Budget Tours & Trips to New Zealand South Island
The South Island can be done on a budget, and it’s time to learn how! Ever thought about watching whales or swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura, kayaking to Split Apple Rock in Abel Tasman, or exploring Franz Josef Glacier by foot or helicopter? Let’s go! Cruise through Milford Sound's stunning fiord, and stargaze in Lake Tekapo's dark sky reserve. New Zealand's south is spectacular and doesn’t have to break the bank.
10 best cheap New Zealand South Island tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
- New Zealand South Island Express
- Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
- 6 Days in Wanaka: Skydive Thrills & Glacier Adventures to Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
- Southern Wonders of New Zealand – 10 Day Journey
- Budget South Island Adventure - 7 days
- Budget South Island Explorer - 14 days
- Southern Secrets - Small Group Tour
- Southern Kiwi - Small Group Tour
- 9 Days in Christchurch and Queenstown by Bus: Kaikoura, Arthur’s Pass, Mt Cook & Queenstown Skydive
- 5-Day Ultimate Queenstown Experience
New Zealand South Island Express
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was excellent, a very good itinerary, and the commentary on the road was very good.”
Hilda, traveled in March
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 $168 Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$1,510
Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Excellent south islamf tour going to the main spots!”
Nicolas, traveled in November
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, Arthur's Pass National Park, Castle Hill Peak, Franz Josef, Lake Hawea, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18-49 Price Per Day $144 Operator Kiwi Experience From
- US$1,152
Duration 6 days Destinations Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $307 Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,170
15% Off- US$1,844You save $325
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Ohau, Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $556 Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $6,047
8% Off- US$5,563You save $484
Ages 18+ can join this budget tour featuring 6 nights in shared hostel dorms with 6 breakfasts and 1 group dinner included. Comfortable vehicles with Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and air-conditioning handle transport between destinations. Bike trails at Lake Tekapo and Castle Rock walk come free, while optional adventures like skydiving and glacier hikes can be booked locally.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $274 Operator On The Go Tours From
8% Off- US$1,915
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, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Arthur's Pass National Park, Lewis PassSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $273 Operator On The Go Tours From
8% Off- US$3,815
Southern Secrets - Small Group Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“amazing it was! cool acitivities, good advices what to do/where to go and of course, many amazing people to meet!”
Ariana, traveled in February
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 $128 Operator Kiwi Experience From
8% Off- US$1,023
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, Marlborough, Nelson, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Lakes National Park, Hanmer Springs, Arthur's Pass National Park, Castle Hill Peak, Franz JosefSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-49 Price Per Day $138 Operator Kiwi Experience From
8% Off- US$2,077
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Arthur's Pass National Park, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown Age Range Price Per Day $266 Operator STM Tours LLC From $3,191
25% Off- US$2,393You save $798
Duration 5 days Destinations Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, French, Spanish Price Per Day $348 Operator STM Tours LLC From $2,320
25% Off- US$1,740You save $580
Budget Tours & Trips to New Zealand South Island Reviews
- New Zealand South Island Express
Loved the whole trip Our guide Duli was amazing he read our wishes from our lips and made them happen
- NZ Adventure 17 Day
I had a truly wonderful trip to New Zealand! We toured both islands with our lovely group. We had a wonderful guide who helped us in every situation and genuinely cared about our well-being. During the trip, we got to see the most amazing sights and experience a variety of things. The Maori culture evening was very memorable, and I made my best friends while boating. The various hikes and magnificent landscapes were also wonderful experiences that we never tired of. The icing on the cake was a visit to Hobbiton. The trip could also be customized with additional activities. But thanks to our wonderful guide, the trip was really easy and memorable. The best way to start traveling alone.
Brilliant experience with great people and tour guide
NZ Adventure South
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."