South Island, New Zealand

The South Island of New Zealand is one of the world's great road-trip canvases — glaciers, fiords, golden beaches, and mountain passes all within a loop you can absolutely do yourself. This self-launched itinerary mirrors Stray Travel's popular Takahe Select route, swapping the guided coach for a mix of InterCity buses, shared shuttles, and a rental car stretch where it makes sense. You'll hit every landmark on the original — Abel Tasman, the West Coast, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and Lake Tekapo — staying in equivalent hostels and budget hotels at a fraction of the guided-tour price. All activities are self-bookable via GetYourGuide, Klook, or direct with local operators. Costs below are approximate per-person estimates for a solo budget traveller sharing accommodation where possible.

Travel Crew

~£980

Skip the group bus and do the South Island your way — same epic route, same iconic stops, a fraction of the price. This self-launched itinerary covers Christchurch, Abel Tasman National Park, the West Coast, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Milford Sound, and Lake Tekapo independently using InterCity coaches, local shuttles, and self-booked water taxis. You'll stay in the same hostels Stray uses (or near-identical alternatives), book your own activities via GetYourGuide and Klook, and pocket roughly £1,000 in savings per person. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£845

Experience the best of New Zealand's South Island independently — from the iconic TranzAlpine train ride across the Southern Alps to the glaciers of the West Coast, the adrenaline capital of Queenstown, the wilderness of Fiordland, and the alpine grandeur of Mount Cook. This self-launched version follows the same route as Stray Travel's Kaka Select tour, swapping the guided group bus for local shuttles, intercity coaches, and rental options, while keeping accommodation comfortable at budget-friendly motels and hostels. All key activities — the TranzAlpine train, Milford Sound cruise, Kepler Track, and Lake Tekapo — are bookable independently. Estimated cost is roughly £950–£1,100 per person, saving you over £800 versus the Stray Travel operator price.

Travel Crew

~£960