Our Story
Guided. Personal. Authentic.
We’re Cheeky Kiwi - experts in small-group, fully-guided tours who bring the magic of New Zealand to life, with personality, passion and a pinch of cheek.
Our Story
From day one, Cheeky Kiwi has been about more than just seeing the sights, it’s been about feeling Kiwi hospitality in every moment. We started with one simple idea: make every tour personal, authentic and unforgettable.
Our founders, Michaela and Mark, wanted to build a tour company that doesn’t just transport people, but guides them, with local insight, warm service and the kind of little surprises that spark a smile.
Over time we’ve grown, but stayed grounded in that vision: small groups, expert guides, premium quality, and a genuine love for Aotearoa.
Our Founders
Cheeky Kiwi Travel was founded by Michaela Reissmullerova and Mark Rigby, united by a shared passion for showcasing New Zealand through authentic, premium small-group experiences.
Before Cheeky Kiwi, Michaela founded Crew Adventures, a specialist tour company created exclusively for airline crew during their New Zealand layovers. Drawing on her background in aviation and premium hospitality, she built a reputation for delivering seamless, personalised experiences with genuine Kiwi warmth. As demand grew, more and more travellers began asking for those same experiences to be available to the public.
In 2018, Michaela and Mark combined their expertise in tourism, hospitality and business leadership to launch Cheeky Kiwi. Their vision was simple: create a tour company that paired exceptional service and premium comfort with a relaxed, welcoming Kiwi personality. Rather than designing tours for a particular demographic, they focused on creating experiences for travellers who value meaningful connections, knowledgeable local guides and discovering New Zealand beyond the typical tourist trail.
That vision helped Cheeky Kiwi grow into one of New Zealand’s leading small-group tour operators, earning industry recognition, outstanding reviews and the trust of travellers from around the world.
As their young family grew with the arrival of Mia and Chris, Michaela and Mark stepped back from the day-to-day operation of the business, entrusting Rhys as General Manager to lead the company’s next stage of growth while preserving the culture and values they had worked so hard to build.
Today, Michaela and Mark continue to support Cheeky Kiwi at board level alongside Rhys and the experienced investors, partners and directors who joined the business in 2023. Together, they remain committed to delivering unforgettable journeys and sharing the very best of Aotearoa with travellers from around the world.
Our Mission & What We Believe
01.
Authentic Journeys, Genuine Connections
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list, it’s about sharing laughter, stories and unexpected moments in small-group settings. From driver-guides who treat you like friends to surprise detours that become memories, our tours are made human, personal and unforgettable.
02.
Care for Country and Community
New Zealand’s landscapes, wildlife and people are the beating heart of everything we do. We believe it’s our responsibility to tour with respect, honouring culture, protecting nature, backing sustainable practices and offering you an experience that leaves a positive footprint, not just footprints.
03.
Premium Comfort, Friendly Vibes
We believe you deserve more than “just a bus ride”. With our comfortable, custom-designed vehicles, small-group sizes and passionate guides, you’ll enjoy premium service without losing the friendly, kiwi-style charm. Expect comfort, reliability and cheeky fun in equal measure.
04.
Memories Over Matter
We believe that the “extra little things” make the biggest difference: impromptu photo stops, stories you’ll tell long after the tour, connections with fellow travellers and guides, and the kind of genuine warm-hearted moments that turn a holiday into a story worth sharing. Because for us, the journey is the destination.
Meet the crew
The Team Behind the Cheeky Kiwi Magic
Our passionate guides are the heart of every adventure, famous for their stories, laughter, and genuine Kiwi spirit. Backed by a dedicated crew behind the scenes, we’re the team that makes every Cheeky Kiwi journey seamless, personal, and unforgettable.
Our commitment to sustainability
Travelling Responsibly For Now and the Future
Cheeky Kiwi Travel is committed to sustainable tourism through its environments and procurement actions. We strongly believe that if New Zealand’s precious natural environment is allowing Cheeky Kiwi to operate as a business, it is only right that we practice Kaitiaki (guardianship) and do what we can to protect it through:
- Restoring Nature & Giving Back
- Carbon Reduction
- Reducing & Eliminating Waste
- Responsible Procurement
Our guests know best
Stories worth sharing
