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About Independent Coach Touring in NZ

What is an independent coach tour?

An independent coach tour makes use of the national coach network whilst still providing door-to-door service. They allow you to take in the views without having to worry about driving. We build the itineraries around your wishes, allowing you to spend as much or as little time in the locations you want to visit. Independent coach tours fit around your flights and any other commitments you might have while you are in New Zealand.

A major point of difference between these and escorted coach tours is that you do not travel with the same group of individuals for the duration of your tour, nor do you have a tour leader who stays with you.

How do you organise your own custom coach tour?

By contacting our vastly experienced team by phone, email or chat to talk about your plans and interests they'll create a coach travel and holiday itinerary that is perfect for your needs. They'll know your coach travel options every step along your dream route as well as some you probably won't have dreamed of or come across in your own research.

Contact our team to find out more about independent coach tours and whether they are the right choice for you on your New Zealand Vacation. 

What other options of coach touring are there?

Touring New Zealand by coach is a great way to see New Zealand's beauty. You get to relax and experience the best the country has to offer while leaving the job of planning, organising and driving to experienced travel operators and agents. 

There are three main types or styles of coach touring available in New Zealand.  These are independent touring, escorted touring and small group touring.

At Thrifty Tours New Zealand, we offer Independent Touring, which gives you the greatest flexibility to plan your New Zealand Tour around what you want to do. Independent Tours depart daily, and you and choose where you go and when you go.

If you prefer to travel on an escorted or small group tours, we also offer these through our sister site New Zealand Coach Tours.

Unsure which type of tour is right for you? Contact our team to discuss your travel plans and they can set you on the right path.

What can I expect the coaches & buses to be like?

The coaches used for our Independent coach tours are operated by Great Sights, Intercity, Real Journeys and other top-quality operators.

The coaches comply with the most stringent safety tests. Great Sights and Real Journeys coaches are purposely designed for tours, offering great seating, air conditioning, panoramic windows and commentary. Some coaches have free wi-fi onboard. Intercity coaches are used on some shorter routes and these offer air conditioning and very comfortable seating.

What time do the coaches leave?

Independent coach tours departure times vary from location to location. Ask one of our consultants to give you a daily breakdown for the tour you are interested in by contacting them here. You can't beat first hand advice from a Travel Specialist on the ground, right here in New Zealand!

Do the coaches have toilets on board?

The coaches used on independent tours may have toilets on some of the routes. However, the coaches on all tours will usually stop on average every 2 hours for comfort stops.

How many other travellers will be on board?

 Independent tour coaches can hold around 48 passengers maximum if full.

Do independent coach tours incorporate the TranzAlpine train journey?

If you are looking to include a scenic train journey in your New Zealand Itinerary, you're in luck. All Thrifty Tours can include one or more of these wonderful journeys. If you are on a South Island tour, you can travel on the Tranz Alpine Train between Christchurch and Greymouth or the Coastal Pacific between Picton and Christchurch. In the North Island you can include the Northern Explorer.

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Looking for more help planning your New Zealand tour?

Our team of New Zealand specialists can help you with your questions. We can create a holiday to suit your interests, accommodation requirements, self drive or by coach & bus. Whatever you want we can arrange. Just get in touch with us today.

About Discover New Zealand

Discover New Zealand is part of the New Zealand Fine Touring Group of companies. It specialises in self drive, seat in coach and guided coach touring holidays across New Zealand's North & South Islands. We have hundreds of tour ideas listed to inspire you or give you an indication of what is possible to achieve on your New Zealand adventure. Whether it is a luxury fully guided coach tour or a self driven off the beaten track adventure, we have something suitable for everyone. Our wide range of tour lengths and tour prices give you options and are tailor-made so we can build the itinerary to suit your interests and needs.
Our team of consultants are all 100% Pure New Zealand Certified specialists and are passionate about designing your New Zealand holiday. Our consultation service is free and our quotes are provided with no obligation. Based in the heart of Wanaka you can be assured you will get the best local advice when planning your dream holiday to New Zealand. Contact one of our experienced team today.
Discover New Zealand is also Qualmark Gold Certified. This is Tourism New Zealand's official measure of how our business impacts the environment and our team are proud to have achieved the highest level of quality.