Posted by Shreya on 16 July 2025 | 0 Comments

You've finally booked flights to New Zealand, a vacation that just seemed more of a dream that a reality! If drooling over where you can go on insta still has got you a bit clueless as to how start piecing it together, fear not! A list is a good place to start and this blog can help you make the planning easy! The best part is even if you couldn't convince your friends to come it won't matter as NZ definitely the perfect place for solo adventure.

First, an insider tip... there is way more of New Zealand than what is ever mentioned in the travel brochures. So, if you're keen to solo travel but wondering how to see it all, we're about to spill the beans on why choosing to travel solo in a New Zealand group tour is the best recipe for an incredible holiday

What are the Group Perks For Solo Travellers

• See the best of New Zealand without the stress of planning and booking activities and accommodation. Imagine not having to worry about bus schedules, booking tickets, or finding a place to stay after a long day of exploring. Group excursions handle all the logistics, freeing you up to simply soak in the experience.

• Experience amazing views and local inside knowledge from a tour guide throughout the trip. These tour guides will know the hidden gems, popular stops, and will let you know all the best photo spots that guidebooks just don't know.

• The best New Zealand group tours for solo travellers make sure to pack in all the best local experiences and must-do activities for a truly comprehensive trip.

• Have shared experiences which make travel that much more exciting and make new friends as you get close to your travel companions throughout the tour. These moments will make the travel vlogs that much more special and unique.

• You get to benefit from group discounts. The included activities and meals along with group bookings for accommodation and travel mean it might look like a large sum at the beginning but what you are gain is repeat business and group savings. 

• Makes travelling solo safer while you experience your best trip, allowing you to have a piece of mind that comes with the safety net of travelling with a group and a guide.

Milford Sound Cruises in our South Island Tours

Adventure holidays the easy way

So, you're flying solo but want to experience the best of New Zealand without the hassle? A group tour is your answer. Imagine exploring breathtaking landscapes without a single worry about planning how it all lines up or having to worry about booking anything. No stressing over bus or transport schedules, hunting for tickets, or scrambling to find a bed after a day of adventure. The tour handles all the logistics, leaving you free to simply soak it all in. You'll also get local insider knowledge from your guide, taken to popular spots and have someone who you can rely on to make the trip go smoothly.

Plus, tours pack in the must-do activities and local experiences that their past travellers have all enjoyed, so its all tried and tested. Depending on what tour you choose, your fellow travellers can also become new global connections. It's the perfect way to balance solo exploration with the camaraderie of fellow travellers and the safety net of a guide, ensuring you have the trip of a lifetime with complete peace of mind.

Here's a cheeky hint... Go the Stray Way

Stray tours usually set off with 75% of solo travellers. We go that bit further with our tour values as their ethos is all about authentic travel around New Zealand. We're not the party bus, we're more about sitting around the campfire, stargazing, storytelling and making memories kind of people.

We want you to experience more from your travels, so you forget the endless hours driving from one tourist hotspot to another; you get to dive in and feel the real NZ for yourself. You'll share incredible moments with new friends, making your travel adventure even more special.

Picnic on the beach? Yes Please!

Picking Your Perfect Solo Trip

There are many tour operators to choose from, each offering unique experiences and itineraries. While it may be a bit overwhelming to scour the net for comparing all the options and picking one, here are some tips to get you started.

• Research the various tour companies and look for reputable operators with positive reviews, and hit them up with any questions you have.

• Check the itinerary to ensure it includes your dream destinations and activities, such as Milford Sound, hiking the Tongariro or exploring Fiordland National Park.

• Look for tours that incorporate the types of activities and experiences that get you excited. There are loads of specialist tours in New Zealand that take you on hiking tours, biking, and specialise in things like photography.

• Be sure to look at all the details of the tour, such as transportation, drive time, free days to choose one that values your experience. Quick hint: Stray only use private buses for a secure and hassle-free travel. Your bus is more like your base camp, where you can store your stuff securely along the way and relax in total comfort rather than fight for a seat away from the toilets on a public bus.

