Reviews
Great experience with Kiwi Driver Tours and Transfers!
Even though they are based in Auckland, they were able to arrange our transfer from Rotorua to Auckland seamlessly. A special thank you to Paul, who personally met us at Hobbiton to welcome us.
He gave us very helpful tips on how to go about our visit—when to be at the gate, how to handle our tickets, and even the best spot to sit on the bus. It made the whole experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Paul was incredibly nice and thoughtful. Highly recommended!
Joseph
Mar 26
Excellent service!
The driver was excellent and able to change times to suit our schedule. The car was clean and great conversation.
Jacqui
Oct25
Transfers roundtrip from Aukland Airport
Gary was our driver coming from and going to Auckland Airport. He was very professional, very personable, on time, and we had quite pleasant conversations on our transfers. He provided valuable tips on restaurants and tip tours for our future visits. The vehicle was clean and roomy. I appreciate him! He's a keeper (an asset to this company).
Collins
Nov 25
Gary is a Great Driver and Guide
Gary was our driver and guide from the airport to our hotel. He waited for our delayed flight, which we greatly appreciated. I call him our guide as he is extremely knowledgeable about all things New Zealand. My husband and I highly recommend Gary!
Mary Anne
Dec 25
Early morning transport
The driver arrived on time. Drove safely to get us to the airport on time and even showed us a shortcut to get to the terminal. The only item was that we had a 4 am pickup and never heard from the driver or the company to confirm they would be there at 4 am. They arrived on time, so no issue, but we would have liked to receive an acknowledgement of the pickup time. The tour operator said they were in Sydney and couldn't respond in a timely manner. All worked out, just some stress on my part, not knowing if the driver understood the early pick-up time.
Tamela
Jan 26
A Drive like no other
Communication was excellent. Car was impeccable. Kris our driver was incredibly knowledgeable and provided us with information on the history and culture of New Zealand. I would highly recommend
Lynn
Jan 26
Excellent driver who...
Excellent driver who patiently waited for delayed flight. He communicated via text as we slowly made our way through the immigration process. A word of advice for travelers into New Zealand. Do not bring any food items, so you can go through the Fast nothing to declare line.
Great Driver....
Very helpful and promptly on time for our trip. It was necessary to collect accommodation keys from a different city address (only a short distance from our final destination), which was not an issue for our driver. We were not advised of this requirement until we checked our e-mail on landing in Auckland. Would recommend this option to you in the future for your travel consideration..
John
Jan 26
Christine
Feb 26
Perfect airport pickup
Gary texted us where he’d be and that he was keeping track of our flight. Personable and comfortable to speak with, pointed out highlights as we drove.
Barbara
Feb 26
Cruise port to Airport
Driver communicated and waited for us to disembark our cruise ship. We used this company from the cruise port to the airport. On time friendly driver, nice car. Would use again
Karen
Feb 26
Welcoming and knowledgeable
Kris kept in touch, letting us know where he was located, he was welcoming, friendly and very knowledgeable. Would recommend. Thank you Kris for a lovely welcome to New Zealand.
Dawn
Feb 26
Excellent service
Probably the best airport pick-up service we've experienced! Clearly signed, the driver was on time ( middle of the night pick up) and friendly. Highly recommended.
Gai
Mar 26
Yes! Use him! Communicated well!
On time, professional, courteous, and even moved the time up for my request. Hire him!.
Very very good.
Ronald
Mar 26
Great service from a...
Great service from a friendly driver (Garry). He kept us updated due to a traffic delay and
had no issues once he picked us up at the hotel.
Derrick
Mar 26
Fun, Knowledgeable Guide & Fantastic Rotorua Experience!
We went to amazing Rotoroa in a small group with a fantastic guide, John. He is fun, knowledgeable, and included all in the group in a great way. I recommend travelling with Cheeky. They kept the time schedule and got us through a lot of adventures.
Susanna S
Oct 24
John, a local legend and our driver, was a lot of fun. I learned a lot and enjoyed my time. He was very knowledgeable with just about everything I asked him, from local flora and fauna, to indigenous culture and general New Zealand facts. I'd definitely recommend the company.
Lauren
Jun 2025
John was amazing! Such a good tour guide and so knowledgeable and funny! He really made the experience and took us to the best places at the best times to see them :)
Lauren
Sept 2025
Thank you for your kind review! We're pleased to hear everything went smoothly and that you found the pickup easy and the service pleasant. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to assist you again on your next journey.
