About Thrifty Tours New Zealand
Over 30 years of New Zealand touring
Showing visitors around New Zealand is what we love to do. Our range of flexible tour packages depart every single day and with more than 200 great ideas to inspire you we offer the largest choice.
Based in Wanaka overlooking the lakes and mountains of the South Island, our team has first-hand knowledge of everything New Zealand. This means you get the best local, relevant and up to date advice when planning your New Zealand holiday.
Thrifty Tours was started in 1997 and since 2017 has been part of the New Zealand Fine Touring Group. Currently located in Wanaka, South Island New Zealand the team of NZ travel experts can modify any of our ideas to suit you perfectly. With hundreds of accommodation and activity ideas to choose from, we can tailor-make the ideal itinerary for you.
Our Company Values
Stay True - Each day we choose to work with integrity, honesty and to be completely authentic with our team, suppliers and clients.
Band Together - We collaborate, empathise and support the people we work with, customers, clients and the great team we are a part of.
Look Beyond - Here at Thrifty Tours New Zealand, we are always looking to adapt, be innovative, flexible and fair in an ever-changing travel market.
Empower - Within our business, we love to empower all our clients to choose the best experience for them. We are here to support you all of the way!
See our 'how it works' page to get all the answers on why you should book with Thrifty Tours.
Meet our Travel Specialists
Travel Specialist
I have been at Thrifty Tours for many years now, so I have a wealth of knowledge and am 100% focused on making sure your journey is completely focussed around YOU. I grew up in New Zealand and spent many holidays venturing along the shores of this glorious coastline. If you're after a little adventure then get in touch and let me help.
My favourite place: Marlborough Sounds, is such a stunning and tranquil setting.
Make an appointment here to talk to me when it suits you.
Travel Specialist
I have worked as a New Zealand travel specialist for many years, so I know plenty of hidden gems and local secrets across the country. When I'm not at work planning other peoples awesome holidays, I love to get out on my mountain bike and also catch as many live music concerts as I can!
My favourite place: Hot Water Beach. At this amazing location, you can dig a hole in the sand and wait for the thermally heated water to rise up, creating your own personal hot pool!
Make an appointment here to talk to me when it suits you.
Travel Specialist
Australian's like myself LOVE New Zealand. The cities are small and full of character and you're never too far from an adventure. Send me an email today and let's kick start your holiday now!
My favourite place: Queenstown, like me you'll love the adventure!
Make an appointment here to talk to me when it suits you.
Travel Specialist
Before I joined Thrifty Tours, I spent time on the ice at Scott Base in Antarctica and worked as a travel guide in New Zealand. Now I look forward to helping you explore in New Zealand. As an avid chocolate fan I also encourage you to try our delicious Whittakers, the creamy milk is something special!
My favourite place: Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island, it's not just beautiful, the sandboarding there is fantastic fun.
Make an appointment here to talk to me when it suits you.
Travel Specialist
I was born in South Africa and spent many years living in London, now I am enjoying the calm pace of life and serenity in New Zealand. Wanaka is a great spot to call home, but there are so many places to enjoy. I am happy to take your ideas and design you a tour that will stay in your memory forever.
My favourite place: Waitomo, adventuring in the Waitomo caves was one of the best adventures I have ever had and an absolute must-do on any North Island tour.
Make an appointment here to talk to me when it suits you.
Travel Specialist
For over 20 years I have been showing people the world, and I love it. It is great to be able to piece together people's New Zealand wish lists whilst and share the awesome place I call home. When I am not planning unique NZ tours I can be found juggling 2 busy children at home in beautiful Wanaka.
My favourite place: Doubtful Sound
Make an appointment here to talk to me when it suits you.
Travel Specialist
I am lucky enough to be a born and raised kiwi and there is something special about being able to sell your home country to people overseas and knowing that you will give them the most amazing experience from chatting to a local. I can recommend hiking trails and activities to get you out and enjoying the serenity and beauty of this place I call home.
My favourite place: Rotorua, there is always something happening, great nature, adventure and cultural experiences.
Make an appointment here to talk to me when it suits you.
Sales Manager
A problem solver at heart Liz is here to make sure our team of consultants have all the tools they need to make your New Zealand holiday dreams come true.
My favourite place: Raglan. Add this to your itinerary if you like to surf or just want to explore one of New Zealand's quirkiest small towns.
Travel Support
First experiencing the South Island on a family road trip as a child, I still find I can't get enough of the stunning scenery our country has to offer. Coming off a long career as an international travel consultant I'm excited to now be selling New Zealand as a destination and the variety of experiences it has to offer.
My favourite place: The Wild West Coast
Make an appointment here to talk to me when it suits you.
See what other guests have to say abut Thrifty Tours
Check out the latest 10 reviews below or see all our reviews here.
This was a great tour. Chelsea was very helpful and on top of things even with last minute challenges due to weather. The accommodation was great - especially at Kaikoura and the two Scenic Suites. The whale watching tour was fantastic and having tickets ready to go for everything made everything easy. All the drivers who picked us up for transfers were ready for us and very friendly and helpful. Thanks again!
We enjoyed this bus tour and would do it again. We had great service from the staff, and associated companies looking for Chrissy's missing shoulder purse, which was found. The meal on the Milford Sound cruise was substantial. We had a great view of fresh snow on Friday morning leaving Franz Josef.
The tour was amazing! I love the fact that everything was taken care of and we have the app to keep track of our itinerary which is very handy! Thank you so much.
Hi Chelsea, We really enjoyed our South Island trip; the accommodation was excellent but unfortunately, the weather was wet, windy, and cold each day except for the perfect ferry crossing home on the last day. Thanks for going the extra mile arranging pickups from buses to motels, much appreciated, especially with the bad weather. I would certainly recommend to anyone wanting hassle-free travel to contact you first. Thanks for the memories 😎
New Zealand is precious and however we travel, we all have a responsibility to look after this country.
The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand now and for future generations. We at Thrifty Tours are committed to this promise.
By following the Tiaki Promise, you are also making a commitment to New Zealand and acting as a guardian protecting and preserving our home.
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