• It's also worth talking to them about what their options are for solo travellers for accommodation, you might not mind sharing a room with someone on the tour, or you might just fancy kicking back in your own space at the end day.

• Remember to ask how big the tour groups are. Smaller group tours might be a better choice for a more personalised experience and greater levels of support. This can foster deeper connections with other travellers and your tour guide. Stray specifically runs only small group tours, so you don't have to wait around for loads of people to get on the bus!

Stray crew in the South Island

NZ's Hot Spots: Top Picks You Can't Miss!

From North to South and East to West, New Zealand has beautiful scenery and activities to offer in whichever direction you are heading. Most NZ organised trips will hit all the iconic landmarks and give you a feel of the country, but some, like Stray, take you that little bit further to see some hidden gems that the other tours drive past. Here are some of the not-to-be-missed attractions to look for when booking a tour.

Abel Tasman kayaking adventures

New Zealand's South Island: Where Landscapes Steal the Show

The South Island is definitely the most popular destination for solo travellers, and for good reason! It's absolutely stacked with stunning landscapes that'll blow your socks off. Imagine taking in New Zealand's highest peak, Mount Cook, or even visiting its only castle, Larnach Castle, all while soaking up picturesque lakeside views. Perfect for nature lovers, this is a spot where you can truly just enjoy, relax, and let the epic scenery wash over you.

• Queenstown: The Adventure Capital & Social Hub! Queenstown is a buzzing hub for solo travelers keen for more adventures and thrills. It offers a whole range of activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, and hiking. You'll bond over shared adrenaline rushes with your group, and then it's easy to unwind together at the many bustling eateries and bars here. It's the perfect spot for exploring New Zealand and making new friends!

• Franz Josef Glacier: Icy Wonders & Hot Pools! Franz Josef Glacier offers incredible opportunities for unique heli-hiking trips and heli-ice climbing, plus a hot pool experience to soothe those weary muscles, and stunning lagoons to admire. Be on the lookout for blue ice in the many ice caves; you are sure to leave with an unforgettable memory.

• Milford Sound: The Eighth Wonder (Seriously!) Often called the 'Eighth Wonder of the World,' Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park is simply breathtaking. Experiencing its majestic fiords, towering waterfalls, and lush rainforest from a cruise is a must-do. Group tours make reaching this somewhat remote paradise a breeze, handling all the logistics so you can simply soak in the sheer awe of it with your new mates. It's an unforgettable shared moment.

• Abel Tasman National Park: Golden Beaches & Coastal Cruising! If golden sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush coastal tracks are your jam, then Abel Tasman National Park is a stunner. Many group tours include guided kayaking trips or water taxi rides, letting you explore this coastal paradise without a worry. It's a fantastic way to be active and enjoy nature alongside your fellow travelers.

• Kaikoura: Wildlife Encounters on the Coast! For incredible wildlife experiences, Kaikoura is the go. It's world-renowned for its whale watching, swimming with dolphin, and seal encounters. Group tours often include these specific marine excursions, ensuring you get up close and personal with NZ's amazing sea creatures, sharing the excitement of spotting a giant whale with your travel companions.

Conquer great heights with our most popular day walk Tongariro

New Zealand's North Island: Geothermal Wonders & Cultural Immersion

The North Island is also a great destination, with its geothermal wonders, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. If you're a Lord of the Rings fan, the North Island is a definite must, as many of the locations have inspired the movie series.

• Hobbiton Movie Set: A Slice of Middle-earth Magic! Step right into the Shire! For any Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan (or even just someone who loves a bit of magic), Hobbiton is an absolute must-see. Wander through the hobbit holes, grab a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, and soak up the enchanting atmosphere. It's a delightful experience that's often a highlight of North Island tours, and sharing those 'geek out' moments with your group is half the fun!

• Tongariro National Park: Volcanic Vistas & Epic Hikes! This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its dramatic volcanic landscapes, including the legendary Tongariro Alpine Crossing (often touted as one of the world's best day hikes!). While it's a challenging walk, using the tour transport saves you money and they provide transport from the start and pick-up from the end, making it easy and safer for solo travelers to conquer this incredible trek with the support of their group.

