Kiwi Experience has released The Cheese Roll, a new 15-night Classic Tour in response to growing demand for experience-led, hassle-free travel across Aotearoa, New Zealand.
The new name is a nod to one of the South Island’s most iconic foods – the humble cheese roll, often affectionately called ‘Southland sushi’.
Running from Auckland to Queenstown across both the North and South islands, the new route blends iconic destinations with culturally grounded local experiences, reflecting a broader shift towards more immersive, meaningful travel.
The launch comes as Kiwi Experience marks 37 years in market, reinforcing its position as one of New Zealand’s most established travel operators.
The Cheese Roll forms part of Kiwi Experience’s Classic Tours, which launched in late 2025, providing fully packaged end-to-end itineraries that combine transport, accommodation and curated experiences into one seamless journey.
Designed for travellers short on time but wanting to maximise their experience, the tours combine the ease of a pre-planned itinerary with the flexibility for guests to personalise their trip by choosing additional activities and experiences along the way.
“We’re seeing a clear shift in how people are choosing to experience New Zealand, and The Cheese Roll reflects that – offering flexible, experience-led travel that combines the ease of a fully planned itinerary with the freedom for guests to shape the journey in their own way,” Kiwi Experience general manager Lucy Haslam said.
“Visitors still want to see the iconic destinations, but there’s a much stronger focus on meaningful connection – whether that’s local culture, people or the places they visit.
“They want travel to feel easy, flexible and transparent. They want trips where the big logistics are already taken care of, they know what’s included upfront, and they still have the freedom to personalise the experiences along the way.”
The Cheese Roll
With accommodation and transport included, guests on The Cheese Roll experience get to exeprience:
- Geothermal landscapes in Rotorua
- Stunning cave formations and the world-renowned glowworm-lit caves of Waitomo
- Taupō’s volcanic scenery
- Wellington’s creative energy
- Abel Tasman’s golden coastline
- The rugged West Coast, including the legendary Mahinapua Hotel*
- Franz Josef glacier adventures
- Alpine escapes in Wānaka
- Adrenaline experiences in Queenstown
Prices start from $2099
*Reduced travel dates from April to September for Lake Mahinapua.
Why ‘The Cheese Roll’?
Believed to have originated in Southland in the 1930s, the cheese roll has become a classic Kiwi road trip staple – often served at cafés, school fundraisers and roadside stops throughout the lower South Island. Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and savoury in the middle, it’s simple, nostalgic and unmistakably Kiwi.
“The Cheese Roll captures exactly what is uniquely NZ, including the iconic must-do’s. It’s distinctly Kiwi, a little nostalgic, and doesn’t take itself too seriously – but it delivers a genuinely memorable journey from start to finish,” Haslam said.
“Like the cheese roll itself, this trip is all about classic Kiwi experiences, local flavour and discovering the best parts of New Zealand along the way.”
The launch aligns with wider industry trends towards social, experience-first itineraries, particularly among international visitors seeking a more immersive way to explore New Zealand.
“We’re seeing guests staying for shorter periods, booking closer to departure, and looking for more included, experience-led itineraries,” Haslam said.
“The Cheese Roll reflects that shift – a classic New Zealand journey, delivered in a way that resonates with today’s guest.”
