Our Crew

The Team Behind the Cheeky Kiwi Magic

Our passionate guides are the heart of every adventure, famous for their stories, laughter, and genuine Kiwi spirit. Backed by a dedicated crew behind the scenes, we’re the team that makes every Cheeky Kiwi journey seamless, personal, and unforgettable.

Meet the crew

Our Legendary Guides

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I love esoteric things, nature and a dip in the sea mid winter

This cheeky kiwi loves to snowboard which makes winter worth it. Otherwise i would be paddle boarding all the time. I think the scenery in my tours is the best office!!!

Cheeky Simon an (almost) original guide since 2018. A love for NZ regional food and drink. Life mantra "Be yourself everyone else is already taken".

I love being out in nature, swimming, paddle boarding, adventuring with my mates. My personality is warm and bubbly and what makes me cheeky is my humour.

“No door is too big to open” I love showing our stunning country to our overseas visitors. I enjoy all sports and travelling.

Loves travelling to the unknown places and where he can find a spot for some wild swimming. Can often be found at the top of a mountain, or falling off a bike.

The Magic Makers

They may not be in the spotlight, but our behind-the-scenes crew keeps every Cheeky Kiwi adventure running smoother than a freshly brewed flat white. From planning to logistics, they’re the quiet legends turning big dreams into effortless experiences.

As GM, Rhys keeps the Cheeky Kiwi wheels turning and occasionally reattaches them when things get bumpy. He loves getting out from behind the desk to meet guests and partners in person, proving that good business starts with good yarns. Outside work, he’s usually chasing fish, snow, or fresh air, ideally all in the same weekend.

General Manager

Heading up our Reservations Team, Kelly is the go-to for smooth travel plans and unforgettable experiences. A South African turned Wānaka local, she’s a well-travelled adventurer who loves capturing moments, mountain life, and the occasional 90’s hip hop verse (when no one’s watching).

Reservations & Capacity Manager

Outdoor adventurer, foodie, and self-proclaimed wine connoisseur who somehow made chatting for a living my dream job.

Business Development Manager

A lifelong traveller who still thinks New Zealand is the best place on Earth - just add good coffee and great company.

North Island Operations Manager

Aviation enthusiast Has never broken a bone One day wants to visit Antartica

Christchurch Operations Manager

Jono leads the marketing and brand magic at Cheeky Kiwi, fuelled by his love for travel, family adventures, and beach days with sandy toes and big smiles. He makes sure the world knows why travelling with Cheeky Kiwi is anything but ordinary.

Head of Marketing

Born and bred in the Aussie outback with dogs and horses by my side, now embracing the outdoors and new adventures under New Zealand’s sometimes-sunny skies.

Product & OTA Manager

Always after morning hues, strong coffee, and a little more time for all the books that keep piling up even when there's plenty to read. Happiest when exploring new places, being outdoors, skiing, and a big ol' soft spot for a cold Corona.

Bookings Team

Came to Aotearoa to find love - stayed for the mountains, craft beers, the Jet planes and the people! Life mission? To live in a Hobbit Hole

Bookings Team

My happy place to be is either: anywhere in the wilderness, far away from the madding crowd OR a bustling piazza in Italy, drinking espresso and observing the madding crowd!

Accounts Payable & Payroll Administrator

Originally from Switzerland, I have a passion for travel, great food, and hospitality. I’ve fallen in love with New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and friendly vibe, and I’m always keen to explore new places and local flavours. At Cheeky Kiwi Travel, I’m excited to help others discover the best of this amazing country

Bookings Team

Our guests know best

Stories worth sharing

Over 5000 5-star reviews

Award winning New Zealand Experiences

Famously passionate guides

4.9

(3129 reviews)

11/27/2025

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

11/18/2025

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

9/18/2025

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

7/29/2025

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

3/11/2025

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

2/10/2025

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

7/26/2024

Hobbiton

From start to finish the day was first class. Greg was the best, made the 2hr drive seem like nothing. Highly recommend ☺️

Relax47090767221

6/15/2024

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

6/1/2024

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

5/23/2024

Hobbiton

We really enjoyed our trip to Hobbiton !! The driver was great and very informative. We had an appropriate amount of rest breaks. It was an all around pleasant trip and we got some great pics !!

michael k

2/21/2026

Fantastic tour, excellent tour guide.

