New Zealand South Island Tours for Solo Travelers
How about cooking a kiwi meal with new friends, hiking to Mt Eden summit for Auckland views, and learning Maori culture and enjoying a Hangi lunch? Explore glow worm caves in Waitomo, and cruise through Fiordland National Park. New Zealand’s South Island delivers adventure and culture perfectly for singles traveling together, allowing you to make new friends effortlessly.
10 best New Zealand South Island solo travel packages
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar
- Solo-ish New Zealand
- Solo South Island Escape (Superior) - 11 days
- Solo South Island Escape - 11 days
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
- Southern Secrets - Small Group Tour
- New Zealand West Coast Adventure
- Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic
- New Zealand Southern Pioneer
- Big South
- Premium - South Island Escape
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 $5,089
25% Off- US$3,817You save $1,272
Duration 11 days Destinations Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Walter Peak, Arrowtown, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 24 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator On The Go Tours From
25% Off- US$5,470
Duration 11 days Destinations Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Walter Peak, Arrowtown, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 24 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator On The Go Tours From
25% Off- US$4,760
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great experience for this tour.. would rate this as 5stars.. made new friends along the way.”
Nigel, traveled in February
Fellow travelers (80% of guests) averaging 26 years old roam South Island highlights. Groups share accommodations in Queenstown hostels, walk Franz Josef Glacier together, and connect over Dark Sky stargazing at Lake Tekapo and cultural workshops in Hokitika.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown, Cardrona, Milford Sound, Te Anau, ArrowtownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Group Size Max Group Size 50 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $1,700
18% Off- US$1,395You save $305
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
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
18% Off- US$994
New Zealand West Coast Adventure
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a great time during first visit to South Island, fantastic choice of places to see and experience.”
Agata, traveled in January
The turquoise waters of Hokitika Gorge and Thunder Creek Falls await small groups of 12-15 travelers. Social nature enthusiasts find their tribe while viewing Kumara's glow worms and walking Lake Matheson's shores.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, Westport, Cape Foulwind, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika, Okarito, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Fox GlacierSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,796
30% Off- US$1,958You save $839
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels were all of a good standard. Our overall tour guide worked hard to make sure everyone had a good time.”
Jean, traveled in December
The South Island route welcomes solo travelers (44% booking rate) with shared experiences like TranzAlpine train journey and Fiordland National Park cruise. Single rooms available in Queenstown and Franz Josef, with group activities fostering connections.
Duration 12 days Destinations Auckland, Waiheke Island, Waitomo, Rotorua, Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Wanaka, ArrowtownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator National Geographic Expeditions with G Adventures From $5,899
10% Off- US$5,309You save $590
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, Lake Ohau, Twizel, Kawarau Gorge, Queenstown, Arrowtown, Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Lake WanakaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,290
20% Off- US$3,432You save $858
Big South
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“An amazing two weeks! Great tour!”
Shimona, traveled in October
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Haast, Franz Josef, Hokitika, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National ParkSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Room Type Shared Operator Wild Kiwi From $2,169
10% Off- US$1,952+$325 upfront costsYou save $217
Premium - South Island Escape
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“We really enjoyed our tour of South Island. It was very well organised and we all had the best time.”
Helen, traveled in February
This small group tour for solo travelers (max 14 guests) takes you through Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound, and Lake Tekapo's Dark Sky Reserve. You'll stay in 3-4 star hotels with shared room options, including lakeside spots in Te Anau and rainforest retreats near Franz Josef.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Room Type Shared Operator Wild Kiwi From $2,647
26% Off- US$1,970+$397 upfront costsYou save $678
What people love about touring New Zealand South Island solo
- Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic
great trip and tour of NZ
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
- Southern Voyager
Awesome trip, great guide and plenty of activities to do.
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.