In recent years, the way people travel (and why they travel) has changed.
Travellers are no longer just looking to tick destinations off a list, but they are seeking experiences that feel personal, purposeful and memorable.
That shift has been central to how we’ve approached the design of AAT Kings’ Small Group tours for 2026.
When we begin designing any itinerary, the first question we ask is simple: who is coming on this tour?
Understanding the guest shapes every decision we make, from pace and accommodation to the experiences we include.
We have seen a shift toward more intimate journeys that travellers see as a “trip of a lifetime.” Small Group travel allows us to meet that expectation.
One of the biggest advantages of designing for 16–24 guests is access. Smaller groups give us the flexibility to explore destinations and experiences that are simply out of reach for larger tours.
That might mean working with boutique operators, visiting remote regions, or slowing the pace to allow guests to truly absorb a place rather than rushing through it.
Iconic sights remain a focus of our itineraries, these are the experiences travellers dream about.
What changes with Small Group touring is our ability to complement those highlights with lesser-known moments that feel more personal and immersive. These hidden gems often become the most talked-about memories of the trip.
Pacing is another important element. Our Small Group tours are designed to be accessible to a wide range of travellers, so we carefully consider where to add multi-night stays.
This approach ensures guests see the best of each destination while still having time to relax, explore and connect.
Local connection is at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with our operators as partners, often collaborating to create bespoke experiences exclusively for our guests.
These aren’t experiences travellers would easily find on their own, they’re built on relationships, trust and shared values.
Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® philosophy comes to life particularly strongly in Small Group touring.
With fewer guests, we can support smaller, purpose-driven operators. In New Zealand, for example, Small Group guests visit Dunedin Craft Distillers, where surplus bread is transformed into botanical spirits. The experience is educational and it shows how travel can have a positive impact.
Premium quality doesn’t have to mean premium pricing. For us, it’s about intentional design and investing in centrally located accommodation, thoughtful pacing and meaningful experiences that elevate the journey without unnecessary excess.
The result is a tour that feels carefully considered and genuinely rewarding.
Few places showcase the power of Small Group travel better than Fiordland National Park (above).
While many tours visit Milford Sound, our Small Group guests have the opportunity to stay overnight aboard the Milford Mariner expedition ship.
Waking up surrounded by one of the world’s most pristine landscapes is an experience that simply wouldn’t be possible without travelling in a smaller group.
Ultimately, success for us is measured by how guests feel at the end of their journey. If they return home inspired, relaxed and having formed genuine connections with the destination, the locals and fellow travellers, then we know we’ve done our job!
