I'm a solo traveller and wondering what the inclusions of the tour are and what accommodation/meals are provided. What experiences are additional add ons/how much do they cost approximately.

Accommodation provided is in multi-share dorms. Optional activities include: Tawanui Farm Wine Tasting, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools, Iron Ridge Quarry, Pohatu Penguins Nature Tour, Christchurch Street Art Tour, Greenstone Carving Experience, West Coast Wildlife Centre, Milford Sound Day Tour & Cruise, Various Scenic Hikes. Additional optional activities are available through our trip planner.

I wanna know about accommodation, as I'm traveling alone and would like to have a private bathroom, What are the options then?

Unfortunately we do not offer private rooms and/or bathrooms unfortunately so cannot help on this occasion, sorry.

I'd like to book onto the 15 day South Island group tour, but am concerned, being a solo, 22 year old traveler, that there won't be others of my age booked onto the trip. Some of the reviews on trip advisor state that tours have been as small as four and comprised of older couples due to tours not at capacity. As I'm sure you can appreciate, this would take much of the enjoyment out of the tour for me. So I was wondering if you could tell me in advance how many people are currently booked onto this trip (7th December) and if many of them are between the ages of 18 and 30? Also, would there be a Whatsapp group or something to talk to the others in advance of departure?

Generally our travellers are between the 18-30 age bracket, and we generally have more females travellers; however this is dependent and subject to each group. Our small group tours for the upcoming summer period are beginning to fill up; the South Island tours are always particularly popular during the summer season! The first night before your tour starts, you have a small meet & greet with your driver guide and your other fellow travellers. Here, the driver guide will create a WhatsApp group chat for your tour.

I was wondering what the average age is at the tour? Because I'm only 19 and would be great if some people are joining which are close to my age.

For the small group tours, we do have an average age of 18-35.

What is the difference between a 15-day Southern Kiwi trip and a Big South trip?

I'm not sure where you saw the Big South trip, it's probably from another company. You can read about the Southern Kiwi tour.

Is this tour available for me?

We don't have a specific age limit on our tours, but there are quite a few included activities which involve hikes and physical exercise. So it depends on your level of fitness and how you feel about that! I'd say the average age range for our small group tours is around 20 - 30 or mid 30's, but each trip is different and we do have a very wide range!

We are a family of 4, aged 13,15 ,50 and 51. Can we join this tour?

We aren't able to take any passengers below the age of 18 on our tours.

From

US $2,069 per person

Southern Kiwi - Small Group Tour

15 days

•

Start and end in Christchurch

4.6

62 traveler reviews

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From

US $2,069 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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Plan your adventure:

Gold Operator: Kiwi Experience
Adventure & Adrenaline: Seek thrilling adventures that keep you moving
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 6 - 18
Ages 18-49

