FAQs

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

Explore our full range of New Zealand tours.

Cheeky Kiwi runs tours to New Zealand’s top destinations from Auckland, Queenstown, Christchurch, Te Anau and Franz Josef.

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

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

Explore our full range of North Island and South Island tours.

Yes, you can book transport for the Milford Track, Routeburn Track and Kepler Track via the Cheeky Kiwi website. We offer reliable and convenient transport options to help you access these iconic trails, ensuring a seamless start and finish to your hiking adventure.

Yes, we offer private New Zealand tours for those who prefer a more customised tour experience.

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 & Cruise to extended 3-week adventures, 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!

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 bookings@cheekykiwitravel.com 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 2023. This is Tripadvisor’s highest recognition and is awarded to the top 1% of global listings.

In 2024, 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.

You can read recent testimonials from our guests on the Cheeky Kiwi Travel Reviews page.

To read more than 3,000 5-star reviews, search for Cheeky Kiwi Travel on Tripadvisor. 

Booking a Cheeky Kiwi tour is super easy! You can book directly through our website – simply select your desired NZ tour and follow the booking process. Alternatively, you can contact the Cheeky Kiwi team for assistance.

We accept a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), PayPal and bank transfers.

We require a minimum of 5 people for our tours to operate. If your tour has not reached minimum numbers, we will contact you a few days prior and either try and provide you with another option, or offer a full refund.

Why does my booking say “Pending”?
This means we are waiting to hear back from one of our partner operators, and will get back to you as soon as possible with a confirmation. Please note we may not be always able to confirm all booking requests, but we do our best to provide an alternative if we are unable to.

Why does my booking say “On hold”?
This means you are on our waiting list and we will contact you if a space opens up.

Are all reservations made through booking agents (Viator, Getyourguide, KLOOK etc) always confirmed?
If you have booked a Heli Hike or a scenic flight with us in Mt Cook or Milford Sound, we may contact you after you have booked advising the activity is sold out. This is because the booking software is not connected to the flight operator’s system and does not know if the activity is available. If you do not hear from us then you are good to go!

This means we are waiting to hear back from one of our partner operators, and will get back to you as soon as possible with a confirmation. Please note we may not be always able to confirm all booking requests, but we do our best to provide an alternative if we are unable to.

This means you are on our waiting list and we will contact you if a space opens up.

If you have any questions about our tours or need help with your booking, please email bookings@cheekykiwitravel.com or call us on the numbers below and our team will be happy to assist:

New Zealand Phone Number: 0800 CK BOOK (0800 252 665)

International Phone Number: +64 9 390 7380

We try to be as flexible as possible with changes and can generally accommodate most requests where availability allows. 

If you have booked through an agent (Viator, KLOOK, Getyourguide etc), please amend your booking through them as they have your details and will collect and refund payments.

For day tours, a full refund will be issued for cancellations made a minimum of 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.

For tours that include accommodation, a minimum of 72 hours’ notice is required to qualify for a full refund.

For custom or private tours, cancellation terms will be specified and agreed upon at the time of booking

Free Changes: We offer free changes to your bookings, allowing you to adjust your plans with ease.

If you have booked through another booking agent (Viator, GetYourGuide, KLOOK etc), please cancel your booking through them in order to receive your refund.

If you need to cancel last minute (within 24 hours) or you are late for your pick-up time, no refund will be provided. However, you can contact your travel insurer as they may be able to reimburse you.

Copthorne Hotel Auckland
Cordis Hotel Auckland
Crowne Plaza Auckland
Grand Mercure Hotel
Grand Millennium Hotel
Heritage Hotel Auckland
Hilton Hotel Auckland
Ibis Budget Auckland
Kiwi International Hotel
M Social Hotel
Movenpick Hotel
Pullman Hotel Auckland
Rydges Hotel Auckland
The Sebel Auckland Manukau
SkyCity Hotel
SkyCity Grand Hotel
Sofitel Hotel Auckland
SO/ Auckland

For the Hobbiton Movie Set tour departing from Auckland, these are the hotels we pick up from:

Kamana Lakehouse
Mercure Queenstown
Heritage Hotel
Rydges Lakeland
Hotel St Moritz
Crowne Plaza
Novotel Lakeside
Nomads Hostel
Flaming Kiwi Backpackers
Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Pinewood Lodge
The Station – Home of Adventure
LyLo Queenstown
Sofitel Hotel & Spa
Aspen Lodge
Ramada Queenstown Central
Heartland Hotel
Scenic Suites
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Millennium Hotel
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Lakeview
Swiss Belsuites Pounamu
Oaks Shores Resort
The Rees Hotel
Holiday Inn Frankton Road
Sherwood Hotel
Frankton Bus Interchange
Wyndham Garden
Hilton Resort & Spa – Milford Sound tours only
Jacks Point/Hanley’s Farm – Milford Sound tours only
Sudima 5 Mile – Mt Cook tours only
Gibbston Valley Winery – Mt Cook tours only
Cromwell Fruit Sculpture – Mt Cook tours only