Tom
March 2025
Our tour and transfer experience with Kiwi Driver Tour in New Zealand was absolutely fantastic! The team was professional, friendly, and knowledgeable about the beautiful landscapes we explored. From the stunning fjords of Fiordland National Park to the breathtaking geothermal wonders in Rotorua, every moment was carefully curated to ensure we got the most out of our trip. The transfers were seamless, and our drivers were courteous and informative. Highly recommend Kiwi Driver Tour to anyone looking to explore the best of New Zealand with ease and expert guidance. Five stars isn't enough – we'd give them ten stars if we could
Fiza
March 2025
Our tour to the Bay of Islands with Kiwi Driver Tours was exceptional. From the seamless transportation to the breathtaking landscapes, every detail was perfectly planned. We enjoyed a stunning sailing excursion and marveled at the iconic Hole in the Rock, with a chance to see dolphins in the wild. Our guide’s insightful commentary added depth to the experience, making it even more memorable. Highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting New Zealand
Pilar
June 2025
All the services provided by Kiwi Driver Tour were fantastic! Clean vehicles, knowledgeable and friendly drivers and always on time. I personally used and Highly recommended by my company Hillsboro Travel in business since 1976.
Again thanks for the great service, hope to be back again!
John
June 2025
Excellent! The service was outstanding from start to finish. Our driver was not only professional and punctual but also incredibly friendly and accommodating throughout the journey. Everything ran smoothly and on time, making the entire experience stress-free and enjoyable. We felt well looked after and truly valued as customers. Highly recommended to anyone looking for reliable, high-quality service!
Martin
July 2025
Communication prior to tour was good, John our guide was upbeat, gave us lots of information and facts about each area we passed through. Small group and John ensured everyone was included and felt welcomed. Te Puia was an amazing place to visit all guides and staff were very friendly and lots to see. The cultural show was awesome, we loved all of it. Seeing the two Kiwis was a highlight. Lunch was great, snacks on the bus were included and coffee stops and bathroom stops were catered for. Was a great day, tour felt relaxed and not rushed. Would highly recommend this tour.
Leonie G
September 2024
Great trip. Lots of options available. Waitomo caves were very cool. The scenery along the way was beautiful. John, our driver, gave us lots of information about NZ and answered all our questions. John also gave me lots of tips for my stay in Rotorua. I would definitely recommend. Thank you for a wonderful day.
Charlotte B
September 2024
John was very knowledgeable and made the trip a really great experience for everyone! The tour itself was great and the day ran very smoothly!
Tayla D
July 2024
Waitimo caves and glow worms are spectacular! Te Puia was closed so we went to Wai-o-Tapu thermals which was also spectacular. John and Joseph were great guides, entertaining and educational. Wonderful day!
Resort35268071015
July 2024
The tour was well worth the money, the surrounding area of Hobbiton is beautiful. The set itself is great and the tour guide on set was friendly and offered to take photos for those going solo.
I was worried I would just be with families, but actually it was two other solo travelers and another pair of friends.
The tour guide John was very friendly and had a good sense of humor. He gave us lots of tips of things to do in Auckland and also gave me some additional info about Christchurch/Queenstown, which is where I am heading.
Overall it was a great day out and well worth the money. 🙂
Katie
Jun 2023
The guide, John, knows a lot about the places and about New Zealand. He is a great storyteller. The cave worth the tour. Te Puia is great also.
Camila
Jun 2023
Our tour guide John was friendly, funny, knowledgeable, and made sure everyone was safe and had a great experience. Hobbiton was fantastic, and the Waitomo Caves were beautiful! It was also great to learn about New Zealand and Auckland on the drive. Highly recommend!
Sightseer
May 2023
We are so happy we did this tour and had John as our tour leader. Not only he was so informative but also funny. He looked after us all very well. I can’t thank him enough for doing an extra mile. Thanks John!
Mariano
Dec 2022
Hobbiton and waitomo caves. Great way to meet others from around the world while enjoying scenic view drive to both tours while stopping for lunch and great way with stopping for ice cream on way back and everyone adding their favorite music song for playlist to listen. Thanks to our tour bus operator John Brown he was amazing and gave us a fantastic and enjoyable tour with taking our photos, sharing culture and lots information on NZ.
