Reviews and awards
Real Stories. Real Smiles. Real Kiwi Adventures.
Don’t just take our word for it. Hear from the legends who’ve toured with us! From epic views to cheeky laughs, our travellers share why exploring New Zealand with Cheeky Kiwi is the highlight of their trip.
Proud recipients of Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award for four consecutive years, thanks to our amazing guests
Stories worth sharing
Our guests know best.
A Grand Day in Hobbiton
Lovely tour. Very punctual and hospitable. Grant took care of me and others anwering any questions and prepping for all contingencies from traffic to your times while still allowing time for shopping and even a Hokey Pokey stop. He's kind, patient and extremely efficient and knowledgeable about the area and even have recommendations for other restaurants and experiences. Hobbiton to was well handled all around and a great experience especially for fans of the movies. Had a great day overall and thanks again to Grant for making it particularly special!
Compass11568737169
Fantastic all round!!
Amazing all around, thank you for all the help
Vasuki K
Highly Recommend!
We had a great experience with Cheeky Kiwi Travel. Geoff was our guide and he was engaged with the group the entire time and very organized. Prior to pickup, everyone was added on whatsapp and given time updates. He also talked a lot about local things on our ride to Hobbiton. We booked with another company for the return trip from Rotorura (due to availability) and the difference was definitely noticeable! Would definitely recommend Cheeky Kiwi and their attention to detail and clear communication.
Ruoyan Z
Very enjoyable trip to Rotorua via Hobbiton.
Liam was wonderful as a tour guide and driver. He is very knowledgeable and courteous, well suited for the job.
Sukumaran M
Hobbiton one way tour to Rotorua
We used this tour to see Hobbiton and reposition from Auckland to our next Airbnb in Rotorua. Our guide Geoff made the drive go by fast by telling us lots of information about the sights we passed and the country in general. Hobbiton is not to be missed, especially if you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings - but really interesting for almost anyone. This was our 2nd experience with the Cheeky team - you can’t go wrong with these guys!
Stephen J
So much fun!
I had a wonderful experience exploring Hobbiton and made some friends along the way. Our tour guide was also personable and very informative. Highly recommend!
Nina S
highly recommended if you're short on time
I highly recommend this full day trip starting w a visit to the hobbiton movie set. We were so lucky it didn't rain until the very end of the day. No need to bring your breakfast or lunch as you can get it at the shires rest cafe, a huge range of food available and not expensive. Our driver, Matt, was super knowledgeable, helpful, professional and efficient. He even showed us things to do and places to visit when we arrived at Rotorua and pointed out where i needed to catch the intercity bus. Our next stop was wai-o-tapu the thermal wonderland. You have plenty of time to do the full walk around the geothermal park and take heaps of pictures, no need to rush. The track is clearly marked but there are a lot of stairs up and down if you do tracks 2 and 3. Theres a cafe and giftshop. A great day highly recommended, in fact i recommend any cheeky kiwi tour i have done quite a few and they're all friendly and professional.
tracey s
Great tour
Had a great experience with a prompt pickup. Micheal was kind enough to pull over when I had to pee more than ever I have in my life. We really enjoyed the Hobbiton tour
Jake W
loved it!
Amazing experience with Dave as our guide! We had so much fun at Hobbiton - Dave’s commentary and positive energy made the trip so enjoyable. We highly recommend this trip and even doing an add on like we did and going to Te Puia!
Emory O
10/10!!
Dave was awesome! We had originally only booked Hobbiton but he recommended adding on Te Puia and totally worth it. We left our jacket on the bus and he was able to facilitate getting it back to us.
Connor O
Relax with Cheeky Kiwi!
We had such a lovely time touring with Vicky from Auckland to Rotorua via the Waitomo Caves! She was very knowledgeable about the region with plenty of history and fun facts. The luxury van was very comfortable with WIFI on board (keeps teens happy)! The caves are definitely worth experiencing. The cave formations are mind boggling and the glow worms are fascinating to learn about and see. Look no further to book this portion of your trip!
Tammy L
Excellent experience at Waimoto and Rotokua
A great experience seeing the stunning constellation of glowworms at Waimoto, learning about Māori culture, and getting close to multiple geysers. Alessandro was knowledgeable and helpful, giving great recommendations and dropping be off at my accommodation at Rotokua.
louistee
Great Guide, Good Vibes, Beautiful Scenery, Informative Experiences
Alessandro was genuinely an amazing guide who was very kind to me and the other solo traveler on our trip, incredibly knowledgeable and informative about the region and New Zealand in general, and overall helped make this a great day! The fee was a bit high but a good deal for both Waitomo and Te Puia, particularly when you account for the additional transit and accommodation costs non-drivers would have to pay in time and money otherwise. The glowworm caves were stunning, the countryside scenery beautiful, and te puia interesting with a good amount of time for both attractions.
Caroline M
Beautiful Rotrua from the eyes of Knowledgeable Guide
Places become extra special when you have knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. This was very true for Mr Ale from Cheekykiwi. We had a wonderful time exploring beautiful places of Waitomo Caves and Te Puia with our travel partner Mr Ale. My son enjoyed a lot talking to him and getting to understand more about New Zealand and Māori culture. Thank you Cheekykiwi team.
Jasmit Singh1974
Great trip to Waitomo Cave and Rotorua
It was a great trip to Waitomo Glow worm cave and Rotorua. Our tour guide, Trent, was a gracious host. Even with a very small group, he still drove us to the sites with great enthusiasm. One of our tour mates slipped on the curb side of Waitomo cave entrance and had to cancel the rest of her trip. Trent made sure that she was taken cared of and brought back to the city before we head out to our next destination. It was a great experience. One of the highlights of our trip.
NayrShey
Lovely service
A big thank-you to our driver Simon! Lots of interesting facts and stories during the trip. He was absolutely lovely towards everyone, myself included 😊
Kat Z
GREAT TOUR WITH TRENT !
One of the most unique experiences I have ever had! The places are amazing and the tour was GREAT! Specially because of our guide, Mr. Trent! Friendly, educated, clever and gentle! Always giving informations about everything on the way and also giving full attention to the group. He knows a lot about Maori culture and history. He drove us carefully and was always with us helping as much as possible. Smileful and really enjoying staying with us and taking care of the group. He even mede quick stops at a few other places on the way that were not included on the tour to show us some nice spots and give us more information. All the activities happened in a perfect way because of him. I highly recommend this tour with Cheeky Kiwi and specially with Mr. Trent as a guide! He loves what he does and he does it very well!!! Cheers
Marcelo Raimona
Thank you Trent !!!
One of the most unique experiences I've ever lived. Sensational. Mr. Trent, our guide, made all the difference. Punctual, sociable, intelligent, polite, kind and has an excellent knowledge of Maori culture. Careful in the direction and perfect in dealing with us. All along he provided information about the climate, vegetation, geography, culture, customs and various curiosities. He did everything he could even to help a member of the group who had a small accident with a fall. He was equipped with first aid and provided all necessary assistance possible. The places were amazing, the cost was appropriate and the time helped but I repeat, the guide (Trent) made all the difference. I already know more than 70 countries and have made many tours around the world, this was undoubtedly one of the best! Super recommend the tour with Cheeky Kiwi and especially with Mr. Trent!