Hermitage Hotel – Rear Lobby
Mt Cook Lodge
Aoraki Mt Cook Visitor Center (Queenstown tour only)
Tekapo Dark Sky Project (Christchurch tour only)
Peppers Bluewater Resort Tekapo (Christchurch tour only)

Franz Josef Oasis Hotel
Kea Accommodation Village Franz Josef
Aspen Court Franz Josef
Cron Motel Franz Josef
Rain Forest Retreat Franz Josef
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef
Bella Vista Franz Josef
Glow Worm Accommodation Franz Josef
Alpine Glacier Motel Franz Josef
Franz Josef Montrose Franz Josef
Haka House Franz Josef
Te Weheka Bed & Breakfast Inn Fox Glacier
Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel
The Westhaven Motel
Fox Glacier Top 10 Holiday Park & Motels
Mt Cook View Motel
Heartland Hotel Glacier Country
Bella Vista Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier Lodge

Christchurch Hotels we pick up from:
Scenic Hotel Cotswold
Sudima City (not airport)
Crowne Plaza
Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square
Distinction Christchurch
Christchurch City Hotel
Christchurch Bus Interchange (Litchfield Street)
Breakfree on Cashel
Rydges Latimer
Urbanz Accommodation
Fino Hotel & Suites
The George
Hotel Give

Te Anau Hotels we pick up from:
Aden Motel
Alpine View Motel
Amber Court Motel Te Anau
Anchorage Motel Apartments
Arran Motel
Bella Vista Motel Te Anau
Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau
Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas
Dunluce Boutique Accommodation
Edgewater Te Anau
Asure Explorer Motel Te Anau
Fiordland Hotel
Fiordland Lakeview Motel and Apartments
Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau
Lakefront Lodge Te Anau
Lakeside Motel and Apartments
Parklands Motel
Radfords on the Lake
Red Tussock Motel
Te Anau Lakefront Backpackers
Te Anau Lakefront Bed and Breakfast
Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park and Motel
Te Anau Lodge
Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park
The Village Inn
YHA Te Anau Backpacker Hostel
Te Anau Bus Stop
Tasmans Holiday Parks – Te Anau

Tekapo Hotels we pick up from:
Tekapo Dark Sky
Peppers Bluewater

Check out our pick-up location list above and choose the closest pickup location to where you are staying. We will meet you outside the entrance.

We do not offer pick-ups from the airport. You can catch a taxi to the nearest pick-up location and our driver can meet you there.

In Auckland, the closest pick-up location we offer to the Auckland Airport is Sebel Manukau.

In Queenstown, the closest pick-up location to the airport is the Frankton Bus Terminal.

In Christchurch, the closet pick-up location to the airport is the central bus interchange on Lichfield Street.

Our drivers can drop you off near to the airport after the tour, where it will be easy for you to taxi the rest of the way.

Yes, we can drop you at any central hotel location. Please check with your driver on the day.

Self-driving is not an option for any of our tours.

Yes, we will set your pick up location to the below locations and notify you.

Auckland: SkyCity Hotel
Christchurch: Bus Interchange (Intercity Stop) Litchfield Street
Queenstown: The Station – Home of Adventure Building
Te Anau: Bus Stop, 94 Te Anau Terrace
Franz Josef: Scenic Hotel

If you want to amend your pick-up location, please contact: bookings@cheekykiwitravel.com

Yes, we have room for luggage, There is enough room for one large case and one carry on bag per person on all tours.

Additional luggage will be an additional $40 per item and must be pre arranged with us before the day of your tour

Oversized items including bikes, surfboards and your pet can not be accommodated.

In the very rare event that the weather is so bad we have to cancel due to safety reasons, we will offer a full refund. Please wait for us to contact you and check your emails regularly, and if you do not hear from us then the tour is going ahead as planned.

Yes, you can book either a one-way tour that includes either Hobbiton or Waitomo Caves, with the option of adding Te Puia Thermal Springs. You will be dropped off in Rotorua around 3.30pm.

We do not provide airport pick-ups in Auckland, but you can catch a taxi to our closest pick-up location which is the Cordis Hotel and meet us there.

No, we do not visit Hamilton and are unable to pick-up or drop-off from here.

Breakfast or lunch are not included on tours departing from Auckland, however the bus stops multiple times on all tours where you can purchase food or you are welcome to bring your own. There are vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options available.

Comfortable clothing, sensible footwear, a charging cable for your phone or camera, your e-ticket or booking confirmation number, a small amount of cash for lunch and souvenirs. Also a rain jacket is a handy thing to have with you in New Zealand!

Te Puia features the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere, a Kiwi bird enclosure and a cultural art museum. On our Rotorua Highlights tour, you can also choose to see a Cultural Maori Haka performed and enjoy a hangi buffet lunch (these options are not available on any other tours as do not have enough time). This experience is self-guided.