Our tour guide Abbie was great and really made the tour. She was very friendly and informative and a great storyteller. We loved the soundtrack that she put together for the trip including some instrumental movie tracks that paired perfectly with the beautiful backdrop. Our group was small which made for a more relaxed experience. We stopped a few times for photos and toilet breaks which helped to break up the long day. The boat ride lasted for 2hrs and the captain was also very informative and funny. Early in the day we were each given a lunch pack with a sandwich, juice and plenty of snacks. My only criticism is that the sandwich was a bit odd and soggy. Overall a great tour.

Nshou

2/21/2026

Milford Sound adventure

Martin (originally from Sheffield, England) was our guide and driver from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back. He made a lengthy trip fun, interesting and educational. We enjoyed a great picnic lunch while on the cruise of the sound and the scenery was outstanding. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience and introduction to New Zealand. We loved the country and people from the start.

Lynn S

2/20/2026

We didn’t know that nature could be so beautiful!

We had an incredible day on our trip to Milford Sound in NZ with absolutely the best guide we have ever used on an excursion. Abby was so well prepared with incredible knowledge and information, she went way beyond any one’s expectations to assure our trip was 100% full of satisfaction, pleasure and amazement! I highly recommend to all future guests use Viator and request Abby for the enhancement of your next adventure! Doug & Dayla Fort Worth, TX

Doug W

2/20/2026

A very fun day

This company puts together a very well organized visit to Milford Sound, with interesting stops along the way. Our guide Liam was especially good and provided lots of information about NZ and its culture. It is a long day but well worth it if you are staying in Queenstown and want to experience the iconic beauty of Milford Sound.

TMFConcord

2/19/2026

Fantastic day trip to Milford Sound

Great communication from the company regarding pick-up time and location for pick-up. The driver/guide (young Irish lad named Floumen???) was excellent. He was a very safe driver, delivered an informative commentary along the way, made sure everyone was comfortable and provided many opportunities to see views and take photos. The breakfast/coffee stop was great and the lunch they provided was excellent. The 16 seater Mercedes van was super comfortable and able to park anywhere to access the amazing views. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see Milford Sound and all the other views along the way without any stress.

Alison R

2/19/2026

Great Guide

Glenn was a fantastic guide. He was knowledgeable and kind. The lunch was tasty and the van was comfortable. It is a long day, but if you’re coming from Queenstown this is an ideal choice. We are grateful to have found this tour and had Glenn as our guide.

Allison K

2/18/2026

Stunning Experience

It was great to take this day-long trip in a small group instead of a large bus. We made more scenic stops and were on a small boat for the water portion. Our tour guide Joe was superb — well organized, informative, personable.

Bernie S

2/18/2026

Milford Sound of Music

During my two months of traveling New Zealand, I’ve had several day tours with Cheeky Kiwi, which were all great, but this was the best one yet. The tour guide, Danny, played specific selected music during the sights, which made me feel like I was in a movie, and it made the experience even better than it already was. The tour had many photo stops and hidden gems. As a way to bond, especially as a solo traveler, it was great that Danny made an effort to initiate a group introduction. On the way back we were still entertained by music and a pop quiz. The day tour was highly entertaining, a true Milford Sound of Music, and I would definitely recommend!

Ingrid J

2/18/2026

10/10 Tour Experience

Caitlyn was awesome, fantastic tour guide and driver. Super chill and made sure we had a great experience beginning to end. Oh yeah and Milford Sound was ok too

GrandTour18899081788

2/18/2026

Great day out at Milford Sound

Really enjoyable tour. Long day but plenty of stops. Joe was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Would definitely recommend.

Escape479979

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