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 (10 destinations)
- The Gumboot Tour
- 9 Days in Christchurch and Queenstown by Bus: Kaikoura, Arthur’s Pass, Mt Cook & Queenstown Skydive
- 6 Days in Wanaka: Skydive Thrills & Glacier Adventures to Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
- Budget Christchurch Loop - 7 days
- Southern Secrets - Small Group Tour
- South Island - Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass
- Southern Kiwi - Small Group Tour
- Budget South Island Explorer - 14 days
- Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
New Zealand South Island Express (10 destinations)
“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, Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $218 Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$1,965
The Gumboot Tour
“The atmosphere on the trip was wonderful - everyone mixing and having fun together.”
Susan, traveled in March
This South Island tour runs approx. $130 daily with 12 nights in shared rooms at Mahinapua Hotel and hostels in Franz Josef and Christchurch. Free walks take you to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Franz Josef glacier lookouts, and Lake Tekapo's Church of the Good Shepherd, while meals come from local supermarkets and bakeries.
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 $89 Operator Kiwi Experience From
- US$1,063
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Kaikoura, Arthur's Pass National Park, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown Age Range Ages 2-60 Price Per Day $240 Operator STM Tours LLC From $3,083
30% off- US$2,158
Duration 6 days Destinations Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $232 Operator STM Tours LLC From $1,990
30% off- US$1,393
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, Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough, Kaikoura Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $264 Operator On The Go Tours From
30% off- US$1,845
Southern Secrets - Small Group Tour
“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, Akaroa Age Range Ages 18-49 Price Per Day $122 Operator Kiwi Experience From
30% off- US$979
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 $47 Operator Kiwi Experience From
30% off- US$559
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 $132 Operator Kiwi Experience From
30% off- US$1,986
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 $263 Operator On The Go Tours From
30% off- US$3,675
Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
“I really enjoyed a taste of New Zealand's South Island.”
Edward, traveled in June
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, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Lake Tekapo Age Range Ages 18-49 Price Per Day $138 Operator Kiwi Experience From
30% off- US$1,102
Budget Tours & Trips to New Zealand South Island Reviews
- New Zealand South Island Express (10 destinations)
Loved the whole trip Our guide Duli was amazing he read our wishes from our lips and made them happen
- Southern Crossing - Small Group Tour
I really enjoyed a taste of New Zealand’s South Island. The tour guide made alternative sightseeing options based on the weather forecast so we could make the most out of the day and not be disappointed by going to a lookout area where the view would be covered by cloud or fog. He was very upfront on day 1’s briefing that some activities and sightseeing locations were heavily weather dependent and we should work with the situation
- NZ Adventure 17 Day
I have just finished the 17 day New Zealand tour with Intro and can honestly say I’ve had the best time! The tour was jam-packed with an amazing mix of activities from start to finish! South Island in particular was such a standout! Our group leader Danny went above and beyond to make us all feel comfortable from the get go, and to share his love for New Zealand with us. He really gave all of us such an incredible, unforgettable experience!
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."