Marcelo Raimona
Great way to transit from Auckland to Rotorua
We had a great day with Jeff as our guide and driver from Auckland to Rotorua. He provided a wealth of information on New Zealand and the region we’re traveling through. We also enjoyed our visit to the glowworm caves and the Māori Cultural Center. Jeff also had a number of suggestions for other things we may be of interest to us during our stay in Rotorua. I would definitely recommend this trip as an option to travel from Auckland to Rotorua versus flying if not driving g oneself.
Vacation32839802682
Memorable day at Waitomo.
We had a very good experience with Cheeky Kiwi on 22nd March 2026 with our guide and driver, Hanoz. Pick up in Auckland was on time. Safe driver. Clean comfortable mini-coach (only about 10 of us). Really good communication from Hanoz (coach quiz!, got us all chatting, witty humour). The caves are magical- everyone strangely silent in the dark of the boat. Recommended.
Chrysalis
Awesome trip and worth the price!
It was amazing! Long car rides but definitely worth the price. Jess is amazing in guiding and keeping us entertained throughout the drive. We were really lucky to see the first snow in this winter, Jess handled the unexpected snow saga really well. 10/10 recommended 🫶
Journey14016431654
Fantastic Guide, Unforgettable Experience
Our guide, Jason, was absolutely wonderful! He was relaxed, friendly, and shared so much interesting knowledge about the places we visited. You could really tell how much he loves his job and his homeland, which helped us develop a deeper connection to the landscape and its history. The four-hour journey to Milford Sound flew by, thanks to the scenic stops along the way. On the return trip, we were able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. It was an easy, enjoyable, and memorable experience!
Olivia Z
Premium Milford Sound, cruise and picnic lunch from Queenstown
We really enjoyed this tour, it is worth the money. It is the best tour, can be rated number 1.
Choon R
Breathtaking
Kristina was a wonderful guide and the entire experience was breathtaking, informative and a lot of fun. Meataxe the Kea was the icing on the cake! Thankyou
James and Emily M
A trip that stays with you for lifetime
One word amazing, too good from booking to pick up till drop off, made memorable experience, Kristina is an awesome tour guide, very knowledgeable and friendly. Will book with Cheeky kiwi again in future
aritra d
Ryo
Great experience, Kristina is a friendly guide with great driving skill and awesome story teller also
Ryonard V
Lovely day!
Enjoyed a lovely day visiting fiordland with Danny. Van was comfortable, sites magnificent and tour guide was informative and efficient. Picnic lunch was substantial and delicious.
Merideth L
Milford Sound
We had Raghav as our guide, who was very informative and attentive. Pick-up and return was well organized. Was able to see many sites.
Elmer
Milford sound
Had an amazing day,The waterfalls were in full flow,and the trip was made even better with our excellent guide and driver Amy who kept us all fully informed about the journey and the amazing views.
W H
Great experience
Awesome experience with Jeff. He is very experienced about the history of the route towards Milford Sound. We enjoyed a lot and though the journey requires him to drive a lot, but he managed to keep engaging with us (also with other customers). Big applaud to him and the experience.
Too
Milford sound bus cruise fly
Abby was an awesome guide. Especially appreciated the curated music which she played at key moments in the ride, which made it all very much more special and dramatic. What an experience!
yada_yada2
An Unforgettable Milford Sound Adventure! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What an absolutely spectacular day out! The entire operation ran like clockwork from start to finish, and the four of us couldn't have asked for a better way to experience the sheer scale and beauty of Milford Sound. The water was stunning, the logistics were seamless, and getting right up close to the cascading waterfalls was an absolute highlight for the whole family. A huge shoutout to our driver and guide, Jason. He kept us thoroughly entertained the whole way down. I'm still trying to figure out if his relentless jokes or the hairpin turns on the Milford Road were more dizzying, but he navigated both like a total pro! The absolute cherry on top was the scenic flight. Our pilot, Isabelle, was fantastic and gave us an incredibly smooth ride over the peaks. This was quite a relief, considering she deadpanned right before takeoff that it was her very "first time" flying an airplane. We all had a minor heart attack before we realized she was completely pulling our leg! Her landing ended up being significantly smoother than Jason’s punchlines. If you're on the fence about booking this tour, just do it. Incredible views, a wonderfully organized itinerary, and a brilliantly funny crew. Highly recommended!
Stepan
100% Recommend
We loved the drive, cruise, fly experience to see Milford Sound. We were able to see so many beautiful sights in just one day. Hannah was an amazing guide and took great care of us. We especially loved the stories and information along the drive.
Cami H
Exceptional & Seamless—An Exclusive Way to Experience Milford!
We booked the Premium Bus-Cruise-Fly package and it was worth every cent. The entire process was incredibly thoughtful and friendly from start to finish. The highlight was definitely the small group setting, which made the whole experience feel much more exclusive compared to the larger tour buses we saw. Unlike the bigger cruises that seemed rushed, our cruise took much more time, allowing us to truly soak in the atmosphere. Because we were on a smaller vessel, we were able to get incredibly close to the waterfalls, which was a breathtaking experience. Every detail was well-managed, allowing us to truly recharge and enjoy the stunning scenery without any stress. If you want a professional, seamless, and high-end experience in New Zealand, I highly recommend this package. Great people, great views, and a world-class arrangement!
Jerry S
Fantasti tour and experience.
We had a wonderful experienced guide (gosh I forget his name right now-it was his last day sadly and he was amazing). Got picked up at our hotel without a hitch. On the way to Milford Sound, there are plenty of stops to get off and take unreal photos of the landscapes and scenery. Once you arrive, the cruise is top notch and the views or the mountains, waterfalls, etc is spectacular. We had a flight back, but sadly it was cancelled due to weather (and they promptly refunded us for the flight difference). Unfortunately, can't control the weather and safety comes first. Highly recommend and definitely don't book anything exhausting the night before or the day after this tour as you'll need to recover from the long but fun day.
MaverickJoe
Amazing.
Wonderful experience, very friendly guide
Rex M
Wonderful day
Hannah was fantastic tour guide Very lovely personality and welcoming. Loved her stories We did the fly back option on the plane and saw the most stunning views Absolutely loved that - highlight of our trip!
Christina C
Explore the Eighth Natural Wonder of the World- Well Worth It
Danny was an excellent tour guide, and the whole tour was easy and very engaging and fun. We made a bunch of quick stops up to Milford Sound for great photo opportunities. Danny offered to take everyone’s photos, and he’s a pro. He filled us in on the Mauri and European histories of the land. We had a great lunch included and the flexibility to eat anytime during the afternoon. It was a misty and drizzly day, which added to the drama of Milford Sound. The cruise itself was smooth and mostly quiet- perfect for relaxing and taking photos and enjoying the serenity and scale of the park. It’s truly magnificent and worth seeing if you are in Queenstown for even a day or two. My scenic flight home was unfortunately cancelled due to winds, but it was still fun driving back with Danny and the crew. We had become friends throughout the day, so it was nice to end the day with the whole group. I would highly recommend this tour.
