Custom & Private Tours
Your Trip, Your Way
Craft a personalised adventure with our expert team
Why go custom?
No fixed schedules, no rushing. Go where you want, when you want - it’s your adventure, your pace.
Experience Aotearoa through local eyes, with stories, laughs, and insights that make the journey unforgettable.
Perfect for families, private groups & special occasions. We’ll bring the friendly guide who makes it all easy.
Adventure, wineries, waterfalls, wildlife - whatever you’re into, we’ll build your tour around it.
Go beyond the usual stops with local gems, scenic detours, and cheeky surprises you won’t find on big bus tours.
We handle the details: bookings, driving, timing, the lot. You just relax and enjoy the ride.
How it works
Fill out the form with the basics - where you want to go, when, how many of you, and what kind of experience you’re after. Don’t worry if it’s only half formed, we’re good at turning “something cool” into an actual itinerary.
Our team puts together a custom plan based on your interests - whether that’s Hobbiton, wineries, glow worms, waterfalls, or “show us the real New Zealand.” We’ll suggest timings, stops, and upgrades.
We send it to you, you tell us what you love, what you want to swap, and what you want more of. We tweak it so it fits your group, pace, and budget.
Once you’re happy, we confirm your tour, secure any add-ons (like experiences, winery tastings, or attractions), and get everything organised so the day runs smoothly.
Your guide picks you up, looks after you, tells the good stories, takes the photos, and makes sure you have a very good time - the Cheeky Kiwi way.
Our Tours include
Accomodation if required (stated level)
Comfortable 12, 16 or 19-seat Mercedes minibuses
Stated activities and entry tickets
Breakfast (on multiple day tours)
Refreshments in minibus
Entertainment in minibus
Hotel or airport pick-up
Wifi Available in minibus
Upgrades and discounts apply on some partner experiences
Our minibuses
Travel in comfort
- New, custom-designed and spacious minibuses packed with all the extras
- Full stand-up height and loads of leg room for a comfortable ride
- Equipped with phone charging stations, entertainment screens, Bluetooth system and WiFi access (available on some tours)
- Integrated audio system so you never miss a word from our knowledgeable and entertaining guides
- Our fleet features premium 16-seater minibuses designed for comfort, style and the perfect small-group experience
Stories worth sharing
Our guest know best.
Tell us what you’re planning
Let’s build your custom tour
General Questions
Cheeky Kiwi Travel offers an award-winning range of fully-guided small group tours in New Zealand, taking you to the top destinations in the North Island and South Island.
Our New Zealand tours are designed to showcase the best of Aotearoa, combining the perfect blend of natural gems, cultural discovery, quirky local secrets and epic adventures. We cater to all interests and ages, ensuring an unforgettable experience for every traveller.
Cheeky Kiwi offers more than 50 tours to New Zealand’s top destinations in the North and South Island, including:
- Hobbiton
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Rotorua
- Queenstown
- Milford Sound
- Mt Cook
- Tekapo
- Christchurch
- Franz Josef
- The Catlins
- Bay of Islands
- Taupo
- Coromandel Peninsula
Explore our full range of New Zealand tours.
Cheeky Kiwi runs tours to New Zealand’s top destinations from:
- Auckland
- Queenstown
- Christchurch
- Te Anau
- Franz Josef
- Wanaka
- Dunedin
- Invercargill
Yes we offer a number of one-way tour options if you do not wish to return to your departure point.
North Island One-Way Tours:
- Auckland to Rotorua
- Rotorua to Auckland
- Auckland to Paihia
- Paihia to Auckland
South Island One-Way Tours:
- Queenstown to Christchurch
- Christchurch to Queenstown
- Queenstown to Mt Cook
- Mt Cook to Queenstown
- Queenstown to Tekapo
- Tekapo to Queenstown
- Queenstown to Franz Josef
- Franz Josef to Queenstown
- Christchurch to Mt Cook
- Mt Cook to Christchurch
- Mt Cook to Tekapo
- Tekapo to Mt Cook
- Christchurch to Tekapo
- Tekapo to Christchurch
- Christchurch to Franz Josef
- Franz Josef to Christchurch
- Greymouth to Christchurch
- Christchurch to Greymouth
- Franz Josef to Greymouth
- Greymouth to Franz Josef
- Queenstown to Dunedin
- Dunedin to Queenstown
- Te Anau to Invercargill
- Te Anau to Dunedin
- Dunedin to Invercargill
- Dunedin to Te Anau
Explore our full range of North Island and South Island tours.
Yes, we offer private New Zealand tours for those who prefer a more customised tour experience. These are subject to availability.
Our private tours are perfect for families or small groups looking to create a personalised tour itinerary with your choice of activities.
Learn more about our private tour options.
Cheeky Kiwi offers fully-guided New Zealand day tours as well as multi-day tours.
Please check the relevant tour page for duration specifics.
Our multi-day tours range from 2-day options like our Bay of Islands Tour & Rotorua/Taupo tour, all bookable directly through our website.
Yes, our New Zealand tours are designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for travellers of all ages. We offer a range of activities to suit different fitness levels and interests, making our New Zealand tours perfect for families, solo travellers and seniors.
Children under the age of 7 must be in a child safety seat, as it is a legal requirement in New Zealand. If you need a safety seat or booster seat these can be added during the booking process.
