Travelling doesn't have to be stressful. See below for a regularly updated list of frequently asked questions. Learn what to expect when it comes to leaving the UK, when entering Australia or New Zealand, returning home, and everything in between.
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What is a 'bespoke' holiday?
A bespoke holiday means that it has been fully custom-made and tailored to your needs and wishes. We almost exclusively book local, small-scale accommodations, run by locals because of their sustainable choices, regional products, and care for their environment; but also to support local employment.
Why only work with small-scale businesses?
Does TravelEssence have a sustainability initiative?
Here at TravelEssence, we are committed to making travel more sustainable and minimising the impact of the travel industry. Since native New Zealander Andrew Morten founded the company in 2006, we have taken sustainability seriously. It’s not just a project for us, but a company philosophy.
We offset all carbon emissions from our customers' flights, road travel, and business operations, which means your holiday is CO2 neutral. And since 2008, we have been planting trees in the Te Urewera Rainforest. We have also joined forces with Cathay Pacific to carbon offset all of our clients and employees travel through projects in Asia. You can learn more about our sustainability projects here.
Do I need a visa to travel to New Zealand?
Do I need a visa to travel to Australia?
Do I need travel insurance?
Do we need a car?
To get the most out of your holiday in Australia, we recommend travelling by car. You can go wherever you want and also reach the less touristic places. And you can stay at small-scale accommodation, away from mass tourism and meet the locals.
How much will we need to drive in Australia?
We believe that you should drive less and see more. Therefore, we try to keep the driving distance between your accommodations 2-to-4 hours. And you will be staying 2-to-4 nights at each accommodation. This way, you can enjoy the best of what Australia has to offer. And waste less time during your holiday on the road, driving.
What are the rules of the road in New Zealand?
Driving laws in New Zealand are different from most other parts of the world. The speed limit in New Zealand is generally 50 km/hr in residential areas and 100 km/hr on motorways and open roads.
Do I need a car in New Zealand?
New Zealand isn’t the largest country, making it the perfect destination for a self-drive holiday. You won’t need to travel for long periods to see big changes in the landscape. Take your time and enjoy the views.
How do payments, sales tax and cards work in Australia?
How do payments, sales tax and cards work in New Zealand?
Is Australia a safe country to travel?
Yes, overall it’s a safe destination to visit. Australia has a low crime rate and generally, Australians live a safe lifestyle. And Aussies are renowned for being friendly. But, we still recommend using your common sense as you would if you were at home. Most cities and towns are safe at night. However, in some places, it's better to call a cab for a short distance than walk the streets alone. If you are unsure, please ask your hosts for more information about the local area.
Is New Zealand a safe country?
New Zealand is a safe and secure country. New Zealanders are generally friendly, open-minded and helpful. This allows you the freedom to explore the country peacefully. But of course, it is important to take as much care as you would in any other country and keep yourself and your possessions safe.
Do you provide assistance in case of an emergency?
Yes, we have a 24/7 emergency number you can call in case of an emergency. Our local hosts are also there to assist you if you need. We work directly with all of our hosts, so if anything were to happen, we can act fast if necessary.
What is the flight time to Australia?
The flight time to Australia is dependent on which airline you fly with. However, the average flight time to Australia is on average between 18 and 24 hours. And of course, it is possible to stay at a stopover location for longer, too.
How long does it take to fly to New Zealand?
The average flight time to New Zealand is between 25 and 30 hours including a short stopover, but this depends on the airline.
What airlines should I fly with?
Generally, we choose to travel with Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Air New Zealand. However, we have contracts with all the major airline companies. We will ensure you fly with a suitable airline to enhance your journey.
How much time do I need?
You need at least three weeks in Australia to make your journey worthwhile, and this allows you to get a good experience of the variety and diversity Australia has to offer.
To visit everything, you would probably need a year (or two). But of course, most people travelling to Australia have 3-to-6 weeks.
What travel pace do you recommend?
We recommend a relaxed travel pace, instead of rushing past all the highlights and returning home exhausted. Spend 2-to-4 nights at each location and discover each place through the eyes of the locals.
Let's design your holiday together
Booking with us means that we take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch with one of our travel specialists below to get started now.
Sometimes it's hard to keep the facts straight. If you are planning a holiday to Australia or New Zealand, let the logistics be handled for you. The team at TravelEssence UK is ready to help! Contact one of our travel experts here for advice and information on your dream holiday, obligation free.
ContactQuestions? 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.
020 36 95 95 69
