How to Break the Ice and Make Friends on a Group Tour

So, as Bilbo put it, you're going on an adventure! You've packed your bags, set your out-of-office message (or maybe quit your job…), and are buzzing to explore Aotearoa with a van full of fellow legends. But here’s the thing: you don’t know a single soul. Not yet, anyway.

Whether you’re rolling solo or with a travel mate, the first few hours on a group tour can feel a little... well, first-day-of-school vibes. But no dramas—making friends on the road doesn’t need to be awkward. With the right attitude (and snacks), you'll be sharing laughs and swapping life stories all across the North or South islands in no time.

Here’s your cheeky, tried-and-true guide on how to break the ice on a group tour and make friends while travelling—Wild Kiwi style.

1. Start With the Universal Language: Snacks

Honestly, it’s hard to dislike someone who offers you chocolate on a long van ride.

Pick up a stash of goodies at your first stop—think sour lollies, chocolate bars, fruit, popcorn, or anything easily shareable. Pass the bag around and let the snack diplomacy begin.

Pro tip: Offer something local (like pineapple lumps or Whittaker’s) to spark convo and show off your insider Kiwi knowledge. You’re basically a cultural ambassador now...just don’t forget to share with your guide!

2. Bring a Card Game (Or Five)

Nothing bonds strangers faster than mild competition and laugh-out-loud banter. Bust out a game at the hostel after a day of exploring, and you’ll have people joining in before you can shuffle.
Cards Against Humanity. Monopoly Deal. Exploding Kittens. Uno. Even a regular deck of cards does the trick. This social hack is bound to bring everyone together on the first evening of the adventure. Our rec: keep the games easy but fun.

3. Be the DJ – Curate the Ultimate Road Trip Playlist

On the road while everyone is awake is the perfect place to drop a banger. If the aux cord is free and your vibe check is strong, offer to queue a few tunes. Typically, throughout the week, you’ll get the chance to either contribute to a shared playlist or take control of the tunes so be at the ready with a selection of songs to fit any mood.

Of course, it’s never a bad idea to include some Lord of the Rings songs as you’re exploring parts of “Middle-earth” or a movie songs playlist to create a game out of it.

Want a safe playlist starter? Try this:

Wild Kiwi Icebreaker Playlist:

• “Riptide” – Vance Joy
• “Electric Feel” – MGMT
• “Kiwi” – Harry Styles (obviously)
• “Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac
• “Dreams” – The Cranberries
• “Take a Walk” – Passion Pit
• “Sunday Best” – Surfaces
• “Mr. Brightside” – The Killers (the unofficial anthem of all group tours)

If you're not ready to plug in, ask what everyone’s favourite road trip song is—boom, instant chat.

​​4. Break Out of That Comfort Zone (Just a Little)

The key to making mates fast? Say yes to stuff. Of course, you don’t have to for everything, but it goes a long way.

Whether it’s joining a sunrise hike, giving bungy jumping a crack, or jumping in for a group photo—even if your fringe is flying sideways or you're groggy from the ride—your openness shows others you’re up for a laugh and keen to connect. Everyone is in the same boat (well…van) and looking to make friends and create moments, so the trip vibe itself makes it easy as.

You don't have to be the loudest of the bunch or most eager, and definitely no need to go too full on...just think of each day as an opportunity to try something new with others.

5. Ask Questions That Aren’t Just “Where Are You From?”

Or “what do you do” or “where did you arrive from”. We get it—it’s the classic opener. And every hostel-goer knows there are a few staple questions everyone asks when meeting another traveller. But there are only so many ways to say “oh cool!” before it fizzles out.

Instead, try:

• “What made you book this tour?”
• What’s one thing that scares you that you want to try on the trip?
• “What’s been the highlight of your travels so far?”
• “Would you encounter one kiwi-sized moose or ten moose-sized kiwis?” (Okay, maybe not, but you get the point...)

Get people talking about their why, and the rest follows naturally. Ultimately, the WHY is what matters, and you’ll get to share yours too.

6. Share the Little Things

Sharing is caring and breaks the ice with ease. A snack when someone forgot something. A pack of gum. A plaster on a hike. Your power bank when someone’s on 1%. The sunscreen they forgot. Or offer to take a photo instead of them taking a selfie. These tiny, thoughtful moments go a long way in showing you’re a good egg—and people remember that.

Not to mention, sharing practical stuff opens the door to convos without needing a dramatic icebreaker. Soon, you’ll be hearing “lifesaver” or “legend” as you help someone with that random, but essential, thing they forgot.

7. Get Involved With Your Guide’s Activities

Your Wild Kiwi guide isn’t just there to drive and tell you fun facts about glaciers—they’re the social glue of the group. If they organise a quiz night, group dinner, beach walk, or even suggest a pub for evening drinks—go!

The more you put yourself in shared moments, the more chances you’ll have to bond naturally. Plus, let’s be honest, no one ever made memories hiding in the corner with a Kindle.

And if you're feeling a little shy, sit up front with them for a day and strike up a conversation, and in turn, it'll help you open up.

8. Be That Person Who Starts the Chat in the Van

Long van rides are a Wild Kiwi staple—but they don’t need to be silent. Sometimes the journey calls for being glued to the window while taking in some awesome scenery, or catching a quick nap after an early hike. But other times, it’s good to be brave and break an awkward silence if it comes upon the group.

Start a game of "Would You Rather" or "What celebrity would you go to dinner with and why?" Even something as simple as “What’s everyone’s go-to karaoke song?” can lead to some seriously spicy revelations, and be perfect to add to that trip playlist to bring out over drinks.

9. Be Chill – Friendships Happen Organically

Here’s the secret: you don’t need to force it.

Not everyone on tour will become your new bestie, and that’s okay. Sometimes, the best connections happen late in the trip—after you’ve already sung together on the bus, kayaked next to each other in Abel Tasman, or shared a towel at Lake Tekapo’s hot springs.

Let things unfold. Keep showing up. And you’ll find your crew. Just don’t let it discourage you if it’s slow to form; eventually, the group will gel!

10. Make It Easy to Stay in Touch

Snap a group selfie, set up a WhatsApp group, grab everyone’s Instagram, and keep the laughs going beyond the van. Some of the best travel friendships start on the road and evolve into flatmate situations, future travel plans, or reunions halfway across the world.

At the very least, you’ll have someone to tag in that waterfall pic and to tag you in some epic Aotearoa moment.

Your Wild Kiwi Icebreaking Cheat Sheet

• Bring snacks = make friends
• Pack a card game = instant bonding
• Share music = vibe check
• Join in = doors open
• Ask real questions = real chats
• Share little things = big impressions
• Trust the guide = social success
• Spark van convos = you legend
• Don’t force it = you be you
• Stay connected = tourmates for life

So go on—be the first to say hey, chuck on a tune, or share a pack of sour snakes and jaffa cakes. Wild Kiwi adventures are all about the ride, and the people you share it with can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one. See ya out there, ya social butterfly!

Haven’t booked your own Wild Kiwi adventure? Explore like never before on a small group tour across the North and South islands. Book your spot and start the countdown!