Europe Tours for Kiwis: Our Top Picks by Travel Style

Europe is big and incredibly diverse - and when you’re travelling all the way from New Zealand, choosing the right itinerary matters just as much as choosing the destination.

From historic cities and iconic landmarks to charming villages, incredible food, and unforgettable landscapes. But when you’re travelling all the way from New Zealand, choosing the right itinerary is just as important as choosing where to go.

Tour operators like Globus removes the stress by combining expert tour directors, considered pacing, centrally located hotels and decades of local knowledge - but not every tour suits every traveller.

Find the right balance between must-see highlights, local experiences, free time and comfortable pacing, so your European adventure feels exciting, not overwhelming. We've compared tours best fit for New Zealanders by travel style, so you can quickly see which itineraries work best for solo travellers, couples, families, first‑timers and over‑60s before diving into the details.

Here are some of the common questions New Zealand travellers consider when choosing the right Europe tour and itinerary for their travel style.

How do Europe tours compare by travel style for New Zealand travellers?

Europe tours vary depending on pace, group size, number of destinations, inclusions, and free time, built into each itinerary. Some tours move faster and cover multiple countries in two weeks, while others slow things down, spending several nights in key cities - something many Kiwis appreciate after long‑haul travel from NZ.

For first‑time Europe travellers, tours that balance iconic sights with orientation walks tend to work best. Couples often prefer slower, romantic itineraries with scenic routes and flexible evenings. Solo travellers usually benefit from smaller group sizes and social activities, while over‑60's travellers commonly look for shorter driving days, fewer hotel changes and well‑paced sightseeing. Families, meanwhile, need itineraries with downtime and experiences that keep all ages engaged.

Europe tours for solo travellers 

Solo travel in Europe is far more relaxed when logistics are handled for you.

Many solo travellers choose guided Europe tours  because they offer the perfect mix of independence and connection. For example, Globus picks for solo travellers include 8-to-10-day tours that teach the history of Germany, showcase the art scene in Sweden and flaunt the stunning landscapes in Norway.

These tours attract a good mix of solo travellers in their 30s to 70s, creating natural opportunities for connection without pressure. Daily breakfasts and many included dinners make it easy to socialise, while optional excursions allow you to join in, or do your own thing.

Another advantage for solo travellers is rooming flexibility. Globus offers a single supplement, with some itineraries occasionally featuring single‑room promotions.

Why this works for Kiwis:

After travelling so far from New Zealand, many solo travellers appreciate not needing to navigate trains, transfers or language barriers - especially on multi‑country routes.

HOT Tip:

Solo travellers often get the most value by booking earlier - single rooms on popular Europe tours can be limited, especially for peak European summer travel.

Europe tours for couples

Couples travelling through Europe often want a blend of iconic moments, scenic journeys and unstructured time together - and small group tour operatorsdelivers this best on itineraries that move at a gentler pace. 

Fall in love in France, let sparks fly at a flamenco night in Spain and connect at a cooking class in Italy - top picks for couples looking for a romantic European getaway.

These itineraries focus on immersive locations rather than constant hotel changes. Expect vineyard visits, scenic rail journeys, coastal drives and evenings where dinner choices are left open - perfect for lingering over local cuisine.

Small group tours uses centrally located hotels, which means couples can step straight into city life after guided sightseeing.

Why this works for Kiwis:

With limited annual leave and long flights to Europe, couples want quality over quantity - fewer destinations, deeper experiences and to maximise their time.

HOT Tip:
Ask your House of Travel specialist about combining a city stay and a cruise - it’s a popular upgrade for couples wanting a more intimate, slow‑travel finale.

Europe tours for families 

Travelling Europe with kids is rewarding - but pacing is everything. Family‑friendly itineraries balance guided sightseeing with lighter days and longer stays.

Small family-friendly tours like Globus work well for families with teenagers, rather than very young children. They include recognisable landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum and Swiss Alps, plus enough free time for families to choose their own adventures.

