FAQs
Curious about how our tours roll? You’re in the right spot. From pick-up times to what to pack, we’ve gathered all the good stuff to make your Cheeky Kiwi adventure smooth, fun, and fuss-free. Let’s clear things up so you can get back to dreaming about those epic New Zealand views.
How can we help you?
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 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 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.
Booking Questions
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) 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 two days prior and either try and provide you with another option, or offer a full refund.
One way tours are not subject to minumum booking numbers.
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.
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!
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.
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
Changes can be made up to 24 hours in advance of your Tour departure time, and are subject to availability.
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: Changes are possible up to 24 hours in advance of your Tour departure time, subject to availability.
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.
Hotel pick-up locations
(excluding Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, please see below)
- Adina Apartment Hotel
- Copthorne Hotel Auckland
- Cordis Hotel Auckland
- Crowne Plaza Auckland
- DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka
- Grand Millennium Hotel
- Four Points by Sheraton Auckland
- Hilton Hotel Auckland
- Ibis Budget Auckland Central
- InterContinental Auckland
- JW Marriott
- Kiwi International Hotel
- M Social Hotel
- Movenpick Hotel
- Mercure Auckland Queen Street
- Oaks Auckland Hotel
- Park Hyatt Auckland
- Pullman Hotel Auckland
- Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Auckland
- Rydges Hotel Auckland
- The Grand by SkyCity
- The Sebel Auckland Manukau (not Viaduct Harbour)
- SkyCity Hotel
- Sofitel Hotel Auckland
- SO/ Auckland
- Swiss Belsuites Victoria Park
- VR Auckland City
For the Hobbiton Movie Set tour departing from Auckland, these are the hotels we pick up from:
- SkyCity Hotel
- Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
- Pullman Auckland
- Park Hyatt Auckland
- Movenpick Hotel
- Four Points by Sheraton
- Grand Millennium
- Crowne Plaza
- Cordis Hotel
- The Sebel Auckland Manukau
- Kamana Lakehouse
- Mercure Queenstown
- Heritage Hotel
- Rydges Lakeland
- Hotel St Moritz
- Crowne Plaza
- Novotel Lakeside
- Nomads Hostel
- Flaming Kiwi Backpackers (temporarily unavailable)
- Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel (temporarily unavailable)
- 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
- The Rees Hotel
- Holiday Inn Frankton Road
- Sherwood Hotel
- Frankton Bus Interchange
- Wyndham Garden
- Hilton Resort & Spa – Milford Sound tours only
- Farmhouse Cafe (Jacks Point) – 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
TO QUEENSTOWN
- Franz Josef Oasis Hotel
- Westwood Lodge
- Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park
- Kea Accommodation Village Franz Josef
- Aspen Court Franz Josef
- 58 on Cron Franz Josef
- Rain Forest Retreat Franz Josef
- Legacy Te Waonui Forest Retreat
- Scenic Hotel Franz Josef
- Bella Vista Franz Josef
- Glow Worm Accommodation Franz Josef
- Alpine Glacier Motel Franz Josef
- Wild Kea Lodge
- 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
TO CHRISTCHURCH
*Please note, we cannot offer pickup from Fox Glacier if departing to Christchurch.
- Wild Kea Lodge
- Haka House Franz Josef
- Chateau Backpackers & Motels
- Alpine Glacier Motel
- Glow Worm Accommodation
- The Terrace Franz Josef
- Scenic Hotel Franz Josef
- Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef
- Rainforest Retreat
- 58 on Cron Motel
- Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef
- Westland Tai Poutini National Park Visitor Centre
- Aspen Court Franz Josef
- Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park
- Westwood Lodge
- Glacier View Motel
- Franz Alpine Retreat
- Franz Josef Oasis Hotel
TO MT COOK
- Merivale Manor
- Scenic Hotel Cotswold
- Sudima City (not airport)
- Carnmore Hotel Christchurch
- Crowne Plaza
- Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square
- Distinction Christchurch
- Christchurch City Hotel
- Christchurch Bus Interchange (Intercity Stop, Litchfield Street)
- Breakfree on Cashel
- Rydges Latimer
- Urbanz Accommodation
- Fino Hotel & Suites
- The George
- Hotel Give
- 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
- 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 Lakeview Holiday Park and Motel
- Te Anau Lodge
- Te Anau Top 10 Holiday Park
- The Village Inn
- Te Anau Central Backpackers
- Te Anau Bus Stop
- Tasmans Holiday Parks – Te Anau
- Tekapo Dark Sky Project
- Peppers Bluewater Resort
- Mantra Lake Tekapo
- Grand Suites Lake Tekapo
Pick-up questions
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.
