New Zealand Small Group Tours
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10 best New Zealand small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
Duration 21 days Destinations Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, Queenstown Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Ultimate Travel From $4,855
10% Off- NZ$4,369You save $485
Duration 8 days Destinations Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo, Tongariro National Park, Ohakune, Wellington Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From
10% Off- NZ$6,860
Duration 6 days Destinations Queenstown, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Stewart Island Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$3,650
Highlights of New Zealand
42 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“New Zealand was on my bucket list for years and did not disappoint. This tour covers a lot of ground and experiences that were wonderful.”
Deborah, traveled in September
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 up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $7,199
10% Off- NZ$6,479You save $720
New Zealand Explorer
22 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had such an amazing time! The tour was flexible, and everyone was so nice and accommodations were solid.”
Daiva, traveled in April
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 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- NZ$3,946+$592 upfront costs
Southern Loop
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“This tour blew all my expectations and it was awesome to check out the Upper South Island.”
Anna, traveled in May
Groups of 12-15 travelers aged 18-39 visit hidden gems like Ngārua Caves and Te Waikoropupū Springs. The intimate size allows impromptu stops at seal colonies and wine tastings in Marlborough's boutique vineyards.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Blenheim, Kaikoura Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- NZ$1,912+$287 upfront costs
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 18 to 100 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- NZ$4,086+$613 upfront costs
New Zealand Adventurer
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Would 100% recommend him to anyone. He goes out of his way to be a great tour guide.”
AnyaMurdoch, traveled in January
A dedicated Wild Kiwi guide leads small groups sharing dorm-style rooms at spots like JUCY Snooze Christchurch. Group activities and two included dinners suit travelers averaging 23 years.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Raglan, Christchurch, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, Kaikoura Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- NZ$3,903+$585 upfront costs
New Zealand Discovery Tour
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My 3-week trip to New Zealand was fantastic! The tour offered good value, with nice accommodations and enjoyable included activities.”
Dávid, traveled in December
Small groups of 8-15 adventurers forge close bonds while exploring NZ's highlights. The intimate size enables special access to local spots like Hot Water Beach and Marlborough wineries. 90+ solo travelers average 25 years old.
Duration 21 days Destinations Auckland, Hahei, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Raglan, Christchurch, Punakaiki, Abel Tasman National Park, KaikouraSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 18 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- NZ$5,844+$877 upfront costs
Premium - New Zealand Highlights
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The South Island was full of adventure, with highlights like skydiving, paddleboarding, and trekking through stunning scenery.”
Dallas, traveled in January
A small tour group winds through New Zealand's most spectacular locations. Visitors receive personalized attention at Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo's glowworm caves, and Milford Sound. Luxury vehicle features leather seats and WiFi for maximum comfort.
Duration 14 days Destinations Auckland, Mount Maunganui, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, Cambridge, Raglan, Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Te AnauSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 100 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator Wild Kiwi From
10% Off- NZ$8,173+$1,226 upfront costs
Reviews of Small Group tours to New Zealand
- 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!!
- 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.
- New Zealand Adventurer
Ben is funny, caring and goes out of his way to be a great tour guide and take you places he knows you’ll love! Would 100% recommend him to anyone.
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."