JoeLanzo
Fantastic
Massively impressed by this tour. One of the best I’ve been on. Tour guide was super, schedule was great, the sights will take your breath away and finally the flight back was the coolest and most extraordinary thing I’ve done. Highly recommended!
Leif A
Outstanding tour!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was an awesome experience. It was seamless everything ran like clockwork and we were never rushed. The guide/driver Glen was absolutely brilliant and knowledgeable but not to the point where you think please stop talking. He made time for everyone chatting and answering our questions. Glen was brilliant. He got us to our boat on Milford sound perfectly on time giving us clear instructions. He then showed us to our pilot for our return trip. Sad to say good bye! The mini van ride was very comfortable and lunch delicious. Glen even changed my dietary requirements at the last minute because I forgot. Highly recommend this company. Our milford sound coach then boat and fly back to Queenstown was worth every penny! An experience I will always remember!! Thankyou Glen and Cheeky Kiwi Tours!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yvette M
Amazing Day.
What an amazing day. Amy was so informative and kept us all entertained the whole day. She was safe and professional! The small bus was comfortable and the boat tour the best. Milford Sound is breath taking. It’s a must do when in Queenstown and Cheeky Kiwi Tours are the ones to do it with!! Best day out.
Virginia N
Excellent day out to Milford Sound / highly recommended
Cheeky Kiwi Travel tour from Queenstown to Milford Sound with Amy - just book it. Easy pickup near our hotel, very comfortable coach and wonderful driving by our host/driver Amy. Amy was an absolute wealth of knowledge and her commentary throughout the journey to Milford Sound was really engaging/interesting. We learned about the history and features of the beautiful areas we drove through, plus opportunities to pull in to have a closer look at special locations. Smaller bus resulted in more personalised service and a better overall travel experience for us. We had regular breaks for rest stops & coffee thoughout the outbound journey with less required on return journey. The lunch pack provided was ample & generous. The cruise through Milford Sound was on a snaller boat that was comfortabie snd not overcrowded. The views and experience aboard the boat were unforgettable with the smaller boats able to get close to the waterfalls. Thanks Amy for giving our family a great day out with excellent driving whilst giving a superb commentary. We wouldn’t have been able to visit Milford Sound without a tour operator like Cheeky Kiwi tours as it would be too long a drive/day from us ex-Queenstown (plus some ice on roafs and twisty country roads, which Amy as a local experienced driver, navigated safely at a decent pace with our pickup at 7am to drop off at 8pm).
Rosemary
100% recommended.
It was a wonderful trip. I had a great time thanks to Amy, who was a joy to have as guide. She kept us engaged and made our trip very comfortable.
HappyTraveller
It was a great tour!
It was a long itinerary, but we were able to visit several spots with related stories and it was quick. The car was comfortable and I enjoyed it to the end, as I was able to rest well during the long journey. Milford Sound was the goal, but the Mirror Lakes Walk was so good! The cafe where we had snacks on the way was also delicious with pies. Our guide RAGHAV made the tour fun and exciting and gave us a good vibe.
Adventure45237588782
A very comfy scenic ride. Highly recommended
Comfy pick up and drop off. Great scenic ride. Amazing tour guide took care of us
vanvalencia
Milford Sound from Queenstown
Jeff was an excellent story teller and super service provider . Hospitable and always on hand to help
SYuen
Great small group tour to Milford Sound
We had a wonderful experience. The small group size is perfect. The tour guide provided lots of useful and interesting information, making the long journey easy. She took us to wonderful stops. We had appropriate time for bathroom breaks and for each stop. The bus is very comfortable; and the landscape is absolutely magical.
imliddy
Milford Sound at its finest with Cheeky Kiwi
What an amazing tour it was. Amy from CK was an absolute legend as a guide. She managed to include all the major attractions on the way and shared the history of all the locations. It was quite informative. Amy is quite knowledgeable about the places she took us and fun to chat. Milford Sound cruise was absolutely stunning.
Culture31112610258
Excellent
Amy was an excellent story teller. Snacks and water were ample and the coach comfortable. The many stops were perfect.
Ushma N
Amazing landscape and even better guide!
We had an amazing experience traveling for the day with our guide Amy. Super capable driver, lots of interesting stories & factoids about NZ, lots of little stops for photos & enjoy little vistas of the amazing landscape. Overall a lovely experience enhanced by Amy
Janneke V
It's a great experience.
It was a great experience. The glacier hike booked before the changeable weather at Mount Cook was cancelled and booked twice more. Finally booked! Our guide is a warm and lovely girl with a living wave, who has introduced many along the way~
Summer Y
Amazing day in Mt. Cook
Really nice trip to Mt. Cook! Small exclusive group with a sprinter coach really comfortable. Amazing driver with a lot of information about everything on the way! Many stops for scenic views and toilet breaks (and leg stretching). Different options in Mt. Cook from hikes to museum. Overall 10/10 would recommend 👌
Simon gervais gagnon
Great trip to a beautiful place!
Abby was amazing. She had the perfect level of keeping us engaged and entertained. She had a smile all day and kept us safe on the road. She was able to accomodate our different asks for the hikes. Thanks for a great trip!
Yauza16
Great day with Glen - highly recommend!
Such a fantastic day with Glen our guide/driver. Could not have gone better. Stops were well timed, Glen was knowledgeable and the perfect guide. Would highly recommend !!!!
Kirstim123
Excellent day, would definitely do again!
Our host, Lynette, was fantastic and so friendly. We loved every minute of the day and very much enjoyed the small group aspect, it was a lovey day!
Jasmine J
Worth it
Good tour guide Adequate time
CVSR
Exciting tour with a great tour guide
The tour and the itinerary were very well designed and Rob is a friendly, knowledgeable tour guide. I am so glad I listened to his recommendation on adding a plane + copter combo to the itinerary, and he arranged it impromptu. I would highly recommend this tour.
Jaikishan L
Day Tour to Mt Cook
Great tour! The tour guide Rob was fantastic! He knew all the best spots and told us a lot of history/fun facts along the way. This was a great day tour to Mt Cook and I would highly recommend it.
Ash
Good time. The itinerary seemed challenging but in the end was very manageable and fun.