Transport by private coach reduces fatigue, while included breakfasts help manage costs - a major plus for families travelling from NZ on a longer trip.

Why this works for Kiwi families:

Europe can feel overwhelming on a first family visit. A small group tour removes the mental load while still giving your family flexibility.

Europe tours best for first‑time Europe travellers

First‑time Europe travellers usually want to see the highlights without feeling rushed, and small group tours excels at delivering orientation‑focused itineraries that still allow personal exploration. Globus has handcrafted tours with first-time travellers in mind, that cover multiple countries and capital cities, often in 12 to 15 days - an ideal length for travellers coming from New Zealand. Included city tours give helpful context, while free afternoons allow travellers to revisit favourites or explore further.

Small group tour directors are known for explaining local customs, tipping culture and transport systems - details that matter when Europe feels unfamiliar.

Why this works for Kiwis:

When Europe is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime trip, first‑timers appreciate reassurance, structure and expert guidance.

Europe tours for over‑60s travellers

Europe is a favourite destination for mature travellers who want meaningful experiences, cultural discovery and comfortable travel.

The best Europe itineraries for over-60s travellers often include:

• A relaxed pace
• Fewer hotel changes
• Comfortable accommodation
• Expert guides
• Plenty of time to enjoy each destination

From historic cities to scenic countryside and unforgettable food experiences, Europe offers endless opportunities to travel your way.

Why this works for NZ travellers:

After a long flight from New Zealand, comfort and sensible pacing are essential. Small group tour operarors reduces physical strain without compromising experience, value or quality.

Guided tours vs independent travel

For Kiwis, the biggest difference is efficiency. Planning inter‑city transport, local guides and hotels independently across Europe takes significant time - and costs often exceed expectations.

Smaller group tour operators insider connections mean access to centrally located hotels, expert-led sightseeing and seamless transport. While independent travel offers flexibility, Globus offers confidence, value and ease, particularly for multi‑country itineraries.

This is especially valuable for Kiwis who may not return to Europe frequently.

Who should choose a Europe tour?

Small Group tours suit travellers who want:

•  A well‑paced itinerary without constant decision‑making
•  Insider access to iconic sights and lesser‑known experiences
•  Reliable hotel standards and door‑to‑door transport
• Time to explore independently, without planning everything 

They’re particularly popular with New Zealand travellers aged 35+, couples, solo travellers and those visiting Europe for the first time.

Thinking about a Globus Europe tour?

Talk to a House of Travel specialist who knows which small group itineraries suit Kiwi travellers best - and can help you compare dates, pacing and inclusions side by side.

How far in advance should NZ travellers book a Europe tour?

For peak European travel (May to September), booking 9 to 12 months in advance is recommended, especially for popular itineraries and single rooms. Shoulder season departures (April and October) often offer better availability and value.

Are Europe tours good value for New Zealanders?

When flights, hotels, transfers, guided sightseeing and many meals are considered, Globus tours offer strong value - particularly given Europe’s rising travel costs. For Kiwis travelling long haul, the peace of mind alone is a major bonus.

Are Europe tours suitable for New Zealand travellers?

Yes. Europe tours are very popular with Kiwis due to their pacing, comfort and expert-led itineraries - ideal after long‑haul travel from NZ.

What is the average group size on a Europe tour?

Most tours average 30 to 40 travellers, with some itineraries smaller depending on destination and season.

Do Europe tours include flights from New Zealand?

No, flights are typically booked separately. House of Travel can arrange flights to seamlessly connect with your small group tour.

What’s the best time of year for New Zealanders to travel Europe?

May to June and September to October are favourites, offering pleasant weather, fewer crowds and excellent value.

Do I need a visa to visit Europe? 

Most Kiwi travellers can visit Europe visa-free for up to 90 days, but you may need to apply for ETIAS before you go. We recommend staying up to date with all visa requirements on Safe Travel. 

Chat with your local House of Travel specialist  get expert insights tailored for Kiwi travellers.