Planning a holiday is half the fun—but when it comes to actually hitting the road (or rails or rivers), how you choose to travel can make a world of difference. If you’ve never considered a small group tour, you might be surprised at just how many boxes they tick. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or dipping your toes into travel after a long break, small group tours offer comfort, connection, and a whole lot of convenience—without the stress of organising every detail yourself.
Here’s why small group tours are worth every penny.
1. Travel without the admin
From booking hotels to planning transport and finding the best spots to eat, travel planning can feel like a part-time job. With a small group tour, the itinerary is already sorted. Someone else has done the research, scouted out the highlights, and arranged all the tricky bits—flights, transfers, accommodation, tickets—so all you need to do is show up with your suitcase.
Better still, you’re not herded through the sights at breakneck speed. Small group tours often build in flexibility, free time, and relaxed pacing, so you can soak up the experience instead of racing through it.
2. The ‘small group’ difference
We’ve all heard the horror stories of mega-coach tours—dozens of people all jostling for a turn at the buffet or crowding around the same photo spot. Small group tours (usually under 20 people) are the opposite. You get to know your fellow travellers, share meals and stories, and travel at a pace that feels human. Many tour-goers say the friendships made are as memorable as the sights themselves.
And if you’re travelling solo? Even better. Small group tours are one of the easiest, safest, and most enjoyable ways to explore the world without having to go it completely alone.
3. Skip the lines and the stress
Ever waited two hours to get into a museum, or found yourself stuck in a long taxi queue outside an airport? Tour operators have insider knowledge and local connections to help you avoid those time-wasting snags. You might get early entry to attractions, front-of-the-line passes, or private guides who can whisk you straight to the good bits.
And if something unexpected does crop up—weather, strikes, delays—your guide takes care of it. You can sit back, sip your coffee, and let them do the problem-solving.
4. Local experiences, made easy
The best memories from any trip often come from moments you wouldn’t have found on your own—tasting handmade cheese on a rural farm, taking a cooking class with a local family, or visiting a quiet village market off the tourist radar. Small group tours are designed to include these gems, giving you a more authentic taste of the place you’re in.
It also means you’ll be supporting local businesses, rather than just the big-name chains. Many tours prioritise ethical, sustainable travel—so your dollars go further and do more good.
5. The guide makes the trip
A good tour guide is part leader, part storyteller, part walking encyclopaedia. They know the history, the backstreets, the best bakeries—and how to keep things running smoothly. Need to know where to buy the tastiest gelato in Florence? Wondering about local customs? Looking for a chemist, or a shortcut to the beach? Your guide is there to help, and they’ve probably got a great story to go along with it.
6. Comfort, without the cost creep
When you book a small group tour, you know (pretty much) what you’re paying up front. This means no surprise charges for transport, no haggling over taxi fares, no bill shock at the end of your hotel stay. Many tours include most meals, entrance fees, and even gratuities, making it easier to stick to a budget.
While it might seem more expensive at first glance, when you add up all the inclusions—and the time and stress you’ve saved—many people find it’s actually great value.
So, is a small group tour right for you?
If you like the idea of travelling with company, discovering special spots you wouldn’t find on your own, and skipping the hassle of sorting everything yourself, the answer is yes.
Many New Zealanders who’ve tried small group tours say they’d never go back to doing it all themselves. Whether it’s a women-only tour of Morocco, a guided walk through Tasmania, or a trip on The Ghan through the heart of Australia, there’s a tour out there to match your interests and travel style.
Want to keep it closer to home? Why not try exploring Fiordland’s finest, without the hassle of driving or logistics. Or, for something a little different, time your travels with the Hurunui Garden Festival, a hidden gem in North Canterbury. A small group tour to the festival lets you enjoy private garden visits, local food and wine, and the charm of rural New Zealand—all at a relaxed pace, and in great company.
And the best bit? You get all the joy of travel, without the ‘are we there yet?’ of planning.
So next time you’re daydreaming about your next big adventure, consider a small group tour. It might just be the most relaxed, rewarding way to see the world.
