New Zealand Small Group Tours
4.5 stars on(8,092 reviews)- Choose from 50+ New Zealand tours
- 650+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
10 best New Zealand small group tours
Compiled by
MelissaNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar
- Highlights of New Zealand
- Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches
- Premium New Zealand North Island (9 destinations)
- Christchurch to Milford Sound & Franz Josef - 7 days
- Premium New Zealand South Island (8 destinations)
- New Zealand Explorer
- Southern Loop
- Premium - South Island Escape
- New Zealand Discovery Tour
- New Zealand Adventurer
Highlights of New Zealand
42 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 up to 90 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 16 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From
- NZ$6,459
Best of New Zealand: Mountain Biking & Black-Sand Beaches
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a awesome tour. You can see a lot of different things.”
Tobias, traveled in August
New Zealand tours welcome intimate groups averaging 27 years old, with 90+ solo travelers. Small-group dynamics enable unique accommodation stays and personal attention during sea kayaking in Raglan and surfing lessons. Ideal for ages 18-39 seeking authentic local experiences.
Duration 21 days Destinations Auckland, Raglan, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Abel Tasman National Park, Westport, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te AnauSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 39 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 20 Group Type Group Operator G Adventures From $5,479
15% Off- NZ$4,657You save $821
Duration 8 days Destinations Auckland, Waiheke Island, 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 $6,860
25% Off- NZ$5,145You save $1,715
Local guides lead groups (18+) through Mt Difficulty Vineyard and Milford Sound cruise. The shared atmosphere enhances stargazing at Lake Tekapo Dark Sky Reserve and visits to Franz Josef Glacier's thermal pools.
Duration 7 days Destinations Christchurch, Geraldine, Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Franz Josef Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 14 Group Type Group Operator On The Go Tours From
25% Off- NZ$4,405
Duration 10 days Destinations Christchurch, Greymouth, Punakaiki, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Wanaka, Milford Sound, Queenstown Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Group Size Max Group Size 12 Group Type Group Operator Intrepid Premium From
25% Off- NZ$9,040
New Zealand Explorer
21 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had an amazing trip and met lovely friends in the same tour. They are super helpful with advice on what you should do.”
Thi, traveled in November
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
25% 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
25% 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
25% Off- NZ$4,086+$613 upfront costs
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
25% Off- NZ$5,844+$877 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
25% Off- NZ$3,903+$585 upfront costs
Reviews of Small Group tours to New Zealand
- Highlights of New Zealand
Amazing trip and our guide (Diane) was fantastic! We loved the Maori village stay and the accommodations throughout the tour were better than expected. We never would have been able to see and do so much if it weren't for this tour.
- 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
I've been on a lot of group tours before and I have to say this was definitely the best! Jed was awesome! He knew so much about NZ and he always went out of his way to make sure we had a great time. The small group made it so easy to make friends! New Zealand is so beautiful and I'll definitely be back. Couldn't recommend Wild Kiwi enough!
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."