Aerial view of forested coastline, rocky cliffs, and beach with turquoise ocean water at sunset.

Intrepid

Explore New Zealand in smaller groups, with flexible itineraries, local insight and a focus on more authentic experiences.

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Cruise ship in fjord surrounded by foggy mountains and kayak on calm water
An aerial view of a cruise boat sailing through a narrow blue fjord surrounded by steep, lush green mountains.
Waterfall cascading into Doubtful Sound, Fiordland

A more hands on way to travel

Intrepid offers a different style of guided travel, focused on small groups, local connection and a more active way to explore. With a maximum of 16 travellers, tours feel flexible and social, with space to shape parts of the journey as you go.

Trips are designed to go beyond the main highlights, often including less visited places and experiences that connect you more closely with New Zealand’s landscapes and culture.

With a younger, more adventurous demographic, it’s a good fit for travellers who want to be more involved in the experience rather than simply following a set itinerary.

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What to expect with Intrepid

People with backpacks boarding a boat at dock on a sunny day with partly cloudy sky.

Max 16 travellers

Kiwi chick held in hands, showcasing fuzzy plumage and elongated beak.

Off the beaten path experiences

Two people stand on a golden cliff overlooking a sandy beach with ocean waves and a clear sky.

Flexible itineraries with free time

Seals resting on rocks with hills and water in the background along New Zealand's coast.

Sustainable travel

People at Taranaki Falls.

Social, like minded travellers

Lone tree in a lake with mountains and kayakers in the background under a clear sky.

Range of accommodation styles

How Intrepid tours work

Intrepid tours follow a planned route, with key inclusions along the way, while still allowing flexibility to explore independently. Transport, accommodation and some activities are organised, but there’s space built in for optional experiences and free time.

You’ll travel in a small group, making it easier to adjust the pace and spend more time in places that interest you. Your tour leader provides local insight and helps guide the experience without the structure feeling too fixed.

Person standing on hiking track, looking at glacier and snowy mountains through forest.
People standing near a helicopter on a hill by a reflective lake and mountains.

Prefer something more flexible?

If you like the idea of guided touring but want more flexibility, we can combine a guided tour with extra time before or after, creating a trip that fits you better.

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Choose your travel style

Aerial view of a turquoise beach surrounded by dense green forest and rocky coastline.

Original tours

Original tours are Intrepid’s most budget friendly option, offering a flexible way to travel with a focus on experience over inclusions. Accommodation is simple, typically at motel level, with fewer included activities and more free time to explore on your own. This makes them a good option if you prefer to shape parts of the trip yourself while still having the structure of a guided journey.

Comfort tours

Comfort tours offer a step up in both accommodation and inclusions, with stays typically in the 3 to 4 star range. The pace is slightly more relaxed, with more meals and experiences included throughout the journey. It’s a good balance between independence and comfort, offering a more supported experience while still keeping some flexibility.

Couple standing on lakeshore looking at mountains reflected in calm water.
Aerial view of vineyards and river in Gibbston Valley with hills and mountains in the background.

Premium tours

Premium tours offer a more refined experience, with 4 star accommodation and a selection of feature stays that add something extra to the journey. These tours include more experiences and a more experienced tour leader, creating a smoother and more complete travel experience. They are a good option if you want the same small group style, but with a higher level of comfort and inclusions.

Popular Intrepid tours

Boats on a lake front with autumn trees and houses on a hillside in Queenstown.

Intrepid tours FAQs

They suit travellers looking for a more active, flexible and immersive way to explore, often with a younger demographic and a mix of solo travellers and couples.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 16 travellers, creating a more social and flexible experience.

Original tours are more budget friendly with simpler accommodation, Comfort tours include a higher standard of accommodation and more inclusions, and Premium tours offer more comfort, additional experiences and feature stays.

The pace varies depending on the trip, but they are generally more flexible than traditional tours, with a mix of activity, travel and free time.

Yes, many travellers join Intrepid tours on their own. Twin share options are available, or you can request your own room for an additional cost.

Expert travel consultants

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Talk to our local travel specialists

Planning New Zealand but not sure where to start?

Download our New Zealand travel guide for practical advice on where to go, how long to spend, and how to plan a trip that feels well paced from the start.

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