Weather / cancellations
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.
If your scenic flight or heli hike gets cancelled due to the weather, we will provide a full refund for the fight portion of your tour. Sometimes we do not know if the flight is going ahead until a few minutes beforehand as the weather is very changeable, and your driver will keep you updated.
If you have booked a scenic flight from Milford Sound and it is cancelled, you will be transported back to Queenstown on the minibus.
Tours from Auckland FAQs
The best day tours from Auckland include iconic destinations like Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Rotorua. Many of these can be combined into a single day tour, allowing you to experience multiple highlights in one trip. Popular options include Hobbiton + Waitomo, Waitomo + Rotorua and Hobbiton + Rotorua tours, all designed to maximise your time.
The most popular tours from Auckland include the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, as well as combination day tours such as Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves or Hobbiton and Rotorua.
These tours are popular because they allow you to experience multiple iconic North Island highlights in one seamless day, with transport, entry tickets and guided experiences all included.
From Auckland, you can visit some of the North Island’s top attractions including Hobbiton, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, Bay of Islands, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. Many Cheeky Kiwi tours combine two of these destinations into one seamless itinerary, giving you the opportunity to see more in a single day without needing to plan or drive yourself.
Yes - one of the biggest advantages of Cheeky Kiwi's guided tours from Auckland is the ability to combine multiple attractions into a single day. Popular combination tours include:
- Hobbiton + Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves + Rotorua
- Hobbiton + Rotorua
- Cathedral Cove + Hot Water Beach
These tours are carefully planned to optimise travel time and ensure you experience the key highlights at each destination.
Cheeky Kiwi offers a range of full-day and multi-day small group tours departing from Auckland. Combination tours that include multiple destinations such as Hobbiton and Waitomo or Rotorua are usually full-day tours (around 12-13 hours), allowing enough time to comfortably visit each location.
Tour prices from Auckland vary depending on inclusions and how many destinations are visited:
- Single-destination day tours typically range from $200-$350 NZD
- Combination tours (e.g. Hobbiton + Waitomo or Rotorua) generally range from $300-$450 NZD
- Multi-day tours start from $700 NZD+
Combination tours offer strong value by including transport and entry to multiple attractions in one booking.
Most tours from Auckland include:
- Transport in a modern small-group vehicle
- A knowledgeable local guide
- Entry tickets to key attractions
- Bottled water and snacks
Some tours have additional inclusions depending on the itinerary, which will be clearly outlined on each tour page. For example, the Hobbiton and Waitomo day tour includes entry to both attractions and lunch, making it a convenient all-in-one experience.
Yes - especially if you want to see multiple destinations in a short time. Combination tours allow you to visit places like Hobbiton and Waitomo or Rotorua in one day, which would be difficult to coordinate independently. Small group tours also provide a more personalised and relaxed experience.
Each destination offers something unique:
- Hobbiton for movie fans
- Waitomo for glowworm cave experiences
- Rotorua for geothermal landscapes and Māori culture
If you’re short on time, combination tours allow you to experience two of these in one day, making it easier to choose.
Alternatively, our Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo & Hamilton Gardens 2-Day Tour is the best way to see the North Island's most iconic destinations in one convenient multi-day tour.
Small group tours make combination itineraries more efficient and enjoyable. With fewer people, you spend less time waiting and more time exploring multiple destinations such as Hobbiton and Waitomo or Hobbiton and Rotorua in a single day.
Cheeky Kiwi tours are designed to be guided, personal and authentic, combining small group travel with passionate local guides who bring each destination to life.
Unlike standard tours that focus on a single location, Cheeky Kiwi specialises in combination itineraries that allow you to visit multiple top destinations such as Hobbiton Movie Set, Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Rotorua in one seamless day.