I was a bit afraid as I am pregnant and the itinerary said 3 hours of walks and I was scared but they ended up dropping us off at two easy walks - Hooker Valley and Tasman Glacier Lake for 1 hour each time. They picked us up and dropped us to the next location and a Cafe stop at the end for a rest break. It was perfect and not too difficult, a 70 year old couple also in my tour seemed alright to do it. The more fit people could go ahead to do more if they wanted and attempt the steeper walks. The snacks provided were simple nut bars and chips and water but really plentiful and helped us to keep energised. The stops they chose were excellent, the driving was not too long in between. The ice cream at the orchard was really excellent and fruity, I got the yoghurt one and really delicious and fresh. The salmon farm is fun but the prices were a bit high, but you don't have to buy any salmon. I did like the Creamy chicken pie but I dunno if it was the best in NZ. The ice cream really probably was. The tour guide was overall good. Nice guy, from the UK funnily. His stories were more detailed than another tour guide I had. He didn't talk too much and this allowed us to rest in the van a little which was good. My only disappointment is in the itinerary it said "Lake pukaki is known for lotr shoots and we will point this out to you" and the guide did not know these spots. Also, not due to the tour company but the weather wasn't good for the view. There were too many low clouds to see the mountains. If you see a cloudy day I might recommend trying a different day as the mountains are really what you want to see. Overall still fun and a good time though.
Christine K
Beautiful Trails, Great Guide, and Stunning Views
We went on the Mt. Cook tour today and had a fantastic experience overall. The entire route was incredibly scenic, and we really enjoyed both trails—the Hooker Valley Track and the Tasman Glacier Walk. Each walk offered stunning views and was well worth it. Our guide, Jess (Jessica) was excellent—she explained everything clearly and shared interesting history and details about each place we visited, which made the journey even more enjoyable. Ending the tour with ice cream was a lovely touch and a perfect way to wrap up the day. All in all, it was a really well-organized and memorable tour, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Anshuman V
Smooth journey from Mt Cook to Queenstown
My guide was Jason. He was super punctual for pick-up. A friendly and engaging guide, he told us about the places that we were passing by, and stopped for pictures and ice cream. I reached my accomodation on time.
343sahrak
Memorable Journey
The tour was made special by our tour guide Ms Shura. Very knowledgeable and hospitable. We loved every bit of it. Keep it up CheekyKiwi.
Jasmit Singh1974
Excellent Transfer Service!
I did the Queenstown to Mt. Cook and the reverse trip a few days later. Both were with Cheeky Kiwi, and both trips were excellent. Our driver, Raj, was excellent. Efficient, knowledgeable, courteous, friendly, and accommodating. He shared many highlights along the way & stories to support our journey. The Mercedes Sprinter Vans were well equipped and made for a comfortable ride. Lots of cool photo stops and other stops (salmon farm, lunch & coffee stops where you could buy some local merino wool). I support the highest recommendation possible for Cheeky Kiwi. Everything was amazing, and I’ll use them again when I return.
ROBERT F
Short and sweet tour
The tour from Mt Cook to Queenstown is a short one, starting from 2.30pm, with pickup at Hermitage Hotel level 2 lobby. We head to Lake Pukaki, which was gorgeous. Then to Lindis Pass. We reach Queenstown at about 6.30-7pm, depending on the stops we make. Our guide, Raghav, was very entertaining and friendly. He had some fun stories to share along the way. He dropped us off at our accommodations and also gave us his recommendations for dinner :)
Priya J
Scenic drive, knowledgeable guides and perfect placed stops along the way
10/10- Mt Cook was awesome, as well as every stop along the way. Beautiful landscape along the route and JOE was a great guide, very knowledgeable and awesome storyteller!
amandajane1019
Aoraki/Mt Cook to Queenstown
Our experience with Cheeky Kiwi exceeded our expectations! We had Joe as our guide and he was so knowledgeable on the history and culture of NZ. He was an amazing storyteller and we absolutely loved the tales he told of the Indigenous Māori people and land. It was such a special tour for us. Thank you Joe! We’d book again if Joe was our guide again!!!
KATRINA WEYNBERG
Great tours from Joe G!
We had Joe G as our tour driver for Mount Cook and Milford Sound, he was a great guide telling us interesting stories along the way keeping the long journeys fun. Would defo recommend others to do this, and hopefully get Joe as your driver!
Flyer59470616679
Great Trip with Cheeky Kiwi
Our driver Joe had done a great hosting and driving us around. I liked the sightseeing stops and the coffee/salmon/ice cream stops. My experience can't be any better. Lovely way to enjoy my journey! Highly recommended to travel with Cheeky Kiwi!
S.H.E
Fun tour from Mt Cook to Queenstown
I had a great time on the afternoon tour from Mt Cook to Queenstown. Sonya was the best guide and had the coolest stories and facts to share. Definitely a fun ride!
Nic M
Better safe than sorry ;)
The tour guide was very friendly and kind. She helped me book my trip back from Mt. Cook to Queenstown, even though I had trouble booking it online. She enthusiastically drove us to many hikes around the Mt. Cook area and pointed out which ones were worth visiting. She was also kind enough to drop me off at my hostel. I’m looking forward to watching her movie. It was amazing to hear her story, moving from Russia and transitioning from being a farmer to becoming a tour guide. Unfortunately, I forgot her name, I’m not very good with names, but I sincerely wish her all the best in life.
Hoang N
What an adventure!
Danny was an amazing tour guide who got us safely through a snow storm on Lindis Pass and kept us well entertained when we were unable to move. We also loved the guide who took us into Christchurch from the salmon farm! His stories were entertaining as well!
Patrice T
Excellent, mind blowing, superb customer service by Jason
form Arnab Bose and Family -If there is 10 stars i would give our driver and guide Jason who on my birthday took my family to Mt cook from queenstown, we had to take the flight from Mt cook as well and he had planned everything so perfectly to accommodate us, so kind, always giving , always before time, absolute legend, great going keep it up, will recommend all my friends
Arnab B
Wonderful experience at Mt Cook with great guide
Tour was awesome, especially made better with our guide Shura who ensured that our journey throughout was comfortable and also provided tips for the walks at Mt Cook National Park.
misterL
Such a good option if you are short on time
Loved discovering the wonders of the South Island with Cheeky Kiwi! Witnessing Mt Cook and the gorgeous blue lakes were a dream come true. Nature is New Zealand is truly magnificent. I couldn't have picked a better day for this tour as the sun followed us everywhere we went. If I could, I would do it all over again! Thank you so much to the team that makes this experience so memorable with good commentary, interesting facts and a kind and caring attitude all along the way!
laurencornilleau
Good
It was very nice, precise and proper information from guide.
Voyage31299812726
Great service and friendly guide
Very good experience and friendly guide. Highly recommended
chee w
Great tour
Wonderful experience. We were extremely lucky to see Mount Cook in full, as the sky was perfectly clear. The scenery, fresh air, and beautiful weather were truly mesmerising. Every place we visited had its own charm, and the hikes were definitely the highlight of the trip. Special thanks to our drivers and guides, Jess and another gentleman (sorry, I forgot his name), who were both knowledgeable, and made the journey enjoyable. All in all, this was a fantastic and memorable experience, and absolutely well worth the time.
