Enjoy the flexibility to follow your own path at your own pace with the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is arranged in advance by experienced travel professionals. Take an independent coach tour with Thrifty New Zealand.
Begin your journey traversing the island by rail and continue on to see for yourself the contrasting scenery of the East and West Coasts.
Explore the Southern Alps, its glaciers and mountains as well as time in Queenstown to enjoy the alpine adventure atmosphere. Includes a glacier explorers tour in Mt Cook, an exciting Shotover jet Boat ride and the Tranz Alpine train journey.
Begin your journey traversing the island by rail and continue on to see for yourself the contrasting scenery of the East and West Coasts.
Embark on a journey of Middle Earth and New Zealand. Visit official sites used in the filming of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, whilst visiting some of New Zealand's most stunning attractions including glowworm caves, active geysers, dramatic mountains and deep fiords.
This 7 day highlights tour includes Dunedin, Milford Sound, plus a wonderful cruise through the sound and time to explore Queenstown before returning to Christchurch via Mt Cook National Park.
This is one of our most popular 9 day South Island touring itineraries. Travel the coastline from Christchurch to Dunedin with an afternoon to explore the 'Edinburgh of the South'. Cross the rich farmland of Southland to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. Then visit Milford Sound and a 2 1/2 hour nature cruise. Return to Queenstown for 2 nights and a full day to explore at your leisure. Your journey continues north to the rugged West Coast and the unique Franz Josef region. A full day to fully enjoy the regions walks and unique activities. Then its onto Greymouth where you board the world famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train for your return across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
The 7 Day Alpine Express explores all the natural beauty of the West Coast Glaciers, the Southern Lakes region, Fiordland and Mt Cook National Park. You’ll also enjoy 3 nights in the alpine ‘Adventure Capital’ of Queenstown.
This 8 day tour is great for people who wish to experience as much as they can in the upper North Island. Learn about New Zealand's history, cruise around the Bay of Islands, travel to Rotorua via Hobbiton village and experience New Zealand's geothermal capital before returning to Auckland via Waitomo Caves.
This classic 9 day tour introduces you to Mt Cook National Park, Queenstown. Fiordland, Milford Sound and the West Coast Glaciers and includes the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train journey.
Arrive into Christchurch then cross the Southern Alps on board the Tranz Alpine train. Explore the West Coast Glaciers before heading south to Queenstown. Venture into Milford Sound for a wonderful full day experience and cruise. The World Heritage area of Mt Cook National Park is also a highlight.