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Whether it’s solo, as a couple, or in a group, visiting New Zealand is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, there are some definite perks to traveling with a group, especially when it comes to the safety of trekking, camping, and other nature activities. The good news is that no matter what, you can always join New Zealand small group tours and make some new friends alongside your adventures. Here’s our rundown of the ten most epic group activities to do in New Zealand.
Kayak Milford Sound
While most people see the spectacular Milford Sound one of the daily cruise boats, those looking for a little more adventure could opt for a group kayak tour through the fjords. There is something magical about silently paddling through one of the world’s most celebrated natural wonders.
Trek across glaciers
You can begin to tick off that bucket list if you book one of the glacier tours. Along with an expert guide, you can go trekking above and below the giant Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, or Tasman Glacier. You’re bound to have a mesmerizing experience.
Explore on an active volcano
Looking for something a bit different? On White Island in the Bay of Planet lies New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. You’ll need deep pockets for one of these group tours, as it’s only accessible by boat or helicopter.
Raft the highest waterfall
You can get your heart pumping and blood flowing if you hop on one of the group rafting activities near Rotorua. Tutea Falls is officially the highest commercially-rafted waterfall, measuring in at more than seven metres high. If that sounds like a bit too much, there are plenty of other more tame rafting adventures to be experienced.
Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
If you’re going to pick just one group activity in New Zealand, make it the day hike across the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This spectacular mountain scenery is studded with turquoise lakes that are used as the backdrop for many Lord of the Rings scenes.
Dive with great whites
You can get unbelievably close to the world’s greatest apex predator if you book one of the great white cage diving adventures. It’s a particularly good time to do this between mid-December and June when there are over 100 great whites between the South Island and Stewart Island.
Rafting in glowworm caves
You can combine two adventures in one if you book a rafting adventure through the glowworm caves. Blend the excitement of a black water rafting trip while also looking up at the glittering glowworms in Waitomo or Paparoa National Park.
Learn to snowboard or ski
If you’re new to snow sports, fear not! You can always booked one of the group snowboard or ski lessons in Queenstown which you will have whizzing down the slopes in no time. Compared to much of Europe, it’s a surprisingly affordable place to learn how to ski or snowboard.
Visit the Hobbiton movie set
If you’re a fan of the epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, it would be unthinkable not to jump on one of the group tours that take you through the Hobbiton movie set. Walk into the real life imagination of J. R. R. Tolkien and the landscape of Middle Earth.
Go whale and dolphin watching
There are plenty of group tours across the country, particularly the North Island, that take guests on whale and dolphin spotting adventures. There are few things as breathtaking as catching a glimpse of an enormous whale fluking!