EverlastingSong
Four tours down, more to go
Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt Cook. The tour transfer was grand. My wife & I enjoyed yet again another Cheeky Kiwi adventure with our driver Ollie to Mt Cook & our second drover Rose to CC. Small group, lovely conversation with other passengers, great views to Mt Cook where we changed drivers. Late pickup due to a british passenger in Queenstown & then an asian-american passenger from Mt Cook who thought they were on a private tour & was always late returning to the van. Be kind & be on time, try to remember we all want a good experience. The drivers handled the situations professionally & with some humor. This is a very good tour company, I highly recommend, will use them again on the north island.
Rudi
Awesome experience
Must say that it was an awesome experience. Both the guides cum drivers- Glan and Rosy were very good at knowledge and were helpful. They were accommodating as when we told them to stop for a while on a lake (which was not s stop), they stopped. One even dropped me near my accommodation in Christchurch, which was slightly detour. Both kept us engaged throughout by telling interesting stories. Highly recomend.
Sonu
Great company with friendly drivers
Both drivers - Jonathan & Jay - made the trip enjoyable & interesting with their informative discussions throughout the journey. Moreover they helped book a last minute helicopter ride for my Son & I which made the overall journey even better, thank you. The smaller minibus was comfy as well.
Richard J
A MUST DO EXPERIENCE!
Absolutely amazing experience! Kristina was such a wonderful guide. The weather was not perfect, but the views and her guidance and stories made the trip all worthwhile. I was travelling solo, but it felt safe and comfortable throughout the journey. Thank you!
khusbushrestha
Stunning sights
Great sights & walks, informative & entertaining guide Joseph
FarAway05545697805
The landing on the mountain is spectacular
Glacier and mountain views are breathtaking
Rex M
Fun Road Trip with Great Guides and Fellow Passengers
I had a great trip down to Queenstown with Cheeky Kiwi. Our tour guides, Yanmis and Joe, were both awesome! Both shared insightful stories about landmarks and sights as we passed. We took plenty of breaks and had time to take pictures, grab snacks, and do small hikes. Both guides were helpful, entertaining, and fun to travel with. I'd definitely recommend this as an option to explore New Zealand without having to rent a car and drive yourself. Thanks again guys!
Mir Afgan T
Great Day
Had a great day. Picked up on time from my hotel. Mt Cook National Park was stunning. Did the Tasman Glacier look out walk and the Kea Point track. Plenty of other stops on the way too. The two drivers (think it was Jay and Jonathan) provided commentary throughout and displayed that kiwi humour and wit. A great way to see a beautiful part of the country.
Luke L
Efficient with good photo stops
Efficient way to get from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo. Everyone turned up on time and guides were knowledgeable (lady and gentleman). Good stops for pictures. Good group size and comfortable van
Kavita C
Fast, reliable, and well-organized.
Fast, reliable, and well-organized. Our guide was fantastic — knowledgeable and eager to share lots of interesting facts about the area. We made some great stops along the way, and there was plenty of time to enjoy the hiking.
Irina K
Mt cook day drip, excellent trip
Great trip with the guide providing all the insights into the history of NZ, extremely friendly. Experience all the great views of mountains, lakes and walking tracks.
david k
Overall, great family experience
Felix and Nick were great guides. Though we had a rainy day at Mount Cook, Felix was accommodating and offered alternative activities for guests to enjoy. Transition also between transportation was smooth. Lastly, the transportations were spacious and comfortable though it was packed. Will definitely recommend.
Anna Navarro
Inspirational experience
We had many wonderful photo spots to stop by and had many memories. I was also struggling with how to spend my free time in my first time at Mount Cook, but the driver recommended a course for me and I really enjoyed it there.
ちゅち
Appreciate tour guide Simon
My tour guide is Simon. He is nice, patient and polite. He knows English is not my first language. But he will try his best to use easier English to lets us understand the story behind. That’s an enjoyable and comfortable tour.
Yammie L
Cathedral tour
"Best day!!! Trent was fantastic—extremely knowledgeable and flexible with our itinerary. The van was modern, clean, and comfortable, and we felt safe the entire time. He went above and beyond to make the trip unforgettable Trent was amazing driver. Thank you for a great experience
Yvonne R
Auckland in a day
The best tour to cover the best Auckland has to offer, it’ll be a long day with a lot of driving but you will not be disappointed by the story telling and views along the way to make the experience worth it
Kunal Kohli
Full day worth it.
This was a great trip. I highly recommend the full day experience if going to be in Auckland for only a short time as gives a picture of Auckland and it's surroundings. For some travelers, it might even help to decide more in depth adventures to take. This was my second trip with Simon in a week. He is absolutely great!!!! He provided great commentary on the things visited, made certain all in group were engaged. In our group, we decided what places to go/see based on options he noted. Oh yes, although I don't drink coffee, those who do enjoyed the place he selected.
Trek54371795317
The Best Guide in Auckland - Pearl is Amazing!
We had an incredible experience with Pearl. Even though we were part of a group tour, she made the entire trip feel like a private, VIP experience. From start to finish, Pearl was attentive and flexible, constantly checking in to see what we were interested in rather than just sticking to a rigid script. She even went above and beyond the scheduled time to ensure we didn't miss a thing. A huge highlight was our visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, where she acted as our own personal guide, sharing deep insights we never would have found on our own. If you are looking for a guide who is professional, kind, and truly cares about your experience, we highly recommend Pearl.
William N
Amazing experience!
The experience was amazing!! We met some truly exceptional people and saw areas of Auckland that were scenic and of great cultural significance. Our guides were not only knowledgeable but also passionate about what they do!
Voyager24345234474
A Beautiful day travling around Auckland and the surrounding area
My tour with Matt on 11/19/2025 was great. He was fun, and as a long time resident of the area, very knowledgable. The morning was very personalized, since it was just me. However, when more folks joined in, he helped us all feel comfortable together.
Janine B
Don’t miss a Cheeky Kiwi tour, don’t miss this tour!
A really nice tour, our Guide Grant was fab. I really enjoyed our stop at the black sand beach, breathtakingly beautiful. Davenport is a cute little town, Mt. Eden wonderful. The place we had lunch at was very cool - it was outdoors with a beach-modern feel to it. This was my 5th Cheeky Kiwi tour in 2 weeks and I have loved them all. I go on another tomorrow! I’m a solo traveler and I’m so grateful for their dedication to making sure I’m enjoying myself. For not canceling tours when not at capacity (I’m traveling during the off-season). I can easily say they have been a big part of how amazing my trip has been.
angeladenis2020
10/10 experience!
We had a fantastic time with Jeoff from Cheeky Kiwi! He was absolutely amazing, so full of knowledge- answered any and all questions. Super impressive! He went the extra mile and we had a super time. The views were spectacular from beginning to end. And an added bonus was the lunch stop, it was absolutely delicious and on the house made it all more enjoyable 😁 Could not recommend this company more, definitely book with them and hopefully you’ll be lucky enough to have Jeoff as your guide!!
Holly K
Coastal adventure and beautiful nature
We had a great tour in Coromandel in a small fun group. The guide Trent the rock Star was super funny and showed us great spots as well as doing a good shop as a photographer. There were also small snacks and something to drink on the bus and enough breaks. Great coastal adventure and beautiful nature. Our highlight Cathendral Cove ❤️ who wants to experience what and likes adventure should do this tour.
