Blog - Australia or New Zealand - #10
Nz otago peninsula fur seal spotting solo see and do easy going
Southern Scenic Route Catlins Neuseeland 5
nz-central-otago-cottage-vineyard-view-partner-accommodation-comfortable
Blog - Australia or New Zealand - #10
Nz otago peninsula fur seal spotting solo see and do easy going
Southern Scenic Route Catlins Neuseeland 5
nz-central-otago-cottage-vineyard-view-partner-accommodation-comfortable

Explore the South Island

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.

The South Island

Go on a uniquely local journey through New Zealand’s mesmerising South Island. The south is renowned for friendly laid-back locals, rich with nature and wildlife, award-winning wineries, mountains, and national parks. Discover the natural beauty of Canterbury, the spectacular Fiordland National Park, the picturesque Lake Wanaka, the mountain ranges of Central Otago, the iced-glacier, a water wonderland, Kaikoura, and much more.

Why should you visit the South Island? The southern part of New Zealand features sublime nature with 14 national parks, 10 of the highest mountains, and 5 of the largest glaciers in the country. Discover glistening lakes, fiords, ski fields, golden beaches, farms, and charming small towns. Immerse yourself in the remarkable Maori culture, slow-paced southern lifestyle, and unspoiled remoteness. The South Island is sure to capture your heart.

Sea lion on the Otago Peninsula | New Zealand wildlife
Have close encounters with sea lions in Otago Peninsula
© TravelEssence
A man with a hat, black t-shirt and backpack standing on a rock overlooking a valley
Hike one of the many stunning tracks in 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

Explore New Zealand, a natural wonderland

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

Scenic drive in Queenstown region | New Zealand holiday

New Zealand’s 10 best scenic drives

New Zealand is a paradise for varied nature, with 13 national parks in the North and South Island. This means… read more

Explore the land of great contrasts that is

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

White flowers, green vegetation, rocks and snow-capped mountains | New Zealand holiday

Should you visit the North Island or South Island?

Tongariro Crossing | New Zealand holiday

4 highlights of New Zealand

Swimming with dolphins | New Zealand wildlife

7 activities to inspire your trip to New Zealand

Stay at unique accommodation in special locations

Explore the wild side of Banks Peninsula, a place that is renowned for its charming French influences, picturesque… read more

Are you a wine and nature lover? Then don’t miss a visit to Marlborough. A region with high sunshine hours and an… read more

Set on a hilltop in the rugged Catlins is a stylish holiday house with four bedrooms. Your hosts, Tracey and… read more

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

Start your adventure with a bus trip through deep valleys, past lakes and towering cliffs of granite rocks to… read more

The Kepler Track is one of New Zealand’s 10 Great Walks. From tussock-covered ridgelines, alpine vistas to crystal… read more

With its golden beaches, native bush, volcanic activity and adventurous hiking trails, the Coromandel Peninsula is… read more

Experience the raw beauty of the vast and remote Doubtful Sound as you travel into the heart of Fiordland National… read more

Capture a panoramic view of Queenstown and the Southern Alps in a hot air balloon. Setting off at dawn, when the… read more

Connect with nature and wilderness in the Doubtful Sound, during an overnight kayak adventure. Doubtful Sound is… read more

Deep in the South Island is the region of Central Otago. This region holds the driest climate in the South Island.… read more

Discover more about New Zealand

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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.