• Coromandel Peninsula: Hot Water Beaches & Cathedral Cove! The Coromandel offers stunning beaches and unique natural wonders. Dig your own natural hot pool in the sand at Hot Water Beach (seriously, you dig a hole and hot spring water bubbles up!). Then, head to Cathedral Cove, a majestic natural rock archway accessible by foot or kayak. These unique, chilled-out experiences are fantastic to share with your travel buddies.

• Rotorua & Taupo: Geothermal Thrills & Cultural Immersion! Rotorua is the heart of New Zealand's geothermal activity, with bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers, and natural hot springs (perfect for a soak!). It's also a major hub for Māori culture, offering incredible cultural performances and traditional Hāngī feasts. Nearby Taupo offers more adventure activities like skydiving and white-water rafting. Group tours here are ace because they can bundle these diverse experiences, offer fantastic cultural insights from local guides, and manage all the travel between the many sites, ensuring you get a truly comprehensive dose of thrills and culture.

Accommodation & Grub: Your Home Away From Home (and Delicious Feasts!)

Definitely give the accommodation and meal options a good once-over when you're picking a tour.

Accommodation on New Zealand tours ranges from budget-friendly hostels to luxury lodges. It's worth checking out their accommodation pages to see what you're getting before you book. Stray for example, has two different types of tours: Select & Adventure. Our Select tours give you the option to stay in 3-4 star hotels where whereas the Adventure tours are all about the hostel lifestyle, with options for solo travellers to have their own room as well

Meals are often included in the tour price, so check out what's included and what you will need to budget for. New Zealand has some incredible food, fresh, seasonal and diverse, so it's definitely something you want to be able to indulge in. If you're vegan, a veggie, or have a 'no-go' on gluten, it's worth checking with the tour crew to make sure you won't go hungry!

Enjoy fresh seafood straight out of the sea in Kaikoura

Social Opportunities: Meet new Mates!

What are of the biggest worries for solo travellers? Feeling a bit lonely. But with group tours, that's simply not on the cards! Most trips are packed with social opportunities, from fun group activities to just enough free time for you to kick back and meet new friends. You'll often find tours throwing in events like group dinners or game nights, which are perfect for breaking the ice and getting everyone connecting.

You can totally expect to bump into like-minded people on these tours, all keen on shared experiences and adventures. Imagine exploring New Zealand's epic wonders with a new hiking buddy, or finding someone who's just as passionate about photography as you are. Maybe even someone to share all that local 'delish' with! And no stress about age – while the average age of solo travellers on New Zealand tours varies a bit, heaps of tours cater to a wide range of ages and interests. So, no matter where you're at, you'll find a tour that's just your cup of tea!

Kayaking in Abel Tasman with Stray mates

Snow or Sun bunny? Whatever the weather NZ is awesome

Deciding on the best time to visit New Zealand really boils down to what you're after.

Now, if you're a total summer bunny, then the sweet spot for hitting up NZ is definitely during their summer, from December to March. Think about it: long, sunny days are perfect for epic hikes, setting up camp with stunning views, and just soaking in all that insane natural beauty. You'll get the best weather for exploring everything from the pristine beaches to the lush national parks. Sure, you might encounter more people, but for those prime outdoor explorations, it's absolutely worth it. If you're all about chasing those perfect camping and hiking conditions, this is when you want to be there.

For those keen to dodge the biggest crowds and maybe snag a few lower prices, the shoulder season (April to May and September to November) is ideal. It's often still got heaps of decent weather and is actually perfect for hiking and many outdoor activities that might feel a bit too toasty in the peak of summer. Autumn (March-May) especially offers stunning colours and crisp days!

And for all you snow bunnies out there, winter (June to August) is when you want to book your trip! It's ideal for skiing and snowboarding, especially in popular spots like Queenstown and Whakapapa.