Julia M
A great day on the Coromandel Peninsula
What a lovely day visiting the Coromandel Peninsula! Our guide Trent really went the extra mile to make our experience memorable. We were a small group so Trent took us on a couple of great walks to get the best photos of beaches and flora. We got to spend time at Cathedral Cove and a few other beaches. Trent is very knowledgeable on the Coromandel and also pointed out special nature reserves that are preserving the Kauri trees. We drove by bird reserves across from the peninsula and so much more. Trent was a wonderful guide and truly went out of his way to give us a special day with lots of memories and so many photos 😊.
Kathleen G
Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach
A beautiful day ,lovely beaches. The scenery was amazing. The hot water beach was amazing. Two wonderful guides, Trent and Dave -very informative, kind and helpful!
Camper632075
Great solo experience with a fantastic guide
I joined the tour as a solo traveler and English is not my first language, but Ben made everything easy and enjoyable. He was very warm and enthusiastic, and he kept sharing interesting stories throughout the trip. There were nine people in our group, and everyone had a great time. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. I really enjoyed the experience and would definitely recommend it.
Trek68236022738
Cheeky Kiwi are the way to go for a truly fun day out!
Where to start with this grear value tour. Sun; sea and seemingly endless fun! Ben our tour guide and driver set the tone for the day with his jovial, high sprited demeanor; even st 6.15am when he arrived at my hotel. What greeted us on a warm white sand beach after a two houe drive was like a scene from a movie. Well as Ben informed us, the stunning Cathederal Cove location was used in the film Narnia. Numerous photo captures and videos later we progressed onto the Hot Water sand each with bucket and spade in hand to dig our very own hot pool to la languish in only 20 to 30 metres in from the sea shore. Amazingly hot water gushes up from the sand after only digging a few feet. It's a fab communal activity and great for team/group bonding. Then one can go for a refeshing dip in the inviting ocean afterwards (Don't forget your swimwear) Overall this tour is truly the best way to spend the dsy if looking to book a tour and Cheeky Kiwi are the way to go for the all round fun experience. Highly recommended.
Universal Vibes T
Great day out to the Coromandel Peninsula
Fabulous scenery, fun and knowledgeable guide, nice pace - it did not feel rushed at all. In terms of finding lunch during the lunch break, the Hahei ice crema and eatery is fine but not amazing.
Henry M
The best tour I’ve ever been on
Jeffrey was very knowledgeable. He also did great at making sure everyone was ok. I loved this tour. So many amazing adventures in one day. 10 out of 10
S B
5/5 experience
The van we rode in was perfect, not crowded, and with humongous leg room. Mark is an excellent tour guide and driver—not to energetic but not boring either.
Lester S
The Best Tour to Coromandel Peninsula
It was amazing, our tour guide, Pearl, did an excellent job with this tour, the snacks, the timing, the scenery, everything was perfect.
Valentina N
Above and Beyond Service – Even for Just Two Guests!
We had an outstanding experience with Cheeky Kiwi Tours. What impressed us most was their commitment to their customers. Even though we were the only guests booked for the tour, they still proceeded with the trip instead of canceling it. That level of service and dedication is truly exceptional and greatly appreciated. A special thank you to Trent, our tour guide, who made the day unforgettable. He was friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and passionate about sharing New Zealand’s history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. Trent went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic experience, and his warm personality made the tour feel personal and enjoyable. We highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi Tours to anyone visiting New Zealand. Their customer service is outstanding, and having a guide like Trent makes the experience even more special.
Carl M
A Memorable Journey with an Amazing Guide, Trent
We had an amazing tour experience with Trent! From the moment we met him, he made us feel welcome with his warmth, hospitality, and genuine kindness. He was incredibly accommodating throughout the entire tour and went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience. What we appreciated most was how knowledgeable he was about the history of the places we visited. He shared fascinating stories and insights that helped us better understand and appreciate each location. Thank you, Trent, for making our trip so memorable. We highly recommend him to anyone looking for a friendly, professional, and engaging tour guide. We would gladly tour with him again! 😊
Aiko
One way Hobbiton/Waitomo tour solo
Did my tour with Trent and it ended up just being us 2. Despite, this he made it super memorable and I had a great time seeing all the spots he took me to! Would defo recommend this to others.
GoPlaces17836855391
Wonderful weekend
Had a great time on the tour. Trent was a great guide with a lot of knowledge and tips and he even planed an extra stop for us. Thanks again for the nice weekend.
gurr2015
Two Fun Days in North Island
Our guide, Trent, made our NZ experience fun and memorable. He was efficient with time and kept us safe.
Dan S
Great trip to cover volcano park, gardens and waterfall.
Great trip covers a lot on the way
Vivian L
Amazing ❤️👌
Our 2day tour with Trent was absolutely fantastic! He was friendly, knowledgeable, organised, and made the whole experience so enjoyable from start to finish. His great energy, local insights, and attention to everyone in the group made the trip extra special. Thank you for making these two days unforgettable — highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bianca M
Trent won’t disappoint!
Our Cheeky Kiwi tour yesterday was absolutely fantastic. Trent, our driver, was prompt, incredibly friendly, and went out of his way to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable. He was always available for questions and shared helpful information throughout the day, which really enhanced the experience. The vehicle was spotless, comfortable, and very well maintained, and the safety briefing at the start was thorough and reassuring. The entire tour felt organized, professional, and genuinely enjoyable from beginning to end. Highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi and especially Trent for an unforgettable experience in New Zealand
Sheila
Best time ever
Tour guide Trent absolutely made this excursion unforgettable. He was fun, knowledgeable, engaging, and kept the entire day running smoothly from start to finish. Along the way he shared great stories, local history, and interesting facts about New Zealand that made the drive just as enjoyable as the destinations themselves. As an added bonus, he even included an extra stop at a kiwi sanctuary, which was such a special experience and showed how much he genuinely wanted everyone to have the best possible day. The entire excursion from Auckland to Rotorua exceeded expectations. Hobbiton Movie Set was pure magic — beautifully maintained and incredibly immersive. Walking through the Shire and enjoying a drink at the Green Dragon Inn truly felt like stepping into Middle-earth. The glow worm caves were equally amazing. Drifting quietly through the cave beneath thousands of glowing lights was surreal and one of the most unique experiences I ever had. This was easily one of the highlights of my New Zealand trip, and I highly recommend it — especially if you get Trent as your guide!
Terry C
Don’t think..,just book.
We had Trent as our guide and thoroughly enjoyed the time. Trent was warm, knowledgeable and you can tell he genuinely enjoys connecting with people and sharing about New Zealand. The stops on the tour were great! Informative, the right amount of time and best of all…FUN! Highly recommend this tour if you’re considering it.
Dee C
Hobbit Trip
Our trip from Auckland to the Hobbiton Movie Set was seamless and so much fun. Trent, our driver, made the whole experience—he had our tickets ready at arrival, played great music, and shared fun stories about New Zealand along the way. The set itself feels like stepping into The Lord of the Rings—absolutely magical. Highly recommend!
