From
NZ $4,559

10 Day South Island National Parks

10 days
Start and end in Christchurch
4.9
10 traveler reviews
10 Day South Island National Parks - Thrifty Tours
From
NZ $4,559
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $1,009 now + easy payments of $269 Learn More

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Plan your adventure:
Explorer
Curated to ignite your sense of adventure
Self-guided
Independent exploration, backed by expert advice and support
Guided in English
Age range 1 to 100
Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Highlights

  • Cruise on the magical waters of Milford Sound
  • Ride through towering mountains on the TranzAlpine
  • Spend the night at the base of Mount Cook
  • Gaze in awe at the stunning Franz Josef Glacier

Itinerary

Expand All
  1. Introduction
  1. Day 1 Welcome to Christchurch
  2. Day 2 Christchurch to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
  3. Day 3 Explore the World Heritage area that is Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
  4. Day 4 Mount Cook National Park to Queenstown
  5. Day 5 Free day to explore Queenstown
  6. Day 6 Milford Sound day tour with Real Journeys
  7. Day 7 Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
  8. Day 8 Explore Franz Josef and the Glacier region
  9. Day 9 Franz Josef to Greymouth train station, Tranz Alpine train to Christchurch
  10. Day 10 Depart Christchurch today
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What's Included

Expand All
  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Additional Services
  • Transport
  • Free eSIM
    TourRadar offers the lead traveler (the person who booked) a free 1GB eSIM for the trip. The eSIM is redeemable only through the TourRadar app 72 hours before departure.

What's Not Included

  • Flights
  • Meals
  • Optional
  • Additional Services

Operated by

Thrifty Tours

Number of tours

28

Age Range

5 to 99 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

100%

It's all about enjoying the flexibility of travelling where you want when you...

Read more

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Customer Reviews

  • Overall Rating
    Excellent
    4.9
  • Itinerary
    Excellent
    4.8
  • Guide
    Excellent
    4.4
  • Transport
    Excellent
    4.4
  • Accommodation
    Excellent
    4.4
  • Food
    Good
    4.0
  • 4.5
  • Most Recent
  • Most Popular
  • Highest First
  • Lowest First
  • A
    · July 7th, 2024
    Just all brilliant , best experience ever
    Show more
    Trip date: May 2024
  • A
    · July 7th, 2024
    In my late 70’s and had one of the best experiences of my life
    Show more
    Thrifty Tours commented on this review
    Hi Adrian, I am very pleased to hear that. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, much appreciated. You take care and we hope to see you again some time soon. Kind regards, Marissa
    Trip date: May 2024
  • A
    · July 7th, 2024
    Enough time at each venue to appreciate the sights
    Show more
    Trip date: May 2024
  • AB
    · July 7th, 2024
    Made to feel very special. Looked after so well every day. Couldn’t fault anything
    Show more
    Thrifty Tours commented on this review
    Hello Adrian, I hope everything went well with your holiday. I am delighted to hear that the team made you feel special and well looked after, you are such a valuable client and you are most welcome. We thank you for sharing your experience with us. I... Show more
    Trip date: May 2024
  • 10 Day South Island National Parks reviewer 5
    · January 7th, 2024
    Every little detail was taken care of. Marissa, our organizer, was fantastic. She communicated in a timely and professional manner. It was a truly marvelous experience!
    Show more
    Thrifty Tours commented on this review
    Kia Ora Kenia, We are delighted to hear that you had such a fantastic experience. Thank you very much for taking the time to write a review for us. It is my pleasure to help you make sure everything goes well and smooth. All the best with your... Show more
    Trip date: December 2023
  • GK
    · May 28th, 2023
    Fantastic tour. The pick ups were always on time! The accommodation arranged were all good and near to eateries~ Love the day tour too particularly from Christchurch to Mt Cook and Queenstown to Franz Josef! Thank u Malissa too for always prompt and reliable!
    Show more
    Thrifty Tours commented on this review
    Thank you for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic tour and that the pick-ups were always on time. We'll make sure to pass on your appreciation to Marissa for her prompt and reliable service. We truly appreciate your kind... Show more
    Trip date: May 2023
  • 10 Day South Island National Parks reviewer 7
    · May 6th, 2023
    Enjoyed the tour...was a very good experience
    Show more
    Thrifty Tours commented on this review
    Thanks Gerardine! We are so glad you enjoyed your tour :)
    Trip date: October 2022
  • 10 Day South Island National Parks reviewer 8
    · November 9th, 2022
    Overall a very good experience. Staff responded very quickly to any query or difficulty
    Show more
    Thrifty Tours commented on this review
    Thank you so much for your kind review Gerardine. It's great to hear that you had a very good holiday experience. Thank you for choosing us for your South Island adventure!
    Trip date: October 2022
  • DW
    · March 22nd, 2020
    Fantastic! I was pleased with the accommodations, especially at Mt Cook. I love that I was in the motel where I could walk in and out from my room sit and see the snow top Mtns while I soaked up the warm sun (22 C).
    Show more
    Thrifty Tours commented on this review
    That's fantastic feedback Deborah! I'm glad to hear you had a great time here in New Zealand, especially in Mt Cook!
    Trip date: March 2020
  • SR
    · March 17th, 2020
    I couldnt fault this trip if I tried. There was...
    Show more
    Thrifty Tours commented on this review
    That's so great to hear Sarah! I hope you had a great time here in New Zealand! We really value this feedback.
    Trip date: March 2020

Dates & Availability

10 days
10 Day South Island National Parks
From Christchurch to Christchurch

Why book with TourRadar?

