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When Cheeky Kea Tours opened its doors in 2018, the mission was clear: to offer travellers a genuine taste of New Zealand through day trips packed with natural beauty, local stories, and a personal touch.
The Christchurch-based operator has since carved out a niche in the Canterbury region, running small group tours that make every guest feel like whānau, and a name to remember.
Cheeky Kea Tour operation manager Elzanne Jansen van Rensburg says their vision is “to offer travellers a true ‘classic Kiwi experience’ by showcasing destinations beloved by locals in Canterbury”.
“Our mission has always been to share our slice of paradise with people worldwide—providing unforgettable experiences that don’t compromise on comfort, affordability, or sustainability,” she says.
Powered by people
So what keeps Cheeky Kea Tours grounded in Canterbury? Elzanne says its the magic of place—and the people discovering it for the first time.
“It’s the energy and excitement of our guests that keeps us going! For many of our visitors, this is their first time in Aotearoa New Zealand. Watching their faces light up as we journey through stunning spots like Arthur’s Pass, Kaikōura, Aoraki Mt Cook, and Akaroa is something we never tire of.
“No two days here are the same. There’s always a new trail to discover or a hidden lookout to share. We’re constantly exploring new places to include in our itineraries,” Elzanne says.
So whether it’s solo explorers or groups of friends, Cheeky Kea Tours attracts a wide mix of curious visitors—many using Christchurch as their base to unlock the wider region.
“We’ve been lucky to welcome travellers from all corners of the globe—solo adventurers, couples, families, and groups of friends alike. Many of our guests base themselves in Christchurch for a couple of days: one day exploring the city, and the next ticking off an epic day trip to a place that might otherwise be missed without a hire car,” Elzanne says.
“What do our guests love most?” she says. “The atmosphere of our small group tours. It’s personal, relaxed, and often leads to new friendships.
“Guests connect with each other, swap stories, and share plenty of laughs along the way.
“The flexibility of our tours—stopping at scenic lookouts and hidden gems that larger buses often pass by—is another big hit. Plus, our optional add-ons mean guests can customise their experience and make it uniquely theirs.”
Kiwi values
Elzanne says Cheeky Kea Tours is built on a strong foundation of New Zealand values: care for land, people, and storytelling.
“From day one, we’ve built our tours around what matters most to us—authenticity, connection, and respect for the land. Our team of passionate guides, many of whom are lifelong locals, love sharing stories of the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty. With small groups, there’s plenty of time for guests to ask questions, pick up some Kiwi slang, and experience what a classic New Zealand road trip is all about—tomato sauce and all!
“Our itineraries are designed to maximise time out in nature, whether it’s admiring the Otira Viaduct, watching seals along the Kaikōura Peninsula, or soaring over Aoraki Mt Cook. We try to embody the Kiwi spirit of manaakitanga—hospitality, care for others, and love of the land—so that every guest leaves feeling like they’ve experienced something truly special,” she says.
Christchurch reborn
Ōtautahi Christchurch’s post-quake transformation is also deeply connected and woven into the tours Cheeky Kea offers today—both in content and character.
“Many of our team members are proud Christchurch locals, so we’ve witnessed the city’s transformation firsthand,” says Elzanne.
“While the earthquakes brought a lot of loss, they also sparked a wave of creativity and renewal. The new Ōtautahi story—one that embraces innovation, bicultural identity, and connection to the land—is something we’re thrilled to be part of. As the city continues to grow and evolve, we’re seeing increased interest in exploring not just the wider Canterbury region, but also Christchurch itself and nearby gems like Banks Peninsula.”
Staying true
Even as demand for immersive, local travel grows, Cheeky Kea Tours is firmly committed to its roots: authentic, small-group adventures with passion.
“Our mission hasn’t changed: we’re here to offer authentic Kiwi adventures in some of Canterbury’s most beautiful spots. As small group travel grows in popularity, we’re excited to keep doing what we do best—connecting with travellers from all over the world and showcasing the best of our region, staying small means staying flexible.
“We can keep our experiences personal, environmentally conscious, and true to the values that inspired Cheeky Kea Tours in the first place,” Elzanne says.