With small group sizes, you’ll enjoy a more flexible and personalised experience, including scenic stops, local insights and access to places larger tours often miss. The focus is on delivering a genuine New Zealand experience - not just the highlights, but the stories, hidden spots and moments along the way.
Tours from Auckland run year-round for most destinations, including Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua and the Coromandel Peninsula.
Seasonal destinations like the Bay of Islands typically operate from October through to April, when weather and sea conditions are best for exploring the region.
Yes - Cheeky Kiwi offers one-way tours from Auckland to Rotorua, allowing you to travel between destinations while exploring some of the North Island’s top highlights along the way.
You can choose from a range of options, including:
- Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton
- Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton and Wai-O-Tapu
- Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Glowworm Caves
These guided tours are a convenient way to maximise your time, combining transport, sightseeing and guided experiences into one seamless journey.
Our tours offer pick-up from central Auckland hotels and designated meeting points. A full list of pick-up locations is provided during booking and includes major hotels such as SkyCity, Cordis, Pullman and Park Hyatt.
Pick-up locations may vary depending on the tour, including specific arrangements for the Hobbiton Movie Set tour.
We do not provide airport pick-ups in Auckland, but you can catch a taxi to our closest pick-up location which is the Sebel Manukau and meet us there.
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!
Unfortunately our tours are not suitable for cruise ship passengers as we cannot guarantee return times due to factors beyond our control.
Tours departing Queenstown
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.
Mt Cook: Approx 11am
Tekapo: Approx 3.45pm
Christchurch: Approx 8pm
Franz Josef: Approx 7pm
Queenstown (return tour): Approx 7pm
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.
Tours departing Christchurch
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.
If you are travelling to Franz Josef we can pickup from the Sudima Christchurch Airport.
If you are travelling to Mt Cook, Tekapo or Queenstown, you will need to catch a taxi to the central bus interchange on Lichfield Street and meet us there.
Lunch is included on all tours from Christchurch, except on our Christchurch to Tekapo Tour.
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.
Mt Cook: Approx 12pm
Tekapo: Approx 10:30am
Queenstown: Approx 7pm
Franz Josef: Approx 9pm
Christchurch (return tour): Approx 7pm
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.
Tours departing Te Anau
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.
Travelling with children
Ages 4-14 are eligible for children’s fares.
Children under 4 years old are eligible for infant fares.
Children aged 14 and under cannot travel on Cheeky Kiwi Travel tour services without an accompanying adult aged 18 or over.
Milford Sound Tours FAQs
Milford Sound tours are typically full-day experiences. From Queenstown, tours usually take around 12-13 hours return, while tours from Te Anau are shorter at around 8-9 hours. The duration includes travel through Fiordland National Park, scenic stops along the way and a cruise on Milford Sound. While it’s a long day, the journey itself is considered one of the highlights.
Taking a guided tour is often the easiest and safest option. The journey involves long distances and winding alpine roads, and a tour allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery without the stress of driving.
Most Milford Sound tours include return transport, a knowledgeable guide, scenic stops along the Milford Road and a cruise on Milford Sound. Some tours also include lunch and optional upgrades such as scenic return flights. Inclusions can vary depending on the tour style, so it’s worth comparing options to find the experience that suits you best.
Small group tours offer a more flexible and relaxed experience, with more scenic stops and a personalised pace. Larger coach tours typically carry more passengers and follow fixed schedules with fewer stops.
Yes - scenic return flights to Queenstown or Te Anau are available as an optional add-on to your Milford Sound tour and offer incredible aerial views of Fiordland National Park.
You can choose a Milford Sound tour with scenic flight return to Queenstown or a helicopter return to Te Anau. These options allow you to enjoy the full journey to Milford Sound by road, then return quickly by air.
Yes - a day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound is widely considered one of the best experiences in New Zealand. While it’s a long day, the journey through Fiordland National Park features some of the country’s most dramatic scenery. Taking a guided tour can enhance the experience by allowing you to relax, enjoy scenic stops and learn more about the region along the way.