Wai-O-Tapu is considered one of the top 10 most surreal places on earth and features many striking and colourful geothermic pools and vents.

Swimming is not permitted in either of these locations.

No, you do not have to choose two activites. If you choose one or none, you will have 3 hours free time in Rotorua while other guests are transported to and from their activities. The tour duration remains the same regardless of what you choose to do.

Unfortunately our tours are not suitable for cruise ship passengers as we cannot guarantee return times due to factors beyond our control.

Maybe. Sadly due to predation from larger animals the Kiwi bird has become endangered. In an effort to help stabilise the population of kiwis, most of our birds have been moved to predator-free islands. Te Puia in Rotorua has a breeding program where you can visit the Kiwi house. Kiwi birds are nocturnal and like to be kept in a dark enclosure so they can be hard to spot in the shadows.

Yes you can book one-way tours to Mt Cook, Tekapo, Christchurch or Franz Josef. Please note if you wish to stop in Mt Cook, Tekapo or Franz Josef for the night, you will need to book 2 x one-way tours.

We do not provide airport pick-ups, however you can catch a taxi to our closest pick-up location which is the Frankton Bus Terminus and meet us there.

Breakfast is not included on tours, however a picnic lunch is included on the Milford Sound Tour & Cruise and Franz Josef Tour from Queenstown.

On all tours, the bus 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.

Comfortable clothing, sensible footwear, a charging cable for your phone or camera, your e-ticket or booking confirmation number, a small amount of cash for lunch and souvenirs. Also a rain jacket is a handy thing to have with you in New Zealand!

All equipment is provided for your heli hike and scenic flight, warm clothing and sun protection is also recommended. If the weather is not suitable for flying, you will receive a full refund for this portion of your tour.

The Hooker Valley Hike is a self-guided, 3-hour return easy but spectacular hike. If you prefer a a shorter hike or more time to spend in Mt Cook village, there are plenty of other options also.

Yes you can book one way tours to Mt Cook, Tekapo, Queenstown or Franz Josef. Please note if you wish to stop in Mt Cook, Tekapo or Franz Josef for the night, you will need to book 2 x one-way tours for each day of travel.

Can you pick me up from the airport?
We do not provide airport pick-ups, but you can grab a taxi to the central bus interchange on Lichfield Street and meet us there.

Is breakfast / lunch included on all tours?
Lunch is included on all tours from Christchurch. There are vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options available. Please let us know your dietyary requirements when booking.

What should I wear / bring?
Comfortable clothing, sensible footwear, a charging cable for your phone or camera, your e-ticket or booking confirmation number, a small amount of cash for lunch and souvenirs. Also a rain jacket is a handy thing to have with you in New Zealand!

I have booked a Heli Hike / Scenic flight, what do I need to wear?
All equipment is provided for this, warm clothing and sun protection is also recomended.  If the weather is not suitable for flying, you will receive a full refund.

Do I have to hike the Hooker Valley Trail? Do I need a guide?
The Hooker Valley Hike is a self-guided, 3-hour return easy but spectacular hike. If you prefer a a shorter hike or more time to spend in Mt Cook village, there are plenty of other options also.

What time will I arrive at my destination?
Tekapo: Approx 10am
Mt Cook: Approx 11am
Queenstown: Approx 7pm
Christchurch (return tour): Approx 7pm

We do not provide airport pick-ups, however you can catch a taxi to the central bus interchange on Lichfield Street and meet us there.

Lunch is included on all tours from Christchurch. There are vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options available. Please specifiy your dietary requirements when booking this tour, or contact bookings@cheekykiwitravel.com to let us know in advance.

Comfortable clothing, sensible footwear, a charging cable for your phone or camera, your e-ticket or booking confirmation number, a small amount of cash for lunch and souvenirs. Also a rain jacket is a handy thing to have with you in New Zealand!

All equipment is provided for your heli hike and scenic flight, warm clothing and sun protection is also recommended. If the weather is not suitable for flying, you will receive a full refund for this portion of your tour.

The Hooker Valley Hike is a self-guided, 3-hour return easy but spectacular hike. If you prefer a a shorter hike or more time to spend in Mt Cook village, there are plenty of other options also.

We do not provide breakfast, however a picnic lunch with our Milford Sound cruise tour is included. There are vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options available. Please specifiy your dietary requirements when booking this tour, or contact bookings@cheekykiwitravel.com to let us know.

What should I wear / bring?
Comfortable clothing, sensible footwear, a charging cable for your phone or camera, your e-ticket or booking confirmation number, a small amount of cash for lunch and souvenirs. Also a rain jacket is a handy thing to have with you in New Zealand!

What time will I arrive back to Te Anau?
The bus will return around 5pm.

Comfortable clothing, sensible footwear, a charging cable for your phone or camera, your e-ticket or booking confirmation number, a small amount of cash for lunch and souvenirs. Also a rain jacket is a handy thing to have with you in New Zealand!

The bus will return to Te Anau around 5pm.