Jorida C
Hobbitton tour experience
Grant was amazing. He took great care of us, including keeping us safe, great information about the region and the tour, and really wonderful local tips. He was fun and very attentive. I highly recommend it.
Richard B
Hobbiton Day Trip
Great day out. Our guide Grant was excellent. Good commentary and very friendly. A beautiful drive even in the rain. Highly recommend.
Michele S
Great for “Lord of the Rings” Enthusiasts or Just for Fun
Cheeky Kiwi Travel certainly provided us a safe trip out to The Hobbiton movie set, by Nickey. This was an anticipated destination for my husband while we visited New Zealand. We very much enjoyed the countryside on our way to & back from the Hobbiton movie set, and the tour on site of the Alexander Farm was truly fun & enjoyed. It provided our first full day in Auckland with a lovely memory. If you’re looking for something a bit different… then take in this tour. The “Shire” is so cute and interesting!!!
Time2Travel
Amazing, even on a stormy day
Amazing trip! Even on a very rainy day our tour guide filled us with positive energy. Our guide gave us an overview into everyday life in New Zealand and how our trip was going to look like. The tour at Hobbiton which was operated by the local Hobbiton guide was great! He told us about small secrets of hobbit holes and all kinds of different ways the area was utilised during filming. Had a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon and also due to construction work happening at the site we got ''compensated'' with an amazing Green Dragon steins. This was very kind of them. On the way back we got even closer to our original driver who offered us some cassava chips and told us more about the history and legends of the local people. Also got to stop to try the famous New Zealand ice cream and try the Hokey Pokey flavour. Overall the tour was a 10/10 and would definitely reccomend it to every Middle-Earth fans like us.
Arlet L
A MUST do excursion when visiting New Zealand
Honestly, it's a 10/10 trip! Simon our 'Cheeky Kiwi' was great, super friendly and knowledgeable about New Zealand. He was great at engaging with the tour group. Loved our chats about British telly, made the 2 hour bus journey fly passed. The Hobbiton film set tour was amazing, 2 1/2 hours and we loved every minute. Plenty of time to take pictures and embrace the Hobbit environment. Big thumbs up to our tour guide Mike, really knows his 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Hobbit' facts, shows he loves his craft. The cafe was great, the pies are a must and we loved the drinks in the Green Dragon at the end.
Tasha
Highlight of my New Zealand Trip
Wow, this was an amazing excursion for me. Just loved being on the set of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Grant our guide was very knowledgeable of Auckland and gave great information en route. The cafe there had great pies and cakes. The best part was being able to visit the inside of a hobbits cottage. How quaint and cosy and I could just move in and live in the beautiful Hobbiton Village. Long travel to get there but it was so worth it. Love Loved it! A need to do if loved the movies.
Ruth H
Hobbiton
From start to finish the day was first class. Greg was the best, made the 2hr drive seem like nothing. Highly recommend ☺️
Relax47090767221
Excellent experience
We had a very safe and enjoyable trip. Our driver/ historian , Don was exceptional with his introduction to island!’s history , culture, music made the journey fun. He was kind and accommodating as we showed up a day early for the tour ( sorry jet lag). Thank you for an exceptional service.
Tourist08104663170
Great tour to Hobbiton
After another provider cancelled at the last minute I was able to get onboard the Cheeky Kiwi day tour of Hobbiton (from Auckland). Our guide, Grant, was fantastic and full of useful information along the way and included a few tips to get the most out of the tour around Hobbiton. I will definitely look to use Cheeky Kiwi on my next trip to NZ.
Jason M
Nice.
Great trip. Our tour guide Ken is excellent, he introduced everything all the way, and take care eveyone, also reply all our questions. Give us suggestions what should try to eat in NZ and resturants. I learn a lot knowledge regarding NZ and Mori. Thanks Ken. If Hamilton garden can be skipped, and spend more time at Tapu lake, add Cambridge may be better.
JESSICA L
Appreciate John
My tour guide is John. He is nice polite and patient. Even thought he knows English is not my first language. He will try his best to let me understand the story behind. The schedule is good. It is enough time to us to stay at checkpoint.
Yammie L
Great Experience!
Liam was a fantastic tour guide! He was knowledgeable of the area and offered a good overview of our stops. He even had some extra stops that were a bonus! The van was modern and very comfortable. Includes wi-fi and charging ports so you can stay connected during the trip. The drive was very scenic and I was able to take it all in without having to look at the road. It was nice to be with a small group, rather than a large coach bus. The hotel accommodations in Rotorua were great too! All admission fees to the destinations are included which made it a hassle free experience. Highly recommend!
Michael W
Best way to see popular north island attractions
Hands down the best way to see the major attractions outside of Auckland, and a few smaller ones as well. Our guide, Liam, was incredibly knowledgable, helpful, courteous, pretty funny, and extremely punctual. Would strongly recommend for anyone wanting to see Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua and Wai-O-Tapu all in one shot. The tour also includes several other stops along the way, with Hamilton Gardens being the highlight of the non-headline stops. Pickup was fast and easy. While driving between attractions our guide engaged us with bits of local history and other facts about New Zealand and the regions we were passing through. On arrival he quickly arranged our entry tickets and instructed us on when and where we would meet up after the experience. We never waited at all to get into any of the attractions, and all entry fees were included. The time at each stop felt just right - we had time to see everything we wanted to but weren't waiting around at the end. The hotel in Rotorua was very nice and comfortable. We arrived a little before 6pm and had time to see Rotorua in the evening on our own (we went to the Redwoods tree walk). The next morning we set off at 0745 and beat the crowds to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, and then on to the rest of the day's stops. Overall an excellent experience. The vibe was very casual and comfortable, Liam was an excellent guide (and driver), and the value for money really can't be beat. Would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to see the north island attractions!
M_2809
Great Experience
What a fantastic tour company! From initial contact to the end of the tour, it has been exceptional service. The modern passenger van we travelled in and accomodation booked for us was very comfortable. Water and snacks were made available to us during the bus trip . It is busy 2 day itinerary but we were given adequate time to explore each destination. Liam also added a couple of extra places to see along the way which were pretty special. The best advertisement for Cheeky Kiwi was our tour guide Liam. He went to great lengths to ensure we all had a wonderful experience. We appreciated his extensive knowledge on so many subjects including the background to the tourist attractions we visited. Liam can’t thank you enough a great couple of days and for everything you did for the me. It was very much appreciated. Overall I would highly recommend this trip and won’t hesitate to use Cheeky Kiwi again.
Traveller232014
Great tour! One annoying, distracting passenger.
The tour was great, the driver/guide was excellent. The only problem was one passenger sat in the front passenger seat and kept interrupting the guide with unrelated questions and talking over him. She should have been told to stop or been told to move out of the seat beside the driver. She also put her bare feet on the dash. Not only dangerous to her, but also gross to the rest of the passengers.