No matter when you decide to have your adventure, it's always a smart move to consider grabbing some travel insurance. It's just a bit of peace of mind to cover any unforeseen events or changes to your trip – no worries, mate!

Our Stray Mates just chilling near Franz Josef Glacier

What Will Your Adventure Tour Cost?

Now, coming to the backbone of any vacation or trip, the funds needed to make it happen. Group tours vary greatly in cost, depending on the length of the trip, activities, accommodations, and the level of luxury. But rest assured, there is a tour that meets expectations for everyone!

While the upfront cost of a tour might seem significant, remember you're often paying for transportation, accommodation, most meals, activities, and expert guiding – all wrapped into one convenient package. And some tours like Stray even offer payment plans that give you 6 months to pay for the total cost while only requiring an initial deposit at the time booking, relieving some of that payment stress.

Here are some breakdowns of potential costs for the group tours that are usually not included within the packages:

• Flights: Your flight tickets to and from New Zealand (or the specific spot your tour kicks off from) are typically a separate cost.

• Optional Activities: This is where the adrenaline junkies might open their wallets a bit more. While many tours include awesome activities, those big-ticket, heart-thumping adventures often aren't in the base price. Think about budgeting extra for stuff like:

  • Bungee jumping: You're generally looking at around $200-$300 NZD for one jump.

  • Skydiving: This can range from about $300-$500 NZD, depending on the height and location.

  • Jet boating: Expect to fork out roughly $100-$150 NZD.

  • Heli-hiking/ice climbing: These unique experiences can be a bit pricier, often in the $400-$700 NZD range.

  • Other adventure activities like whitewater rafting or canyoning might be around $150-$250 NZD.

• Meals & Drinks: While many tours cover a good chunk of your dining activities, especially breakfasts and some dinners, you might find yourself needing to cover some lunches, extra dinners, or all your snacks and beverages. Always check the itinerary to see exactly what's included so you can keep some of your budget for yummy food. Lunch can range from somewhere short of $10 to $30 if you want to eat in a restaurant or cafe. Dinner for a solo traveller also can vary but a good fish and chips (kiwi classic) is around $10-$15 upwards depending on how posh you want to go. 

• Personal Spending & Souvenirs: You will definitely want to have some cash for souvenirs to remember your trip by or gifts for your mates back home.

• Local Transport Outside of Tour: If you've got free time and decide to explore a town or city on your own, you'll need to factor in costs for local buses, taxis, or Ubers. Most tours will handle getting you from A to B during the organised bits, but your solo explorations are on you.

• Luxury Upgrades: Just a heads-up that while budget-friendly options exist, luxury tours can certainly cost upwards of $500 NZD per day, offering high-end accommodations and exclusive experiences if you're keen to splurge.

Booking Tips and Tricks

• Book your tour in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season, which is the New Zealand summer.

• Check out our What to pack blog to make sure you have everything you need for your vacation to go as hassle-free as possible.

• Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance to cover any unexpected events or changes to your trip.

Stray Mates conquering Mount Cook Hooker Valley Track

Safe Travels, Mate!

New Zealand is a safe country, with low crime rates, amazingly friendly people and tourism that's pretty much world-class. When you're on a group tour, the operators are all about your safety, packing experienced guides and thorough risk assessments into every trip. That means you can kick back and have a peaceful tour without a single worry about safety.

Plus, if you're flying solo, your tour operator's got your back big time; you can totally expect loads of support and guidance, with 24/7 assistance available if you ever need a hand. Picking a tour operator, like Stray, that offers that high level of support is just the go for a stress-free trip.

Your Dream NZ Adventure Awaits!

So, there you have it! Solo travel in New Zealand doesn't have to mean tackling everything alone. With a group tour, you get all the perks: stress-free planning, local insights, incredible social vibes, and a safe way to explore this truly stunning country. You'll make memories that'll last a lifetime and probably even pick yourself up a few new best mates along the way.

So what are you waiting for? Secure your spot on a group tour and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. New Zealand is calling, and your epic adventure is just a booking away!

Find out more about our New Zealand adventure tours