Rail Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$440
per adult
Cheeky Kea Ltd
Cheeky Kea Ltd
4.5
City ToursMulti-day ToursSightseeing ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
100% Kiwi As Tour Company. Cheeky Kea Tours is a locally owned and operated South Island tour bus company. With us, you will See More, Do More, Spend Less. We are committed to being the most environmentally friendly and sustainable tour bus company in the country. Our awesome guides love showcasing New Zealand to the world and whether you're after an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a relaxed guided tour of our natural wonders; we know exactly where to go.
Tours and Tickets by Cheeky Kea Ltd
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 92% of travellers
92% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$299
per adult
Day Trips
8–10 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$385
per adult
Day Trips
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$225
per adult
Full-day Tours
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
from
$399
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
121 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
11
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Ana Serrano
5 contributions
Dec 2019
the Cheeky Kea Tours owners, were the best guides I could have asked for, and our guide spoke spanish, which was perfect for my mum and dad from Spain.
The best thing about choosing Cheeky Kea Tours is that you get the local knowledge and you feel part of a family during your trip. We did not feel like tourists and our experience in New Zealand exceeded expectations thanks to them.
I can only reccommend Cheeky Kea Tours, you won't be dissapointed.
The best thing about choosing Cheeky Kea Tours is that you get the local knowledge and you feel part of a family during your trip. We did not feel like tourists and our experience in New Zealand exceeded expectations thanks to them.
I can only reccommend Cheeky Kea Tours, you won't be dissapointed.
Written 25 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica G
4 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
Had a great tour to Aoraki/Mt Cook with cheeky kea tours. Our guide Krystal was super - knowledgeable, fun and continuously gave us insights and enough time to explore the different stops and the lakes on the drive. Everything from the snack box and blankets and pillows provided in the bus (as the tour started at 6am that was very appreciated), the amazing scenery seen along the way and the familiar atmosphere created amongst the group (and the playlists Krystal played in the bus) were super and I would highly recommend this tour!
Written 19 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jess
Thank you so much for taking the time to write us such a great review. It means a lot to hear about the things we are doing right to make your day more enjoyable. It made Krystal's day hearing the positive things you had to say about her
All the best for the rest of your travels :)
Written 25 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Felipuff
9 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
My friend and I booked the Christchurch to Mt Cook one way tour via Lake Tekapo, and we were lucky enough to go on a quiet Sun morn (8 Oct) with Tony as our guide and driver. As our party was small, we had Tony all to ourselves and we made good time! Was really glad for the thoughtful snack box with my fave Cookie Time choc cookie, chips and chocolates because we started off at 6am before the sun even rose. Tony was super accomodating and probably heard our hungry stomachs because we had the time to dig in to delicious, piping hot baked pies at Fairlie Bakehouse before the long queues formed, and enjoyed our coffee and hot chocolate before making our way towards the mountains. Tony drove us on the smaller inland roads for a period (off the state highway which is the typical route) since we were making good time, just so that we could have an eyeful of the beautiful and majestic mountains in the distance. We also had the time to leisurely walk along Lake Tekapo and soak in the sights, before heading over to Lake Pukaki for our Second Breakfast with salmon sashimi along the benches. Throughout the journey, Tony also regaled us with lots of stories about his time working in the NZ meat industry and we learnt a lot about New Zealand's economy, agriculture and even they hydroelectric power dams! Tony was such a great and friendly guide, and we would love to travel with him again. Definitely worth this tour over those with larger groups in coaches because you get a very attentive and knowledgeable guide, and it doesn't feel rushed at all but yet you still get to your destination on time!
Written 11 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Felipuff
Wow thank you soooooo much for taking the time to write us such a wonderful and detailed review. It makes all the difference and means a lot to us. We will make sure this is passed on to Tony. All the best with the rest of your travels :)
Written 25 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SameerKumar
Singapore, Singapore210 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We did bespoke custom tour with Cheeky Kea from Queenstown to Mount Cook. Our tour was three days long with teo night stay in Twizel.
The tour was easily the best experience of our New Zealand trip. The guide/deiver we got (named Will) was the best person we met on this trip. Will knew so much about everything. He kept talking to us about the landscape and flora and fauna along the way. He got us to Mt Cook air strip in time for our helicopter ride. He knew the place like the back of his hand. He drove us back to the Twizel town for us to pickup dinner. When he dropped us back at our Airbnb accomodation, he gave us a quick run down of the constellations and the stars we could see in the sky from the dimly lit town of Twizel.
The next day he was there to take us back to Mount Cook village for a trek. We were thinking about Hooker Valley but he helped us choose a better trail and after having a nice view of the glacier, we walked down to it. He got into that melting ice and got a chunk of 600 years old ice for us to have a bite of it :) We are glad we changed our plans and took his suggestion.
On our way back to Queenstown, we did a little detour to Wanaka town and from Wanaka to Queenstown Will chose the most picturesque roads that I have ever been to.
We were very apprehensive of Cheeky Kea when we were booking initially but I must say that they are best tour company that we could have asked for. Will ofcourse was great, but the company ensured that he is well rested before picking us up. He drove from Christchurch a day before and stayed a night in Queenstown.
The quote we got from them was quite competitive and we did not feel a need to negotiate.
I am sure their group tours are as good and popular, we saw a few Cheeky Kea buses on the road and near Mt Cook. But if you want to plan something specific and tailor made, Cheeky Kea won't disappoint you. We had an 18 months old with us and there is absolutely nothing that I can complain about.
Thanks Jesse and Will!
