits. Fellow travelers unite over VIP festival access at Rhythm & Alps in Cardrona Valley, luxury glamping, and the thrill of optional bungy jumping at the historic Kawarau Bridge.
Duration 4 days Destinations Queenstown, Wanaka Age Range Ages 18-35 Group Size Max Group Size 52 Group Type Group Room Type Shared Operator Contiki From $680
10% Off- NZ$612+$379 upfront costsYou save $68
Big South
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“If you like smaller groups, then this is definitely the best way to explore the south island while making friends along the way.”
Richard, traveled in November
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
10% Off- NZ$3,816+$572 upfront costs
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18-45 Group Size Max Group Size 55 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Kiwi Experience From
10% Off- NZ$999
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
10% 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 $1,749
20% Off- NZ$1,399You save $350
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 55 Group Type Group Room Type Shared Operator Kiwi Experience From $1,899
15% Off- NZ$1,614You save $285
Duration 4 days Destinations Christchurch Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 10 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Vio Travel From $891
10% Off- NZ$802You save $89
What people love about touring New Zealand South Island solo
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way
- 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!
This tour has been enriching, fun, and a life changing experience. To meet complete strangers of different backgrounds and to finish the tour as friends, even family. I am thankful for the guides Julian and Telli, they made this journey a complete blast. Please continue to show the world the wonderful adventures of the wild kiwis.
Big South
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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