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
- Highlights of New Zealand
- Premium - South Island Escape
- New Zealand Explorer
- New Zealand South Island Adventure (13 destinations)
- Big South
- A Self-Drive Odyssey Across New Zealand - Private
- New Zealand: Ultimate 9-Day Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
- New Zealand South Island Adventure (12 destinations)
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$8,063
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 $5,131
10% Off- NZ$4,618You save $513
Highlights of New Zealand
43 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was well-planned, offering a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, cultural experiences, and exciting activities.”
RODRICK, traveled in February
Small groups of 12-16 travelers, averaging 55 years, enjoy exclusive Maori cultural interactions in Rotorua and wildlife viewing in Kaikoura. Boutique accommodations and attention from CEO guides enhance the trip.
Duration 15 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound Age Range Ages 12+ Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $7,919
25% Off- NZ$5,939You save $1,980
Premium - South Island Escape
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We really enjoyed our tour of South Island. It was very well organised and we all had the best time.”
Helen, traveled in February
Groups of 10-12 travelers enjoy exclusive access to boutique lakeside hotels in Te Anau. The intimate size allows personal wine tasting at Mt Difficulty Vineyard and relaxed glacier walks at Franz Josef.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range Ages 18+ Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From
25% Off- NZ$4,657+$698 upfront costs
New Zealand Explorer
23 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The group setting was fun and a nice bonding expensive of people from around the world.”
Lindale, traveled in August
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
25% Off- NZ$3,946+$592 upfront costs
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 $7,595
15% Off- NZ$6,456You save $1,139
Big South
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour lets you be as social or as independent as you'd like. If you've got Julian as a guide, you've got a free source of honest opinions on every area and activity in NZ.”
Jason, traveled in January
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
15% Off- NZ$3,816+$585 upfront costs
The Auckland City Revealed tour features private guides and personalized kayaking in Kaikoura. Small groups enjoy flexible stops at Mirror Lakes and Monkey Creek during Milford Sound tour. Private vehicles ensure smooth passage through Homer Tunnel and along Lake Wakatipu.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Wanaka, Queenstown Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 8 Group Type PrivatePersonalized Operator Vio Travel From $5,204
5% Off- NZ$4,944You save $260
Duration 9 days Destinations Christchurch, Dunedin, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range All Ages Welcome Group Size Max Group Size 12 Operator Across Caribbean Excursions From
5% Off- NZ$4,782
Small groups receive exclusive access to local storytellers in Reefton and bearded miners' demonstrations. Varied accommodations between hotels, motels, and hostels suit travelers averaging 69 years. Cultural exchanges flourish at Hokitika Gorge and Milford Sound.
Duration 12 days Destinations Christchurch, Westport, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Fox Glacier, Wanaka, Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island Age Range Ages 15+ Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
5% Off- NZ$7,340
Reviews of Small Group tours to New Zealand
- Northern Voyager
Amazing trip. Would have like more things to be included.
- Northern Light from Auckland - Top rated by National Geographic
It has been an awesome experience and a great way to see so much of New Zealand’s beauty with other likeminded people. Thank you!
My only feedback is really the tents, maybe i am spoiled, but would have liked bigger tents as you stay in them every night. I had my own tent, can't imagine being two people in such a small tent.
Wild West from Queenstown - Top rated by National Geographic
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."