Please note, some of our tours have a minimum age requirement of 4-years-old. Please check the tour page for specifics.
We have a fleet of modern comfortable minibuses ranging from 7 to 16 seats, equipped out with all the modern conveniences: air conditioning, USB charging ports throughout buses, WiFi (in some buses) and DVD players to help the stories come to life.
Please note, there are no toilets on the bus, however all of our buses make frequent bathroom stops on all tour routes.
Our buses have our Cheeky Kiwi logo on the front and are very easy to spot!
You’ll be part of a small and friendly crew. Our tours run with a maximum of 16 guests. That means more personal attention, more room to stretch out, and a more authentic, easygoing experience. Exactly how we like it.
Not quite, our buses don’t have onboard bathrooms. But don’t worry, we’ve got you! Our guides plan regular comfort stops throughout the journey, and if nature calls unexpectedly, just let us know.
We are a friendly bunch!
All of our drivers have a clean, passenger-endorsed drivers licence, are trained in basic first aid and receive comprehensive training before they hit the road with you – our amazing guests!
Here are just a few recent testimonials about our guides fromTripAdvisor reviews…
“The whole experience was smooth, fun and professional and I just loved how you went out of your way to make this experience special for everyone. Every little detail”
“Friendly guide also very careful driver”
“Our guide and driver was extremely well informed and provided us with many interesting facts during our trip. So well spoken and clear”
“Our tour guide Jeff was absolutely amazing. From this tour, Jeff was very accomodating, kind, entertaining, full of knowledge and made us feel very comfortable which made a great overall experience that we will never forget.”
“Absolute champion”
Yes, entry tickets are included in the tour price. Please see the tour page for specific inclusions for your tour.
Additional activities, such as heli hikes or scenic flights, can be purchased as optional extras.
Breakfast is not included and lunch is only provided on some tours where specified in the tour inclusions.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please specify these when booking or email [email protected] to let us know in advance.
On all tours, the minibus stops multiple times where you can purchase food or you are welcome to bring your own. There are vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options available.
Our reviews speak for themselves! We are proud to have earned TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award for several consecutive years. With over 3,000 5-star reviews, our team is dedicated to providing the best New Zealand tours.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Thoughtfully Crafted Itineraries: Each Cheeky Kiwi tour route is meticulously planned to showcase the best of New Zealand, combining must-see attractions with hidden gems, cultural insights and unique local experiences.
Famously Passionate Guides: Our knowledgeable guides are renowned for their engaging storytelling and fascinating insights into New Zealand’s culture, history and natural wonders.
Small Group Sizes: Our smaller group sizes ensure personalised tour experiences, allowing for more interaction with guides and fellow guests.
Flexibility and Customisation: From fully-guided day trips to multi-day adventures, our tours cater to diverse interests and preferences. We offer customisable options and extra activities to tailor the experience to individual needs.
Safety and Comfort: Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We adhere to stringent safety standards, maintain well-maintained, custom-designed vehicles and provide transparent communication regarding health and safety measures.
Environmental Responsibility: We are committed to sustainable tourism practices, minimising our environmental footprint while supporting local communities and preserving New Zealand’s natural beauty.
Extra surprises: Surprise stops, wildlife viewings and other little extras truly set our tours apart!
Our standard tour inclusions are:
- Fully-guided, small-group return tour from your departure point (unless a one-way tour is booked)
- Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs (specific central hotels only)
- Refreshments and snacks whilst driving
- On-screen entertainment during the drive
- Multiple stops to purchase food, buy souvenirs or take photos
- Air conditioning, charging ports and WiFi (specific tours only) available in vehicle
- Transport in modern and comfortable minibuses
Cheeky Kiwi Travel proudly holds several certifications that reflect our commitment to quality, safety, inclusivity and sustainability. These include:
Qualmark Gold Certification: This prestigious accreditation is New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance mark, signifying that we meet the highest standards of excellence in service, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.
Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award: Awarded for five consecutive years, this recognition is based on consistently high ratings and reviews from our satisfied customers.
Tripadvisor ‘Best of the Best’ Award: As part of the annual Traveller’s Choice Awards, Cheeky Kiwi has also won the ‘Best of the Best’ award in 2022, 2023 and 2024. This is Tripadvisor’s highest recognition and is awarded to the top 1% of global listings.
In 2025, Cheeky Kiwi Travel’s Milford Sound Day Tour & Cruise won the ‘Best of the Best’ Award, ranking No.16 in the world in the ‘Sailing and Day Tours’ category.
Department of Conservation (DOC) Approved Operator: This certification ensures that we operate in a manner that protects and conserves New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage.
Pridge Pledge: Cheeky Kiwi Travel proudly adheres to the Pride Pledge, ensuring a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all LGBTQ+ travellers.
COVID Clean Approved: We adhere to strict health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being of our guests and staff, earning the COVID Clean Approved status.
To read more than 3,000 5-star reviews, search for Cheeky Kiwi Travel on Tripadvisor.
While you’re welcome to let us know your preference, we can’t guarantee front-seat bookings in advance.
We love hearing about your experience with us, and it helps future guests know what to expect.
You can leave a Google Review here, or we'll contact you after your tour with a link to review us on Trip Advisor.
If you've booked through an online travel agent, they may ask you to review your experience on their platform.
You can read some of our reviews here.