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Christchurch
Start point
12 Hereford Street, Christchurch-Linwood, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand (Hotel Give, 18:30)
Included Activities
- Welcome drinks with tour group at local bar
Day 2
Christchurch to Kaikoura
Accommodation
Hostel (Dusky Lodge )
Included Activities
- Tawanui Farm visit - sheep and beef farm experience with animal feeding
Optional Activities
- Whale watching in Kaikoura
- Swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura
Landmarks
Tawanui Farm
Day 3
Kaikoura to Abel Tasman
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hostel (Bethany Park )
Included Activities
- View seals on Kaikoura coastline
- Wine and gin tasting in Marlborough region
Optional Activities
- Hiking in Abel Tasman National Park
- Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park
- Water taxi into Abel Tasman National Park
Landmarks
Abel Tasman National Park
Marlborough Region
Day 4
Abel Tasman
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hostel (Bethany Park )
Optional Activities
- Hiking the Coastal track
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Water taxi into Abel Tasman National Park
Landmarks
Abel Tasman National Park
Day 5
Abel Tasman to Hanmer Springs
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
- Stop at Nelson Lakes
Optional Activities
- Walking trails around Hanmer Springs
- Heritage Forest with lookout point trail
- Waiau Gorge with whitewater rapids
Landmarks
Nelson Lakes
Hanmer Springs
Heritage Forest
Waiau Gorge
Day 6
Hanmer Springs
Included Activities
- Entry to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa - 22 outdoor thermal pools with hydroslides and Conical Thrill aquatic ride
Optional Activities
- Forest hiking
- Mountain biking
- Horse trekking
- Bungy jumping
- Jet boating
- Skiing (winter)
Landmarks
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa
Day 7
Hanmer Springs to Christchurch
Included Activities
- Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park visit
Landmarks
Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park
Day 8
Christchurch
Accommodation
Hostel (Hotel Give )
Included Activities
- Christchurch Street Art tour - street art, murals and graffiti art with urban art history
Day 9
Christchurch to Franz Josef
Accommodation
Hostel (Rainforest Retreat )
Included Activities
- Devil's Punchbowl scenic stop
- Castle Hill scenic stop
Landmarks
Arthur's Pass National Park
Devil's Punchbowl
Castle Hill
Day 10
Franz Josef
Accommodation
Hostel (Rainforest Retreat)
Optional Activities
- Heli-Hike on the glacier
- Walking trails in Franz Josef area
Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier
Day 11
Franz Josef to Wanaka
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hostel (Adventure Hostel)
Included Activities
- Franz Josef Wildlife Centre visit - see live kiwis in nocturnal house and Tuatara reptiles
- Lake Matheson walk - scenic loop around lake with mountain reflections
Optional Activities
- Roys Peak Track - 5-6 hour hike with breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka (weather and seasonal dependent)
- Mount Iron Track - shorter hiking option
- Wanaka Skydive - high altitude experience
Landmarks
Franz Josef Wildlife Centre
Lake Matheson
Aoraki Mt Cook
#ThatWanakaTree
Roys Peak
Mount Iron
Day 12
Wanaka to Queenstown
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hostel (Nomads Queenstown )
Optional Activities
- Kawarau Bridge Bungy - world's first commercial bungy site jump
Landmarks
Kawarau Bridge
Queenstown Waterfront
Day 13
Queenstown
Accommodation
Hostel (Nomads Queenstown)
Optional Activities
- White water rafting
- Bungy jumping
- Skydiving
- Jet-boating
- Canyon swinging
- Other adventure activities in Queenstown
Day 14
Milford Sound Day Tour
Meals
Breakfast (Breakfast, coffee or snacks in Te Anau)
Accommodation
Hostel (Nomads Queenstown)
Included Activities
- Milford Sound scenic boat cruise - 2 hours exploring peaks and waterfalls
Landmarks
Milford Sound
Mirror Lakes
The Chasm
Homer Tunnel
Te Anau
Day 15
Queenstown to Christchurch
End point
12 Hereford Street, Christchurch-Linwood, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand (Hotel Give, 17:00)
Included Activities
- Church of the Good Shepherd visit at Lake Tekapo
Landmarks
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Lindis Pass
Mackenzie Country

Landmarks
Tawanui Farm

Landmarks
Abel Tasman National Park
Marlborough Region

Landmarks
Abel Tasman National Park

Landmarks
Nelson Lakes
Hanmer Springs
Heritage Forest
Waiau Gorge

Landmarks
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa

Landmarks
Iron Ridge Quarry Sculpture Park

Landmarks
Arthur's Pass National Park
Devil's Punchbowl
Castle Hill

Landmarks
Franz Josef Glacier

Landmarks
Franz Josef Wildlife Centre
Lake Matheson
Aoraki Mt Cook
#ThatWanakaTree
Roys Peak
Mount Iron

Landmarks
Kawarau Bridge
Queenstown Waterfront

Landmarks
Milford Sound
Mirror Lakes
The Chasm
Homer Tunnel
Te Anau

Landmarks
Lake Tekapo
Church of the Good Shepherd
Lindis Pass
Mackenzie Country

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Dusky Lodge
Hostel
day 2
Bethany Park
Hostel
Days 3, 4
Hotel Give
Hostel
day 8
Rainforest Retreat
Hostel
day 9
Rainforest Retreat
Hostel
day 10
Adventure Hostel
Hostel
day 11
Nomads Queenstown
Hostel
day 12
Nomads Queenstown
Hostel
Days 13, 14

Operated by

Kiwi Experience

Gold Operator

Rating: 4.6(62 reviews)
Response time: within 1 day
Response rate: 100%
Cancellation policy

Reviews from other tours by Kiwi Experience

Tour Operator
4.6

Susan
March 31st, 2026
Absolutely loved it. The drivers were great- really informative and fun. The atmosphere on the trip was wonderful...
Show more
Ariana
March 25th, 2026
amazing it was! cool acitivities, good advices what to do/where to go and of course, many amazing people to meet! :)
Samantha
February 24th, 2026
The most amazing experience. Our guide Terrance was incredible. It was amazing the legends and history he shared...
The most amazing experience. Our guide Terrance was incredible. It was amazing the legends and history he shared every day during our trip. The itinerary was fast paced but well balanced with a variety of activities available. The included stay at Te Pa Tu was an experience like no other . The people, the culture the history were fantastic . Other highlights were River Valley , and the sunset cruise at Lake Taupō . The accommodations were all good although Queenstown was noisy . Terrance worked so hard planning everything and trying to juggle 20 people’s different itineraries ,activities and needs . He is an amazing person, hard worker ,good driver and a credit to your company. As a more mature couple traveling we felt incredibly lucky to have him as our guide and to be able to learn from him . We are so full of energy ourselves we fitted in with the younger group ,often leading the way with the more daring activities. We did a 20km hike on the Tongariro crossing, white water rafted ,went canyoning ,went on the Shotover jets and did the Nevis Bungy 134m !! Thank you Kiwi experience for being an inclusive company and realising those a bit older still want adventures.Show more

