We all know New Zealand is a fantastic country to explore, with hidden gems and unexpected delights around every corner. There are different ways to explore the country and we reckon travelling in a small group is the only way to go.
When you travel on one of our small group tours you’ll be in a friendly group of no more than 18 travellers, plus your MoaTours Kiwi Guide of course! That’s guaranteed, and how we’ve been doing it since 1971.
So here’s why we love small group travel around New Zealand.
Get off the beaten track
There are so many magical places in New Zealand which require just a little bit of effort to visit, a little bit of imagination and a curious spirit.
These spots are the real treasures of our country and they aren’t set up for big coach tours and large groups, in most cases the big coaches literally can’t even get through the gate.
When we ask our guests where they remember most of all, it’s always places like Okarito on the West Coast, the Danseys Pass, Pipiriki on the Whanganui River or Butler Point Whaling Museum in Northland.
Meet people and make friends
We reckon our maximum group size of 18 people is just right. There are enough people so you can sit next to someone new each night at dinner if you want but the group is still small enough so you get to know your travelling companions pretty well.
Our Kiwi Guides have been leading tours around New Zealand for decades and, if you ask them what they remember most, they all say it’s the shared experiences and friendships with people.
If you’re travelling alone, you’ll love our trips. Almost half of our guests are travelling alone, they always tell us they feel safe and love having a group of instant travel mates to share the experience with.
Care and attention from your guide
One of the main reasons our guests choose to travel with us is because our tours are fully guided and all inclusive. This means for the entire duration of your trip, your MoaTours Kiwi Guide is at your service to make your trip smooth, stress free, enjoyable and educational.
Our Kiwi Guides are the best in the game and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to each tour. They’re with you throughout the day and at mealtimes so if you need a hand with anything they’re right there.
You will get to know your guide well and have plenty of opportunities to talk with them. They also love sharing their knowledge, stories and the odd joke or two!
Meet incredible Kiwis
This goes hand in hand with getting off the beaten track, but what our guests tell us they remember most about our tours are the amazing people they meet along the way. The gardeners, guides and hosts we share stories with, the walks, activities, meals and lots of laughs make every trip a very special, one of a kind experience. We’re often visiting these people in their homes, not something that big coach tours can even think about. Meet some of the amazing people we meet in the South Island / Te Waipounamu here and the North Island / Te Ika a Maui here.
Home hosted lunches and the best local eateries
For many of our guests, this is the best part of small group travel. Literally sitting in our hosts’ living rooms, walking with them in their gardens and meeting their families. Ian and Di at Akaunui Farm in Canterbury, Stephen and Jeanette at Moondance Manor in Waikato and Fee from Pepped Warbeck in Wellington are a few who spring to mind.
We also love trying the best local cafes and restaurants, smaller places that welcome us like family.
Once you try small group travel there’s no going back
Quite a few guests are trying small group travel for the first time and they all tell us they’re never going on a big coach tour again.
The special places we visit, the people we meet and the friendships we make, along with the care and attention from your guide, all make it the only way to see New Zealand.
It’s just a better way to travel.
Tours You'll Love
Aotea Great Barrier Island Escape 5 Day Tour
Meet local guides and artists as we explore remote corners of Aotea Great Barrier Island. Scenic Hauraki Gulf flights are included.