The tour was easily the best experience of our New Zealand trip. The guide/deiver we got (named Will) was the best person we met on this trip. Will knew so much about everything. He kept talking to us about the landscape and flora and fauna along the way. He got us to Mt Cook air strip in time for our helicopter ride. He knew the place like the back of his hand. He drove us back to the Twizel town for us to pickup dinner. When he dropped us back at our Airbnb accomodation, he gave us a quick run down of the constellations and the stars we could see in the sky from the dimly lit town of Twizel.
The next day he was there to take us back to Mount Cook village for a trek. We were thinking about Hooker Valley but he helped us choose a better trail and after having a nice view of the glacier, we walked down to it. He got into that melting ice and got a chunk of 600 years old ice for us to have a bite of it :) We are glad we changed our plans and took his suggestion.
On our way back to Queenstown, we did a little detour to Wanaka town and from Wanaka to Queenstown Will chose the most picturesque roads that I have ever been to.
We were very apprehensive of Cheeky Kea when we were booking initially but I must say that they are best tour company that we could have asked for. Will ofcourse was great, but the company ensured that he is well rested before picking us up. He drove from Christchurch a day before and stayed a night in Queenstown.
The quote we got from them was quite competitive and we did not feel a need to negotiate.
I am sure their group tours are as good and popular, we saw a few Cheeky Kea buses on the road and near Mt Cook. But if you want to plan something specific and tailor made, Cheeky Kea won't disappoint you. We had an 18 months old with us and there is absolutely nothing that I can complain about.
Thanks Jesse and Will!
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Esther R
1 contribution
Aug 2022
This trip showcases the brilliance and beauty of this part of New Zealand. You can accomplish and see so much in this one day tour, plus time is allocated to explore Mt Cook Village, where there are optional walks available. The highlights of the tour were viewing the magnificent Mt Cook (while having a wonderful lunch which is included) and the Church of the Old Shepherd in Lake Tekapo. Everyone was so friendly, and there were plenty of stops to take photos. Highly recommend this tour as a perfect way to spend the day.
Written 19 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad to hear you had such a great time on our tour. Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review :)
Written 31 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jasmine A
Christchurch, New Zealand2 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
I was lucky enough to find Cheeky Kea Tours after I solo traveled the North Island and didn't have much time remaining on the South Island. The tour company seemed like it would give me more of a local perspective and not only take me to some of the most scenic places in the South Island, but also take me a bit off the beaten path and away from the hoards of other travelers. Cheeky Kea did that and so much more! Not only did I see absolutely stunning places and have some unforgettable experiences, but I had a trip tailored to my (and my group's) interests, didn't have to worry about the logistics, and left with friends I hope I know forever.
If you're debating on this company vs another, unquestionably go with Cheeky Kea. They're local, smaller, fun, knowledgeable, and a great value. P.S. Jesse and Belen are awesome. Best tour guides ever.
If you're debating on this company vs another, unquestionably go with Cheeky Kea. They're local, smaller, fun, knowledgeable, and a great value. P.S. Jesse and Belen are awesome. Best tour guides ever.
Written 2 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dianne M
Orlando, FL252 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
This tour was booked months before our confirmed tour date with this company. My experience started with them having no option for the port of Lyttelton as a pick up option. I emailed them and was told just write our location in the notes which I did. They took full payment for both of us and confirmed our tour. We received several confirmation emails and the one just 2 days before the tour cited our pick up location was a Christchurch hotel. Obviously this was not going to work. Upon reaching out again by email I was told our tour was pending and until the day of they wouldn’t know if they had enough customers to run the tour. I should have listened to my gut upon signing up! They finally canceled the tour and said they started a refund and suggested we take the team into Christchurch. Terrible customer service, they lied by confirming a tour which was pending from the getgo. Stay clear of this company is my advice. They were polite is all the only positive thing I can say but misleading and unprofessional through and through.
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HI Dainne,
Thank you for taking the time to write this review, it was not our intention to upset you and I believe the way we worded our response on the day was not up to our usual standard at all. This is not like us to keep anyone in the dark or to keep customers "pending". I do remember this booking and situation and I am again very sorry for the lack of proper communication you received from us.
We do wish to see you on board, please reach out directly in the future and we can hopefully give you a much better experience.
Written 30 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Neville H
2 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
Recently did a small group tour with these guys & had a fun,informed tour with Jesse.He met our cruise ship & took us high into the highlands around Christchurch ,awesome views ,,had a great pub lunch , included in the tour & then saw the highlights around Christchurch.
Thanks Jesse ,for your humour & great service.
Highly recommended these guys.
Thanks Jesse ,for your humour & great service.
Highly recommended these guys.
Written 15 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write us a review. We are super stoked you had a great time and it was a real pleasure to have you onboard :)
Written 20 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Zoe W
New Zealand80 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Amazing wine tour with friends! Jesse & team felt more like they were part of the tour than our guides and it was so relaxed and so much fun. Can’t recommend cheeky kea tours enough for your next wine tour. They even asked what music we wanted on the play list. Choose cheeky kea for your next wine tour!
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen H
Reno, NV13 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Allen was waiting for us when we walked outside our lodging and greeted us with friendly smile and I knew we were in for a fantastic day. Allen did not disappoint. We had an amazing day of exactly what we wanted to do and see.
He was very knowledgeable and a great story tell.
We would highly recommend this tour company! Their attention to detail was spot on. Thank you for a great day!
He was very knowledgeable and a great story tell.
We would highly recommend this tour company! Their attention to detail was spot on. Thank you for a great day!
Written 25 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write us a review. We are glad you had a good
experience and that you had such a great time with Alan! We hope to see you booked on another tour in the future!
Written 6 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.