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Best price guarantee Learn More
- Silver Operator
- Thrifty Tours
- In-depth Cultural
- Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
- Private Tour
- Travel exclusively with your friends and family
- Self-guided
- Independent exploration, backed by expert advice and support
- Guided in English
- Age range 1 to 100
Places You’ll See
Highlights
- Explore the wonders of the Taieri Gorge
- Let loose in the adventure capital of Queenstown
- Visit Lake Wanaka, Hawea and the West Coast glaciers
- Discover the natural beauty of Milford Sound
Itinerary
- Introduction
- Day 1 Christchurch to Dunedin by Intercity coach
- Day 2 Today head into Queenstown via the Southern Scenic Route
- Day 3 A full day tour into Milford Sound including a cruise
- Day 4 A full day to explore Queenstown at leisure. Entrance to the Skyline Gondola is included
- Day 5 Travel through Lake Wanaka, Hawea and the Wild West Coast to Glacier Country
- Day 6 Today cross the Southern Alps on the world famous TranzAlpine Scenic Train
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Guide
- Meals
- Additional Services
- Transport
- Free eSIMTourRadar 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
- Insurance
- 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
95%
It's all about enjoying the flexibility of travelling where you want when you...
Read moreCustomer Reviews
- Overall RatingGood
- ItineraryGood
- GuideAverage
- TransportGood
- AccommodationGood
- ABANDREW· August 27th, 2023Everything worked perfectly, no hitches, fairly...Show more
Thrifty Tours commented on this reviewHi Andrew! It is great to hear you enjoyed the South Island in August. It is such a beautiful time to visit with the snow-capped Southern Alps. Thank you for sharing your experience.Trip date: August 2023 - JTJames· March 24th, 2023Two legs of the trip was on Intercity buses,...Show moreThrifty Tours commented on this reviewHello James, We are thrilled to know that you had a great time and thank you for sharing your experience with us, we value your feedback, and thank you very much for your time. The Thrifty Tours TeamTrip date: February 2023
- DFDebbie· March 20th, 2023Recurrent issues not correctly dealt with, even after sending e-mail to the ground tour operator. Would not recommend this tour to anybody else and would appreciate a correct response should you wish to improve your service or even answer my complaints. From old coaches, to not getting sitting together on another trip, to no show of private transfers late at night, to looking forward to spending end of tour “in a luxury coach”, as advised by tour operator, to instead getting a car with driver guide who had finished up a job the night before and being told he was now doing the job to transfer us from Queenstown and insisting we stop at far too many beautiful sights which we were not wanting to do, to sitting with our driver for lunch (could hardly say that we would have prepared to spend lunch on our own, to being put in a motel on first night of tour, where outside door would not lock and reception “it will be fine, we have cameras ! and which was far below standards, even by the standard of the other two lovely motels we happily were accommodated in. To being put in a hotel on final night that had only opened with no bar and no dinner facilities, despite the fact we did not get to hotel till after 8.30 pm as again the taxi transfer booked for us had taken another fare as train was late and we had to wait for 20 minutes for him to come back. I am personally in the tourism industry for 40 years in Ireland and I can honestly say that this was the worst trip that could ever be offered to our age group, late 60’s, despite we are fit and healthy as the buses, with delays etc means you get into a destination, usually after 8pm and are expected to be back on the road at 7am to see the next amazing thing that NZ has to offer . Yer you advertise it as up to 99 years which is false advertising. Also we spoke with two ladies on same tour from the Uk and they go double the accommodation, plus additional ferry from north Island and train to Christchurch for less than we paid for a 5 overnight trip!!Show moreThrifty Tours commented on this reviewWe apologise that your recent Independent Coach Tour of the lower South Island did not live up to your expectations. We want you to know that our team was quick to respond to your initial email at the beginning of your tour and provided an in-country... Show moreTrip date: March 2023
Dates & Availability
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- 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.
- From Saturday21 Jun, 2025To Thursday26 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$3,545
- From Sunday22 Jun, 2025To Friday27 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$3,545
- From Monday23 Jun, 2025To Saturday28 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$3,545
- From Tuesday24 Jun, 2025To Sunday29 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$3,545
- From Wednesday25 Jun, 2025To Monday30 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$3,545
- From Thursday26 Jun, 2025To Tuesday1 Jul, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$3,545
- From Friday27 Jun, 2025To Wednesday2 Jul, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$3,545
- From Saturday28 Jun, 2025To Thursday3 Jul, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$3,545
- From Sunday29 Jun, 2025To Friday4 Jul, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$3,545
- From Monday30 Jun, 2025To Saturday5 Jul, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$3,545
What our customers ask about this tour
The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.- J
Jessica
Asked on March 21st, 2025How are transport arrangements handled?
Thrifty ToursOperator•Written March 2025Transport includes transfers from the airport to the accommodation and for scheduled tours. Some tours may require you to make your own way to starting points.
- K
Kevin
Asked on February 2nd, 2025What is the policy on tipping?
- Thrifty ToursOperator•Written February 2025
Tipping is not customary and is not included as a hidden cost. However, discretionary tipping for exceptional service is always appreciated.
- M
Max
Asked on December 19th, 2024Are flights included in the tour package?
- Thrifty ToursOperator•Written December 2024
Flights are not typically included in the tour packages. You are advised to arrange your flights according to the tour start dates and locations.
- A
Ary
Asked on August 21st, 2024Are meals included in the tour?
- Thrifty ToursOperator•Written August 2024
Meals are generally not included except for specific activities such as the Milford Sounds lunch. Accommodations often have kitchen facilities where you can prepare your own meals.
- S
Susan
Asked on August 20th, 2024What age range is suitable for the tours?
- Thrifty ToursOperator•Written August 2024
Tours are suitable for a wide range of ages but some specific activities may have age restrictions.
- L
Lupita
Asked on July 20th, 2024How can I make a payment?
- Thrifty ToursOperator•Written July 2024
Payments can be completed through various forms including credit cards, direct bank transfers, or online payment platforms.
- E
Elke
Asked on May 7th, 2024Is there a single supplement fee for solo travelers?
- Thrifty ToursOperator•Written May 2024
Solo travelers may be required to pay a single supplement fee if they wish to have a private room, depending on accommodation availability.
- D
David
Asked on February 23rd, 2024How do I download the tour itinerary app?
- Thrifty ToursOperator•Written February 2024
The tour itinerary can be downloaded by searching for our app in your mobile's app store. Ensure to download the correct app by checking the logo and details.
- J
João Paulo
Asked on January 21st, 2024Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
- Thrifty ToursOperator•Written January 2024
Specific dietary requirements can typically be accommodated with advance notice. Please specify any dietary needs when you make your booking.
- T
Tahar
Asked on January 4th, 2024What accommodation options are available?
- Thrifty ToursOperator•Written January 2024
Accommodation options typically include one private room with twin beds. Options to upgrade to different accommodation types are often available.
Best price guarantee Learn More
Good to Know
Tour ID: 141105
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