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    • Rated excellent on
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    • 24/7 customer support
    • Earn $50 in travel credits
    • Free eSim with every purchase

    To protect your payment and ensure your booking will be processed in Australia, never transfer or communicate outside of the TourRadar website or app.

More benefits
Select a departure month
  • Upcoming departures
  • June 2025
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Upcoming departures
  • From Monday
    9 Jun, 2025
    To Wednesday
    18 Jun, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
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    To Thursday
    19 Jun, 2025
    English
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    To Friday
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    21 Jun, 2025
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    To Sunday
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    To Monday
    23 Jun, 2025
    English
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    24 Jun, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    From:
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    To Wednesday
    25 Jun, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    From:
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    To Thursday
    26 Jun, 2025
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    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    From:
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  • From Wednesday
    18 Jun, 2025
    To Friday
    27 Jun, 2025
    English
    This departure date is available and will 100% depart
    Guaranteed departure
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    From:
    $4,559
From
NZ $4,559
Find this price
Save and compare this adventure
Payment plan $1,009 now + easy payments of $269 Learn More

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.
All questions
  • L

    Levy

    Asked on February 5th, 2025

    What if I have specific dietary restrictions?

    Meals
    • Thrifty ToursOperatorWritten February 2025

      We cater to various dietary restrictions. Please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements with the meal providers during your tour.

  • J

    Jon

    Asked on October 12th, 2024

    What types of transport are used between tour locations?

    Transport
    • Thrifty ToursOperatorWritten October 2024

      The transport options vary depending on the tour, typically including private coaches, trains, and occasionally domestic flights.

  • A

    Andre

    Asked on September 29th, 2024

    How can I add extra activities to my itinerary?

    Tour Details
    • Thrifty ToursOperatorWritten October 2024

      Extra activities can be added to your itinerary either at the time of booking or during the tour. Please let us know your preferences and we will arrange for the same.

  • M

    Manon

    Asked on September 28th, 2024

    What should I do if my tour itinerary or dates change?

    Tour Details
    Travel Support
    • Thrifty ToursOperatorWritten September 2024

      If there are any changes to your itinerary or tour dates, we will update you accordingly through your preferred communication channel and ensure your itinerary is adjusted to fit the new dates.

  • C

    Catherine

    Asked on August 4th, 2024

    How do I handle a medical emergency during the tour?

    Other
    Travel Support
    • Thrifty ToursOperatorWritten August 2024

      In case of a medical emergency, contact the tour guide immediately. Emergency contact numbers and medical facilities details are provided in your tour packet.

  • J

    Jochen

    Asked on July 4th, 2024

    What are the accommodation types and names of the hotels used in the tour?

    Accommodation
    • Thrifty ToursOperatorWritten July 2024

      The tour typically includes various accommodation types ranging from hotels to motels. Specific names of accommodations along with room types will be provided in your tour itinerary.

  • R

    Riad Atlas

    Asked on May 29th, 2024

    Do you arrange transportation for airport pickups?

    Flights / Transfers
    Transport
    • Thrifty ToursOperatorWritten May 2024

      Yes, airport pickups can be arranged as part of your tour. Please provide your arrival details to ensure timely service.

  • J

    Jean-Yves

    Asked on February 23rd, 2024

    Can I bring large luggage on the tour?

    Transport
    • Thrifty ToursOperatorWritten February 2024

      Yes, you can bring large luggage, but please be aware of the luggage limits specified for your tour to ensure comfort and convenience for all travelers.

  • J

    Jacob

    Asked on February 18th, 2024

    What are the check-in and check-out times for accommodations?

    Accommodation
    • Thrifty ToursOperatorWritten February 2024

      Check-in and check-out times vary but are generally similar to hotel standards approximately check-in around 3 PM and check-out by 11 AM.

  • M

    Max

    Asked on December 25th, 2023

    Can you assist with visa applications for New Zealand?

    Travel Support
    Visa
    • Thrifty ToursOperatorWritten December 2023

      While we do not directly handle visa applications, we can direct you to the official New Zealand Immigration website where you can find all necessary information and apply for a visa.

Can’t find the answer to your question?
Reach out to the experts at Thrifty Tours with your enquiry, they usually respond within 1 day.

Good to Know

Tour ID: 140936

  • Currency
    $
    New Zealand Dollar
    New Zealand
  • Plugs & Adapters

    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 5th, 2025 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 5th, 2025, a minimum payment of 20% is required to confirm your booking with Thrifty Tours. 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 Thrifty Tours will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
    • The following cards are accepted for "Thrifty Tours" 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
  • 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.