Small Group Travel

Small Friendly Groups

On our tours, we find that we get very like minded people joining us. Those who want to enjoy the very best of what New Zealand has to offer, from scenery, activities, accommodation, to food and wine. We keep the trip sizes nice and small, no more than 14 in a group and that means we really personalise the days and keep your days flexible. We like to make sure that you’ll have lots of one-on-one time and personal attention from your guides, for those that are keen to learn, New Zealand has a fascinating and rich culture and history with unique and unusual native plants and wildlife.

Small Group Tours New Zealand

Friendly expert guides

Speaking of our guides we can’t really sing their praises highly enough. As carefully as we’ve planned the itineraries, chosen the accommodation and polished the coach, we know how important it is to have the right people leading our trips, they are a big part of the enjoyment of your trip! Everyone at New Zealand Trails has a background in guiding, so we know what it takes and our head guide Andrew Wells, has 15 years experience guiding on New Zealand’s Great Walks, still leads trips and takes care of all guide training. Our guides are all experienced outdoor professionals, safety conscious and very importantly lots of fun!

We also make sure that you’ll have lots of one-on-one time and personal attention from your guides, for those that are keen to learn, New Zealand has a fascinating and rich culture and history with unique and unusual native plants and wildlife, you’ll be hard pressed to find a question that they won’t be able to answer, go on give it a go!

'Off the beaten track'

A real bonus of coming with ‘Kiwis' on your dream holiday to New Zealand is that we know all sorts of very special places that aren’t in any guide books and most visitors just don’t get to see. Certainly a lot of the walking and exploring we enjoy just isn’t available to large groups. A lot of the more environmentally sensitive and unique areas in the national parks are only available to a small number of people a day and we will be among the lucky ones! From Mou Waho Island to Okarito Lagoon and Martins Bay Loge nestled in the remote Fiordland National Park, often we will be the only people there.

More flexibility. More time.

We have very carefully put together the days on our itineraries to include lots of down time and flexibility, we know that the people who travel with us don’t want to be rushed from place to place, ushered off a bus to take a quick snap and then racing on their way again to a rigid schedule. If we come across a cool opportunity – a pod of dolphins on the coast, seal pups or penguins at close range – then of course we are going to spend our time enjoying these delightful creatures in their natural habitat. These are the experiences you are here for so no need to hurry!

Fun!

One of the highlights of traveling in a small group is getting to know your fellow travellers and making lifelong friends. In our groups of 12 people we get a great mix of people travelling solo, some with friends and couples too. It's a great way to meet different people from all around the world. We find that the group size is pretty perfect, you’ll have lots of down time when you want it and always the opportunity to socialise when you like.

Safety first

Your safety – whether on hikes, activities or any other part of your trip – is our top priority at all times. Our guides are thoroughly trained in first aid and are supplied with all of the necessary equipment including locator beacons and cell phones. So you’ll never need to worry about the ‘what ifs’. That's our job and we have you covered. You just enjoy every unforgettable day of your time in New Zealand and leave the rest to us!

Famous 'Kiwi' hospitality

New Zealanders are known around the world for being very friendly and their legendary hospitality, we make sure that you’ll meet lots of locals and we mainly eat out and stay in Kiwi restaurants and lodgings so you really can immerse yourself in our culture and way of life for your time with us, we’ll have you saying ‘G'day Mate’ in no time!

We reckon after your trip, you’ll agree that it's the very best way to experience New Zealand.