Small-Group or Private Glacier Tours: Choosing for a Campervan Trip

Quick summary: Campervan and motorhome travellers usually explore under their own steam, but a guided tour can add a great deal at the glaciers: local knowledge, access to places you can’t reach alone, and a break from driving. Small-group tours suit most travellers, combining good value with a social atmosphere, while private tours give couples, families and groups a tailored day at their own pace. This guide helps you choose.

At a glance
Small-group tours	Shared with other travellers, fixed itinerary, good value
Private tours	Just your party, flexible timing and itinerary
Best for small groups	Guided walks, nature tours, heli-hikes, day tours
Best for private	Families, photographers, special occasions, flexible plans
Why take a tour	Local knowledge, places you can’t drive to, a day off driving
Tours	Small-group tours, private tours

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Why take a guided tour on a campervan trip?

Because some of the best experiences in glacier country are only possible with a guide: walking on the ice, landing on a snowfield, reaching the white heron colony or kayaking among icebergs. Guides also explain the geology, ecology and Māori history of the landscape, and many tours collect you from your holiday park, giving you a day off driving.

What are small-group tours like?

Small-group tours share the experience with a handful of other travellers, usually with a fixed itinerary and departure time. They’re the most common format for heli-hikes, nature tours, guided walks and kayak trips, and they offer good value and a sociable atmosphere. Browse small-group tours.

When is a private tour worth it?

• Families who want to go at children’s pace.
• Photographers who need time at viewpoints in the best light.
• Special occasions, such as a private flight with a snow landing.
• Flexible plans, where you can choose timing to suit the weather.
• Groups travelling together, who may find a private tour good value.

Browse private tours.

Can a guided tour replace driving the RV to a far-off glacier?

Sometimes. If you’re short of time, a day tour or transfer can take you to places you’d otherwise spend hours driving to. Some travellers return their vehicle in Christchurch or Queenstown and take a guided trip or transfer to the glaciers instead. See Christchurch transfers and Queenstown glacier transfers.

Which tours suit campervan travellers best?

Tour	Format	Guide
Heli-hikes	Small group	Heli-hiking
Scenic flights	Small group or private	Flights and snow landings
Kayaking	Small group or private	Kayaking glacier lakes
Nature tours	Small group	Nature and wildlife

Browse all glacier tours and our featured tours.

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Frequently Asked Questions