At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Are you ready to roam beyond the ordinary? Start your dream journey here. Experience a fully bespoke holiday, created by us and enjoyed by you. Stay with local hosts who warmly welcome you to their homes, at unique and special locations. Take advantage of our local knowledge and visit the places, others didn't know existed.
We sit down with all of our clients to personally discuss your wants and needs. We plan and organise everything in detail to create your absolute dream holiday. Feel free to contact us to discuss your holiday plans. Or attend one of our live and informative presentations to learn more.
Fiordland National Park
Fiordland National Park is located in the southwest of the South Island. It is a nature lover’s paradise named on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ancient rainforests, snow-capped mountains, tumbling waterfalls and the remarkable Milford and Doubtful Sound fiords. They can be explored by kayak, foot and boat. To access the more remote areas, an overnight boat trip is recommended through Doubtful Sound. An abundance of wildlife can be spotted including dolphins, fur seals, penguins, and the cheeky Kea bird.
Hiking enthusiasts will be in heaven, with three of the ten “Great Walks” located in the national park - Milford, Kepler, and Routeburn Tracks. Be sure to pack your insect repellent because sandflies are legendary here. The local myth goes like this...when Hine-nui-te-po (the goddess of the underworld) set eyes on the fiords, she deemed them too beautiful to be touched by man and released millions of sandflies to chase them away.
3 weeks of the South Island
Would you love to visit some of the South Island's highlights at a relaxed pace? During this journey, you will see… read more
4 weeks of the South Island
New Zealand is best known for its volcanic landscapes, snow-capped mountains, ancient forests and friendly locals.… read more
National Parks in New Zealand
New Zealand is a paradise for varied nature, with 13 national parks in the North and South Island. This means… read more
New Zealand
New Zealand is a country right out of the most amazing fairy tales - a land of great contrasts and diversity, it… read more
Stay at unique accommodation in special locations
An architecturally designed lodge set high up on a ridge. Surrounded by 150 acres of farmland with views of the… read more
Experience local activities with Kiwi guides
Must-do activities
Get the most out of your journey and discover New Zealand through the eyes of a local. Dive deep into New… read more
Discover more about New Zealand
Extra information
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.