Milford Sound is known for its towering cliffs, waterfalls and dramatic fiord landscapes. Highlights include Mitre Peak, cascading waterfalls and the surrounding rainforest-covered mountains. Wildlife sightings may include seals, dolphins and occasionally penguins. A boutique cruise through the fiord offers the best way to experience these features up close.
Rain is very common in Milford Sound and often enhances the experience. Heavy rainfall creates hundreds of temporary waterfalls flowing down the cliffs, making the landscape even more dramatic. Tours operate in most weather conditions, and many visitors consider rainy days to be one of the best times to visit.
Milford Sound can be visited year-round, and each season offers a different experience. Summer brings longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures, while winter offers snow-capped peaks and fewer visitors. Rain is common throughout the year and contributes to the region’s famous waterfalls, so there is no bad time to visit.
Yes, Milford Sound can be visited from Queenstown in a single day. Most tours depart early in the morning and return in the evening, making it a full-day experience. While it involves several hours of travel, guided tours make the journey more comfortable and include scenic stops and a cruise, making the most of your time.
Yes, we offer private Milford Sound tours for those who prefer a more customised tour experience. These are subject to availability.
Our private tours are perfect for small groups or families looking to create a personalised tour itinerary with your choice of activities.
Learn more about our private tour options.
Yes - we offer a range of small group day tours departing from both locations. Explore our tours from Queenstown or tours from Te Anau for more destinations and experiences.
Cheeky Kiwi Travel’s Milford Sound Tour & Cruise from Queenstown has won multiple international awards. This Milford Sound tour from Queenstown was recognised with Tripadvisor’s ‘Best of the Best’ award in 2026, 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022. This is Tripadvisor’s highest accolade and is only awarded to the top 1% of experiences on the platform based on consistent, outstanding reviews and ratings from travellers.
Additionally, Cheeky Kiwi Travel has been awarded the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award for five consecutive years. It also holds the Qualmark Gold Certification, which signifies high standards of service, environmental sustainability and social responsibility in New Zealand tourism.
Hobbiton Tours
Yes, Hobbiton is one of New Zealand’s most iconic attractions. The guided movie set tour brings the world of The Lord of the Rings to life and is widely considered a must-do experience.
Yes. Even without the films, Hobbiton is a beautifully landscaped setting with rolling green hills, gardens and detailed architecture. The experience focuses on scenery and storytelling, making it enjoyable for all visitors.
Hobbiton is around a 2 to 2.5 hour drive from Auckland (approximately 165 km). Guided tours include transport, commentary and scenic stops along the way.
The guided Hobbiton Movie Set experience typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. Most tours from Auckland are full-day experiences ranging from 9 to 13 hours depending on the itinerary.
Tours include return transport from Auckland, entry to the Hobbiton Movie Set, a fully-guided experience and a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn. Snacks and water are also provided.
The best option depends on your itinerary. The standard Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour from Auckland is ideal if you’re short on time, while combination tours like Hobbiton and Waitomo or Hobbiton and Rotorua allow you to see more in a single day.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. The tour is outdoors and runs in most conditions, so a light rain jacket is recommended.
Yes, Hobbiton tours are suitable for all ages. The experience is easy-paced and visually engaging, making it ideal for families.
Lunch isn’t typically included (except on the Hobbiton & Waitomo tour), but there are stops where you can purchase food or you’re welcome to bring your own. Complimentary snacks and water are provided by Cheeky Kiwi.
Yes, most tours include pick-up and drop-off from selected central Auckland locations. If your hotel isn’t listed, you can choose a nearby pick-up point.
Yes, we offer private Hobbiton tours for those who prefer a more customised tour experience. These are subject to availability.
Our private tours are perfect for small groups or families looking to create a personalised tour itinerary with your choice of activities.
Learn more about our private tour options.
Yes. Hobbiton is often included as part of a multi-day North Island journey, especially when travelling from Auckland to Rotorua. Many travellers choose to combine Hobbiton with destinations like Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Rotorua’s geothermal attractions to see more in a shorter time.
For a seamless option, you can join a two-day North Island tour that includes Hobbiton, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupo and Hamilton Gardens allowing you to explore multiple highlights without returning to Auckland.
