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.

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

(2866 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

12/27/2025

Would go again

Our trip to Milford Sound with Jeff was amazing!! He was very knowledgeable and was able to create a fun, welcoming environment. My husband and I learned a lot and saw so many beautiful things!! We highly recommend

Kayla B

12/26/2025

Queenstown to Milford Sound

Great trip! Our guide/driver was fantastic. Lunch was good too. Very efficient and friendly. Would highly recommend.

Camper07515196544

12/26/2025

Totally worth it….unreal beauty

This trip was one of the best trips we took during our trip to Queenstown. The drive was long but worth it for the views. Highly recommend to use a company so the tour guide can tell you about history and all which you will need for the 3ish hour one way drive. Our tour guide Jeff was amazing and so well informed. He was also a photographer so took a lot of really good pictures which was an added bonus. We would be using this company again and hope we can be paired up with Jeff again as well

Salman

12/25/2025

Milford sound

It was really a wonderful and once in a lifetime full day experience to visit Milford sound guided by Jeff with Chiky Kiwi.

Jaimin S

12/25/2025

Breathtaking scenery worth visiting

Milford sound looked breathtaking in the rain. The smaller cruise boat allowed us to get very close to the waterfall and seals which was really cool. Driver was super knowledgeable about everything we saw on the way. Unfortunately we couldn’t fly back and had to do bus instead because of the weather, but still totally worth it.

Julia Simeng H

12/23/2025

Worthwhile trip to see New Zealand sights & Milford Sound.

Danny was a wonderful driver/guide. He gave us a clear itinerary right at the start & was very cognizant of the needs of his passengers. I was particularly impressed how he managed to keep the little visitors happy while maintaining control in his driving. Overall - the information provided helped to enhance the experience. Weather conditions are what they are & the adventure was well worth the price- those roads can be rough but Danny kept us safe & well informed. 😎

Michael R

12/23/2025

Great fun

It was an excellent adventure. Chris our guide not only made it fun but educational as well. A great experience. I woll be back☺️

David N

12/23/2025

Outstanding day trip to Milford Sound. Loved the smaller bus.

Absolutely outstanding day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound. Danny was a fantastic guide and driver (probably the best we’ve ever had on a trip like this). He kept us on track, entertained, and fed every step of the way, and was very knowledgeable throughout. He was also a great and safe driver. Appreciated the small and very comfortable bus and smaller yet very stable boat.

Medic26

12/23/2025

Exceptional service by Cheeky Kiwi and Raghav

Our Milford Sound trip from Queenstown with Cheeky Kiwi was a very long day, but it turned into a truly memorable experience thanks to our guide, Raghav Thakur. Raghav was incredibly patient, well-organized, and punctual throughout the entire journey. From the early start to the late return, he ensured everything ran smoothly and on time. He took great care of the group, was always approachable, and handled the long hours with calmness and a positive attitude. He shared interesting information along the way, managed breaks perfectly, and made sure everyone was comfortable and well looked after. His professionalism and dedication really stood out and made a long trip feel enjoyable and stress-free. A big thank you to Raghav for his excellent guidance and care. He truly made the Milford Sound experience special. Highly recommend Cheeky Kiwi — and especially Raghav — for anyone planning this trip!

Hema Makhija

12/22/2025

Fantastic day with Cheeky Kiwi & Shura!

We had a wonderful experience on our trip to Milford Sound. The bus was clean, comfortable, and punctual. Our guide, Shura, was friendly and passionate as she shared info about the wildlife and plants during the journey. She was also very flexible with the group's request i.e. skip unnessary toilet breaks. The lunch was great and appreciated the complimentary snacks and drinks. Also, there is a possibility to upgrade your trip to fly back to Queenstown if you have a changed in mind. Highly recommended!

Global17571153667

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