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

We couldn't find results

Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

M
Marc
Asked on February 12th, 2026
I'm a solo traveller and wondering what the inclusions of the tour are and what accommodation/meals are provided. What experiences are additional add ons/how much do they cost approximately.
Accommodation
Meals
Tour Details
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written February 2026
  Accommodation provided is in multi-share dorms. Optional activities include: Tawanui Farm Wine Tasting, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools, Iron Ridge Quarry, Pohatu Penguins Nature Tour, Christchurch Street Art Tour, Greenstone Carving Experience, West Coast Wildlife Centre, Milford Sound Day Tour & Cruise, Various Scenic Hikes. Additional optional activities are available through our trip planner.
A
Alison
Asked on January 21st, 2026
I wanna know about accommodation, as I'm traveling alone and would like to have a private bathroom, What are the options then?
Accommodation
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written January 2026
  Unfortunately we do not offer private rooms and/or bathrooms unfortunately so cannot help on this occasion, sorry.
- A
  Alison
  Traveler•Written January 2026
  Regarding transfer from airport to hotel and vice versa, are these included?
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written January 2026
  The transfer from the Airport to the accommodation is not included. However, please note there is public transport or Uber that can be used. Hotel Give is about 30/40 mins from the airport by bus, and 20 mins by car. From the best of my knowledge the cost of public transport is about 4/5 NZD (approximately). Please check this as it may have changed!
J
Jeffrey
Asked on September 13th, 2024
I'd like to book onto the 15 day South Island group tour, but am concerned, being a solo, 22 year old traveler, that there won't be others of my age booked onto the trip. Some of the reviews on trip advisor state that tours have been as small as four and comprised of older couples due to tours not at capacity. As I'm sure you can appreciate, this would take much of the enjoyment out of the tour for me. So I was wondering if you could tell me in advance how many people are currently booked onto this trip (7th December) and if many of them are between the ages of 18 and 30? Also, would there be a Whatsapp group or something to talk to the others in advance of departure?
Age Range
Group size
Tour Details
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written September 2024
  Generally our travellers are between the 18-30 age bracket, and we generally have more females travellers; however this is dependent and subject to each group. Our small group tours for the upcoming summer period are beginning to fill up; the South Island tours are always particularly popular during the summer season! The first night before your tour starts, you have a small meet & greet with your driver guide and your other fellow travellers. Here, the driver guide will create a WhatsApp group chat for your tour.
R
Rachel
Asked on February 1st, 2024
I was wondering what the average age is at the tour? Because I'm only 19 and would be great if some people are joining which are close to my age.
Age Range
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written February 2024
  For the small group tours, we do have an average age of 18-35.
B
Brandon
Asked on December 13th, 2023
What is the difference between a 15-day Southern Kiwi trip and a Big South trip?
Tour Details
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written December 2023
  I'm not sure where you saw the Big South trip, it's probably from another company. You can read about the Southern Kiwi tour.
M
Maria
Asked on November 17th, 2023
Is this tour available for me?
Age Range
Tour Details
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written November 2023
  We don't have a specific age limit on our tours, but there are quite a few included activities which involve hikes and physical exercise. So it depends on your level of fitness and how you feel about that! I'd say the average age range for our small group tours is around 20 - 30 or mid 30's, but each trip is different and we do have a very wide range!
S
Sally
Asked on July 17th, 2023
We are a family of 4, aged 13,15 ,50 and 51. Can we join this tour?
Age Range
Tour Details
- Kiwi ExperienceOperator•Written July 2023
  We aren't able to take any passengers below the age of 18 on our tours.

From

US $2,069 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 248874

Currency
$
New Zealand Dollar
New Zealand
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.
Type I
New Zealand
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before August 13th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 13th, 2026, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Kiwi Experience. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Kiwi Experience will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Kiwi Experience" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Kiwi Experience. Please familiarize yourself with the Kiwi Experience payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Southern Kiwi - Small Group Tour

Itinerary

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Reviews from other tours by Kiwi Experience

Dates & Availability

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Why book with TourRadar?

What our customers ask about this tour

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