Recommend doing both tours in one day if you plan to do both as it’s 2 hour drive there each way (beautiful scenery on drive). Caves although neat to see, the boat ride in cave was very short and quick but worth to see as first time. Hobbiton highly recommend beautiful scenery, lots movie set info…need to watch again the movies again!
Cheeky
Feb 2023
Exceptional Service – Thoughtful, Flexible & Above and Beyond!
Our driver was extremely prompt and very helpful. He gave us a quick tour of the city as we had been on Christmas Day, and there was a very long time before our flight, so he showed us around, especially since we told him that due to Christmas, we couldn’t get to see much. The overall service we received by Kiwi, whether flights, transfers, or tours, was just excellent
Lucinda
Jan 26
Great Experience Overall – Helpful Car Seats & Smooth Transfer
We had a little trouble finding the driver upon arrival at the airport. They weren’t answering their phone, and we didn’t see the area for Pre-arranged Drivers until we were leaving to find alternate transportation. But all ended well, and we had a great experience once we connected with our driver! Being able to prearrange transportation with car seats was really helpful.
Creal
Feb 26
Excellent Service with Kris – Highly Recommended
Kris was excellent. He let us know where he would be waiting for us and was welcoming, friendly and very knowledgeable. Would recommend 100%!
Dawn
Feb 26
Amazing service!
The driver was amazing! I left something on the plane and had to wait for 40 minutes for the airline to get it to me. The driver, Lily, was very accommodating and changed her schedule so she could wait for us.
Compa
Oct 25
Great service.
Ali was great. He met us as we came out of immigration and had our name prominently displayed on his tablet. He helped carry our bags to the car and then we had a nice conversation driving us to our hotel. He gave several recommendations for things...
Steven
Nov 25
Great Transfer
Communication was great, making it easy to find her and then helpful to carry our luggage. The car was very clean with bottles of water waiting for us. Good driver.
Brittany
Nov 25
We were picked up on...
We were picked up on time. The driver was very friendly. The driver helped with our cases and dropped us off right at the door.
Helen
Jan 26
Great transfer from airport
First class service from arrival to departure in Auckland.
Parked undercover so we missed the torrential downpour!
Greg
Jan 26
Gary, our driver, was...
Gary, our driver, was very professional and made our transfer from the airport to the hotel very easy. We would definitely book with this firm again.
Christine
Jan 26
Transfer from Auckland Airport
Our driver was wonderful, she was there with a sign at the airport and took us to our hotel. She gave us great information on Auckland and New Zealand.
Anne
Feb 25
Car Hire In Auckland
Great experience! Gary was awesome! Made arriving so early in the morning so much simpler. Great communications
Trisha
Feb 25
Great tour!
Perfect way to see the most of Auckland in a short time. Our guide, Kris, was wonderful. Very knowledgeable, kind and accommodating as we had a toddler with us. Great tour at a great price!
Kari
Feb 25
When transfer is from...
When transfer is from Auckland airport the transportation is a very long walk. People with ambulatory problems may have an issue..
Larry
Feb 25
Very informative by our driver John and also entertaining as well by the Captain on our cruise on the Milford Sound , lots of stops for pictures and comfort breaks as well
James G
Jan 25
Amazing Experience with John – Informative, Fun & Truly Memorable!
John was an excellent driver for our trip and really added to our experience in New Zealand. Not only did he dazzle us with his humour and wit, but also was incredibly factual- adding plenty of information about the destinations we visited. In addition to this, John even purchased a group photo for our tour members to have. Thank you John for the amazing few days we had!
Ami W
Sept 25
Milford Sound Magic – The Highlight of Our New Zealand Trip!
The Milford Sound tour with Kiwi Driver Tours was the highlight of our trip to New Zealand. The journey through Fiordland National Park was stunning, with dramatic landscapes, waterfalls, and breathtaking views at every turn. The boat cruise through the fjord was nothing short of magical, and we even spotted dolphins swimming alongside us. Our guide was excellent, sharing fascinating stories about the area’s history and natural wonders. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the South Island
Marie
January 2024
Smooth, Punctual & Stress-Free Transfer – Thank You!
We used this service for a trip from our hotel to the train station.
The driver was pleasant and punctual. We arrived at our destination on time and were not rushed as we prepared for the next part of our vacation.
Many thanks!
