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- Silver Operator
- Thrifty Tours
- In-depth Cultural
- Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
- Group Tour
- Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
- Partially Guided
- Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
- Guided in English
- Group Size 2 - 50
- Age range 1 to 100
Places You’ll See
Highlights
- Scenic journey from Queenstown to Franz Josef
- Visit Lake Wanaka, Hawea and the West Coast Glaciers
- See the awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier
- Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
Itinerary
- Introduction
- Day 1 Queenstown to Franz Josef with Great Sights
- Day 2 Explore the West Coast Glacier region
- Day 3 Franz Josef to Greymouth, then take the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch
What's Included
- Guide
- 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
- Meals
- Optional
- Additional Services
Adventure Type
- Group AdventuresJoin a group and forge lifelong friendships.What to expect
- Group of 50 travelers max.
- Fast booking confirmation
- Carefully planned itineraries
- Travel with like-minded people
- Personalized AdventuresCustomize an existing itinerary or create your own.What to expect
- Choose your preferred dates and duration
- Upgrade your accommodation
- Customize the itineraries
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 moreCustomer Reviews
- Overall RatingGood
- PBPetra· March 12th, 2020Very good communication Very good information...Show moreTrip date: March 2020
Dates & Availability
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- 24/7 customer support
- Earn $50 in travel credits
- Free eSim with every purchase
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- From Sunday8 Jun, 2025To Tuesday10 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$2,235
- From Monday9 Jun, 2025To Wednesday11 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$2,235
- From Tuesday10 Jun, 2025To Thursday12 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$2,235
- From Wednesday11 Jun, 2025To Friday13 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$2,235
- From Thursday12 Jun, 2025To Saturday14 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$2,235
- From Friday13 Jun, 2025To Sunday15 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$2,235
- From Saturday14 Jun, 2025To Monday16 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$2,235
- From Sunday15 Jun, 2025To Tuesday17 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$2,235
- From Monday16 Jun, 2025To Wednesday18 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$2,235
- From Tuesday17 Jun, 2025To Thursday19 Jun, 2025EnglishThis departure date is available and will 100% departGuaranteed departureMultiple Room TypesFrom:$2,235
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What our customers ask about this tour
The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.- P
Patricia
Asked on May 17th, 2022Im interested on booking the West Coast Glaciers and Scenic TranzAlpine Train - 3 Days tour, I have check the time table for the tranzalpine train and in the website said that is working only on weekends and I feel a little confused, I just want to make sure that the train will be available to take on Thursday before I booked with you. Another question that I have is the tour have any discount for children of ages 9 and 11?
Thrifty ToursOperator•Written May 2022Unfortunately it is not possible to do the tour between June 24-26. The coach from Queenstown to Franz Josef departs either on a Thurs or Saturday, so starting on Friday the 24th isn't possible. If you started on Thursday the 23rd of June, I would highly recommend that you spend 2 nights in Franz Josef to actually experience the town (otherwise you will only arrive when it is dark and you won't see much).
- P
Patricia
Traveler•Written May 2022The other option that I'm thinking if is possible is to book the tour for the June 25th.. do you think this can be possible?. We looking bedding enough for 5 people (3 adult and 2 kids). although kids of ages 9 and 11 can share a bed.
- Thrifty ToursOperator•Written May 2022
It would be possible to do the tour on the 25th of June, but if you do it as it is currently laid out, you will not have any time to experience Franz Josef due to the limited daylight hours. I would recommend that you spend 2 nights in Franz Josef (the night of the 25th and the 26th) and take the train on 27th June.
- P
Patricia
Traveler•Written May 2022Hello The total price to pay is in US dollars or NZ dollars?
- Thrifty ToursOperator•Written May 2022
The total price you see is in USD (USD $2,249.06). Our office is currently closed but will reopen tomorrow if you have further questions.
P4 more answers - T
Tammy
Asked on May 15th, 2022On day 2 of the tour in Franz Josef, what is included? The description mentions heli-hiking and/or a guided walk along the valley but it's unclear if either of these are part of the tour itself.
- Thrifty ToursOperator•Written May 2022
The itinerary as set out in that document is the best way of doing it. You could an activity such as a helihike or a kayaking activity on that free day as well.
- C
Crystal
Asked on May 3rd, 2022Can we book a triple room? Child is 9 yrs.
- Thrifty ToursOperator•Written May 2022
Unfortunately due to the coach schedules, you would have to take a private transfer from Franz Josef to Greymouth instead of the coach leg. The trip cost would increase.
- C
Crystal
Traveler•Written May 2022Could you tell me the cost of the private coach? I am looking for 1 triple occupancy room at a 4 star accommodation.
- Thrifty ToursOperator•Written May 2022
Unfortunately due to the trains and coach schedules, this tour will not be possible for your dates.
C2 more answers
Good to Know
Tour ID: 183928
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