Dennis H
Jeoff Was The Highlight of Our NZ trip!
Jeoff was an outstanding tour guide over the past two days. He struck the perfect balance of professionalism, knowledge, and entertainment, making the entire experience seamless from start to finish. He kept the group organized, on schedule, and fully engaged throughout. The Cheeky Kiwi tour itself was jam-packed with activities, but it was very well paced. We never felt rushed, and there was always enough time to actually enjoy each stop without it feeling chaotic. What really stood out was how much pride Jeoff clearly takes in his work. By day two, the group had dwindled and it ended up being just me and my friend but he didn’t miss a beat. If anything, he elevated the experience, turning it into a more personal and tailored tour. He walked us through each excursion, answered every question, and made sure we got the most out of everything. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, quick with a joke, and genuinely passionate about what he does. It shows in every interaction. We truly couldn’t have asked for a better guide Jeoff made the entire trip memorable. Quick tip for future travelers: if you’re booking with a friend you don’t want to share a bed with, make sure to clarify room arrangements in advance. I was told that should’ve been handled earlier. I was able to sort it out myself, but definitely something to keep in mind 😂
Mars
A Two-Day North Island Adventure Done Right ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just completed the two-day Auckland to Rotorua tour with Cheeky Kiwi and I can't recommend it enough. The itinerary was packed — Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Wai-O-Tapu, Huka Falls, Taupo and Hamilton Gardens — and yet it never felt rushed. Everything was perfectly paced. The vehicle was modern and comfortable throughout, making the long stretches between stops genuinely enjoyable rather than something to endure. Ben, our guide, deserves a special mention. His knowledge of the history, landscapes, flora, and Māori culture of the region was impressive, and he delivered it all with warmth and a great sense of humour. His dad jokes were an absolute highlight — the kind that make you groan and grin at the same time. He also kept us fuelled with snacks and water along the way, which was a lovely touch that made the journey feel even more looked-after. And the music playlist he curated for the drive - Absolutely on point. The surprise of the tour was an unplanned stop at a dam that served as a filming location for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug — something you'd never find on your own without a knowledgeable local guide. For any Tolkien fan, this was pure gold. What made the trip extra special was the group itself. Mostly solo travellers with a few pairs and small groups, we arrived as strangers and left as friends. By the end of the trip, the vibe was so relaxed and warm that one fellow traveller spontaneously broke into song when her track came on — and honestly, it felt completely natural. That kind of easy camaraderie doesn't just happen; it's a credit to Ben for creating an atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable from the very start. If you're considering this tour, just book it. Cheeky Kiwi delivers on every front.
Qim
Great experience visiting North Island highlights!
The tour was a truly enjoyable experience that gave me a great introduction and education about several North Island highlights in 2 short but full days. Our driver and guide, Ben was extremely knowledgeable and he always had interesting information to share even as we drove from one spot to the next. If he wasn’t sure of one or the other piece of information, he made sure to find out and follow up later. He managed all the group’s needs well and was extremely helpful and accommodating. He kept us moving without making things seem rushed. He was also very personable, friendly, and funny and he showed a keen interest in our group! I liked the small group size and the choices for places visited. Thank you, Cheeky Kiwi and Ben!
Memorykeeper103
Happy for visiting all those awesome places and expecting for more adventures in New Zealand
I was in "2-days" excursion of Kiwi Cheeky and it was amazing! The program was really nice and full of local places like Waitomo, Hobbiton, Huka falls, Waikato river, Wai-o-Tapu thermal park. The guid was a nice guy responding all the questions, talking about all those places and such excellent as a driver. My accommodation for a night (including into the tour) was also pretty. I knew that it was possible to do some "custom upgrade" like visiting only certain places, staying more days in certain places etc so I felt more sympathy to that company. Maybe I'd like to stay more days in such cities as Rotorua but equally the program is nice for restricted-time travel as mine. Also I wish we were visiting some local restaurant for lunch (some "the best lamb/local food in Rotorua" for example just for diving into the kiwi's culture). But I'm still happy choosing the Cheeky travel company expecting other experiences.
Elena F
Exceptional experience with a hot outdoor bath in winter, great hike and stunning views
If only I could give 6 stars, I would award them. This is largely due to our guide, Simon. He told us so many interesting facts we did not know before, he was kind, patient, attentive to our needs and had a good sense of humor. We saw very few other visitors. Both beaches were exceptional experience. The trip went very smoothly.
Gabriela P
Outstanding Tour and an Amazing Guide
I had an absolutely fantastic day on the Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel! From start to finish, everything was well organized, stress-free, and exceeded my expectations. A special shoutout to Simon, who truly made the experience exceptional. His knowledge of the area, local history, and New Zealand culture added so much to the day, and he shared it all with enthusiasm, humour, and genuine passion. He struck the perfect balance between keeping the tour informative and making it feel relaxed and fun. Cathedral Cove was every bit as stunning as the photos, and Simon made sure everyone had plenty of time to enjoy the views, take photos, and soak in the experience. Hot Water Beach was such a unique experience, and his tips on where and when to dig for the warmest water were spot on! What stood out most was Simon's attention to the group and his ability to make everyone feel welcome. You can tell he genuinely enjoys what he does and wants guests to have the best possible experience. If you're visiting New Zealand and considering this tour, don't hesitate—it's a must-do. Thanks again to Simon and the team at Cheeky Kiwi Travel for an unforgettable day
Via Bria Travel
Cool Hot Water Beach
I was a very exciting experience. I really enjoyed it.
Simon B
Wonderful day!
It was a wonderful day! I highly recommend this tour!
Nicko
Awesome guide!
We had an amazing day exploring the Coromandel Peninsula and Hot Water Beach with Dave. As a local, he shared so many great insights, and he was friendly, caring and super easy to spend the day with. The beach he took us to for lunch was absolutely stunning such a highlight! He is well-travelled with lots of interesting knowledge and stories to share. Highly recommend it!!
Helin X
Highly recommend
Highly recommend doing this tour with cheeky kiwi travel. Dave was exceptional and even included extra stops to make our day even more memorable including taking our lunch to a beautiful hidden beach. Small group which is always my preferred. Dont hesitate, just book it!
Emily R
Great Tour, Great Guide, Great Company - highly recommend!
Matt was an awesome guide, very knowledgeable and super friendly! It was my birthday and the team went out of their way to make my day special. Scenery was absolutely spectacular. We couldn't have asked for more. It was everything we hoped for and more. Thanks for looking after us today Matt, and many thanks Cheeky Kiwi Travel for being a great company to deal with!
Toni D
Must Try Experience
Tour Guide was very friendly and all the places were too good
Vinayak N
Awesome day with Trent
Had such a good day with Trent as our guide. Super easy to get along with and shared heaps of interesting stuff along the way without it feeling like a lecture or anything. He also showed us some really beautiful spots I definitely wouldn’t have found on my own.
Razvan A
Timmy was excellent
Our guide Timmy was excellent, really nice, funny and cool. Best experience
Wendy I