(Canada)
J and K
July 2025
Flexible, Personalised & Truly Professional Experience!
Great experience from beginning to end. We truly appreciated the flexibility to customise our journey and include the specific stops we wanted to make. It made the day feel personalised and tailored to our interests, rather than just a standard route. Everything was handled with professionalism and care, and we felt heard and well taken care of throughout. A big thank you for accommodating our requests – it really enhanced our overall experience!
Carlos
July 2025
I just wanted to give a shoutout to my awesome tour guide, John! He made the trip to Rotorua unforgettable with his great knowledge and fun stories. The views were stunning, and the extra stops he added along the way to Wai-o-Tapu were a nice surprise. We even made it in time for the lady knox geyser show (not in the itinerary), which was perfect! Plus, those quick photo breaks were a blast. At the end of the day, John was super thoughtful and dropped us off wee bit away from our pick up location to keep us dry from the rain. Overall, this tour was definitely a highlight of my New Zealand trip—thanks, John!
Guide07392894296
September 2024
Fun day trip spending the morning in Hobbiton (not a huge fan of the Lord of the Rings but the place is sooo cute) and then visiting the Wai O Tapu site was also very interesting. We had a long but very well spent day with John
Suziangyal
August 2024
John and Joseph were stellar. Great personalities, wonderful banter. The scenery and stops are indescribable , you have to see to believe
Mel0927
August 2024
I appreciated our guide John because he drove safely and was nice to everyone whether he received a tip from them or not. I also appreciated the Te Puia part because the geyser erupted at the right time and our guide there was super funny. Wai-o-Tapu was photogenic and you can actually walk very close to sulfur infused water.
Maricel R
July 2024
The group was great, John the driver / guide tour was super friendly and always willing to help with extra information about New Zealand attractions , history etc. I highly recommend doing the tour in a small group.
Pioneer
May 2023
My Husband and I took this tour on our very first full day in New Zealand and it was such a great choice! The glow worm caves are fascinating and we learned A LOT at Te Puia (including getting to see both live Kiwi Birds and an active Geyser!).
I have been on other tours where the guide was lack luster. This was dedicated NOT the case with John. He is a beautiful gem of a human, knowledgeable and willing to interact with the traveling group. I was very impressed with his willingness to answer questions and how he managed to get everyone in the group to engage in a comfortable and easy manner.

10 out of 10 recommend this company, John as a guide, and this great day tour! You won’t be disappointed.
Go Places
May 2023
It was amazing tour under the guidance of John and Nicholas.We learnt lots of behind the scenes information through them.
Freedom
June 2023
My wife and I booked 2 tours with Cheeky Kiwi. We took the Christchurch to Queenstown trip via Mt Cook and Lake Teakapo trip with Tony. In Auckland, we took the Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves trip with John. Both trips were phenomenal and had a blast with the group and guides! Thanks for the amazing experiences and for helping to make our NZ trip memorable!
Drake
Jan 2023
WOW! Perfection on part of John our guide. He was humorous, shared his knowledge of the geography, the history of the country, and he was kind and respectful. Needless to say, our group of 16 had a fun time together.
AR
Feb 2023
The tour of Hobbiton was amazing. It was an early start and a long journey but our driver (John) kept us amused throughout.
Eddy
Feb 2023
From our tour guide John, who was so funny and knowledgeable, to the absolutely incredible tour of Te Puia and my personal choice of the Redwood Forest tree top walks, to the sighting of the great Waikato River and a couple of interesting stops on the way, everything was just perfect and a fat I will always remember. Thanks so much John and Cheeky Kiwi
Elenor
Mar 2023
John was a very friendly and helpful guide. I‘ve seen a lot of beautiful things and learned interesting things about New Zealands history and Culture. Our guide John did everything to help us and give us a great experience. Although I must admit that I think the price for the tour is to expensive.
Magadalena
Mar 2023
Had a great time with our guide John, he really went out of his way to make sure everyone got to where they needed to be! This tour is a bit of a juggling act with activities, so it’s best to book your two activities ahead of time. Really appreciated our guides knowledge and helping make the trip memorable, especially as a solo travler.
Marie
Mar 2023
Thanks for John give a great experience for Rotorua. But what makes me feel super friendly was he introduce the history by words and provide some information of good restaurant. That’s not his job, but he did more than I expected. Thanks for John give me a great day.
Hsiaochi
Mar 2023