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
- 14 Days Best of New Zealand, Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
- New Zealand Panorama (Southbound)
- Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys
- Queenstown Southern Loop
- New Zealand Southern Pioneer (including Arrowtown)
- New Zealand: Sweet As South (Eastbound)
- New Zealand Vista (Best Buys)
- Southern Wonders (Best Buys)
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 $4,899
10% Off- US$4,409You save $490
The South Island's wonders unfold from Christchurch's Botanic Gardens to Queenstown's Kawarau Gorge. Join 16-person Milford Sound cruises and intimate Waipara Valley wine tours, staying at welcoming Carnmore Hotel and Holiday Inn Express.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 20 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
10% Off- US$3,915
New Zealand: Sweet As South (Westbound)
6 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, Queenstown, Haast, Wanaka, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, ManapouriSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Group Size Max Group Size 50 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $1,549
19% Off- US$1,259You save $290
New Zealand Panorama (Southbound)
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“She really went out of her way to include everyone and to organise anything and everything for everyone!”
Austin, traveled in December
Adventure seekers connect on South Island excursions, from Kaikōura's marine encounters to Franz Josef's glacier hikes. Fellow explorers (average age 29) share experiences while staying at iconic locations like Mount Cook and Queenstown's adventure hub.
Duration 16 days Destinations Auckland, Waikato, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Kaikoura, Picton, Christchurch, Arthur's Pass National Park, HokitikaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Group Size Max Group Size 45 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $2,795
20% Off- US$2,236You save $559
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys
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, Rotorua, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures From
20% Off- US$5,399
Duration 6 days Destinations Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,535
15% Off- US$2,155You save $380
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 $3,840
20% Off- US$3,072You save $768
The South Island adventure draws solo travelers exclusively. Groups share meaningful moments at Lake Tekapo's Dark Sky Experience, Kingston's farm visit, and Queenstown's adventure activities. Average age 37, with 8 group breakfasts and optional Milford Sound cruise.
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Ohau, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, Manapouri, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Group Size Max Group Size 50 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $1,630
19% Off- US$1,325You save $305
Franz Josef Glacier and Milford Sound/Piopiotahi unite adventure seekers. Lake Tekapo stargazing and TranzAlpine train journeys complement group dinners in Queenstown and Christchurch.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Omarama, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 48 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator AAT Kings From $5,730
15% Off- US$4,871You save $859
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, Omarama Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 48 Group Type Group Room Type Singles, Shared Operator AAT Kings From $3,810
15% Off- US$3,239You save $571
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!
The beauty of the the country and the tour organization made it fantastic.
Journeys: Discover New Zealand National Geographic Journeys
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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