New Zealand Small Group Tours
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10 best New Zealand small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- Epic South Island Hiking & Walking Small Group Tour
- New Zealand Highlights Group Tour | ULTIMATE
- Small group Safari
- Queenstown Southern Loop
- New Zealand Explorer
- New Zealand South Island Adventure (26 destinations)
- Big South
- Premium New Zealand North Island (14 destinations)
- Premium New Zealand South Island (9 destinations)
- New Zealand By Train, Bus & Ferry
Duration 13 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, QueenstownSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 11 Operator Fresh Adventures From
Deal- NZ$7,884
Duration 21 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown Age Range Ages 18-35 Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Ultimate Travel From $4,994
15% Off- NZ$4,245You save $749
The intimate setting enhances visits to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Marlborough Sounds. A German-speaking guide provides dedicated attention, while local English-speaking guides add cultural depth at specific locations.
Duration 21 days Destinations Christchurch, Akaroa, Fairlie, Mount Cook, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Punakaiki, Picton, MarlboroughSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
15% Off- NZ$12,283
Duration 6 days Destinations Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,725
25% Off- NZ$2,794You save $931
New Zealand Explorer
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was very immersive, active, and fun. There was a great mix of activities and lot of adrenaline!”
Deepta, traveled in May
Small groups of 10-15 travelers create close connections at locations like Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton. The average age of 27 brings energetic vibes, with 90% solo travelers enriching social dynamics at stops like Queenstown and Milford Sound.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Raglan, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-39 Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From $3,946
10% Off- NZ$3,551+$592 upfront costsYou save $395
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Kumara, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford SoundSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$6,795
Big South
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My trip was absolutely amazing!! Thank you Tourradar and Wild Kiwi!!!”
Sarah, traveled in February
Groups of 18-20 adventurers, averaging 26 years old, share New Zealand's highlights together. The compact size opens doors to local spots like Te Waikoropupū Springs and wildlife encounters in Kaikoura, while building friendships during luxury transport.
Duration 14 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Marlborough, Kaikoura Age Range Ages 18-39 Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- NZ$3,816+$572 upfront costs
Duration 8 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Ohakune, Wellington Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From
10% Off- NZ$6,850
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Greymouth, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Makarora, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From
10% Off- NZ$9,235
Duration 21 days Destinations Queenstown, Milford Sound, Christchurch, Greymouth, Picton, Wellington, Auckland Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
10% Off- NZ$6,660
Reviews of Small Group tours to New Zealand
- New Zealand Explorer
Fantastic tour, did the NZ explorer 14 day. The north island was incredible, there are so many unique interesting activities to do and Robbie was very organised and got everyone where they wanted to go. The days felt full and we didn't have much downtime until the evenings, highlights were surfing, black water rafting and hobbiton. On the south island we had Big Ben and he was great too and had loads of stories about new zealands history, there was more driving in this week but the views were stunning, highlights were the franz josef heli hike and queenstown. Would recommend this tour to anyone, great group of people, sad for it to end.
- Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches
The trip was amazing!! So many things we did that were exclusive for G Adventures tours only! The tour guides were friendly and very personable. I loved every minute of it!!
- Northern Light from Auckland - Top rated by National Geographic
Great and everyone was awesome and the places too
What our customers ask about New Zealand Small Group Tours
What is the typical group size for small group tours in New Zealand?
Most New Zealand small group tours maintain an intimate atmosphere with 8-16 travelers per group. Tour operators like Wild Kiwi use larger 22-25 seater vehicles but cap attendance at 16 people to ensure comfort and individual attention. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The small group size was really great! Would recommend this to everyone."
How much does a small group tour in New Zealand typically cost?
Daily rates for New Zealand small group tours start at USD 146 and reach USD 270 based on comfort level and included activities. The 14-day New Zealand Explorer by Wild Kiwi starts at USD 2048 (USD 146 per day) covering lodging transport and select meals. Budget tours hover around USD 150 daily while luxury experiences can surpass USD 300.
What style of accommodation can I expect on a small group tour in New Zealand?
Accommodations range from comfortable 3-star hotels to upscale boutique properties. Travelers often stay at locations like Peppers Bluewater Resort near Lake Tekapo or the Crowne Plaza in Queenstown. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "From lakeside hotels to rainforest retreats we enjoyed exceptional premium accommodation in the most beautiful parts of the country."
What's the best duration for a small group tour of New Zealand?
Tours spanning 14 days provide the right balance to explore both islands without rushing through locations. This timeframe allows visitors to experience key spots like Rotorua Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier at a comfortable pace. A TourRadar traveler shared: "14 days was perfect - enough time to really experience each location while maintaining a good pace."
How much driving/traveling time should I expect between destinations?
Travel times between major stops average 3-4 hours with regular breaks for photos and activities. The Queenstown to Franz Josef route takes about 4.5 hours including stops at Lake Wanaka and scenic viewpoints. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Sometimes we had long drives but the vehicle is comfy so we were all happy."
What unique experiences are available on small group tours in New Zealand?
Small groups can access experiences that larger tours cannot such as private wine tastings at Mt Difficulty Vineyard quiet kayaking on Lake Wakatipu and peaceful walks on the Kepler Track. Special accommodations like the historic Theatre Royal Hotel in Kumara become available with smaller numbers. A TourRadar traveler shared: "having a smaller group meant we could stop at hidden waterfalls and secret photo spots that big buses couldn't reach. Our guide shared incredible local stories and we had plenty of time at each location."
How do meal arrangements work on small group tours?
Tours typically cover daily breakfast and selected group dinners. Experiences might include a traditional Māori hangi feast at Te Pa Tu in Rotorua or fresh seafood dining in Kaikoura. Some tours add picnic lunches in places like Abel Tasman National Park. One TourRadar traveler noted "Our guide took us to amazing local spots we would never have found on our own."