In a world of its own. New Zealand is an outdoor mecca with jaw-dropping nature, unique flora and fauna, fascinating culture and locals that spread a contagious friendly and can-do attitude. There is nothing quite like Kiwi hospitality. Feel right at home on the other side of the world.
You won't need to travel far to see big changes in the landscape. Explore the national parks, each with their own unique slice of wilderness. Have close encounters with native animals and dive deep into Maori culture. From the mighty Southern Alps and wild West Coast in the South Island to a geothermal wonderland and endless white sandy beaches in the North Island. Get ready for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
"After living in New Zealand for four years, one of the things that really stuck with me was the close relationship many New Zealanders have with the outdoors. I enjoy providing travellers with an authentic experience of the unique culture and varied landscapes on offer. I take pride in building you a bespoke itinerary and look forward to helping you make the most of your time in this fantastic country!"
Contact Kieran
Would you like to discover New Zealand in a uniquely local way? Start your dream journey here. Experience a tailor-made holiday, created by us and enjoyed by you. Stay with local hosts who warmly welcome you to their homes, at unique and special locations. Self-drive 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.
From the moment you are leaving for the airport to the moment you arrive back home after your holiday - we have your trip organised. Flights, car rental, transfers, activities, accommodations, meals and stopovers. We can design your personal holiday, so you don’t have to worry about anything in New Zealand.
Close your eyes and picture yourself on your dream journey in New Zealand. Are you swimming in the blue waters of… read more
Close your eyes and picture yourself with your partner on your dream journey in New Zealand. Are you swimming in… read more
Close your eyes and picture your family on a dream holiday to New Zealand. Are you swimming with the world’s… read more
Close your eyes and picture you and your friends on an adventure in New Zealand. Are you conquering New Zealand’s… read more
At TravelEssence, we focus on small-scale accommodation run by local hosts renowned for their Kiwi hospitality, because we know this is the greatest way to see New Zealand. Discover our large collection of personally selected stays ranging from comfortable to luxury.
A place where you feel welcomed and cared for. A place where our local hosts provide you with extra knowledge. And… read more
Enjoy a journey where your accommodation is an experience unto itself. We have searched all of New Zealand to find… read more
Our carefully selected down-to-earth hosts will make you feel at home with their welcoming Kiwi hospitality. Get… read more
When travelling with children, you need to be able to whip up a meal when it suits you best. Have your own kitchen… read more
We have approximately 2000 small-scale suppliers and are in direct contact with each of them. We continue to build strong relationships and because we pay them before you arrive, we have also built trust. We are frequently visiting New Zealand to catch up with our suppliers and also to continue to discover unique small-scale accommodations and activities around the country.
Land of the long white cloud - New Zealand stretches 1500 kilometres and consists of two main islands and the smaller, Stewart Island. A relatively small country with a population of just 5 million. But, New Zealand makes up for its size with a diverse landscape that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
With 29 rather compact regions, you don’t need to travel far to soak up the ever-changing landscape.
There is a deep connection with the Māori culture in the North Island. Especially in the regions of Northland, Bay of Islands, Whakatane and Rotorua. Witness geothermal activity with bubbling hot pools and shooting geysers in Rotorua, towering volcanoes and glistening lakes in Taupo/Tongariro and white sandy beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula. 75% of the population live on the North Island, with the majority living in the vibrant cities of Wellington and Auckland.
The less populated South Island features nature in its purest form. A picture-perfect view at every turn. Quirky towns, native flora and fauna, spectacular fjords and glaciers, bright turquoise lakes and golden beaches. The vastness of dramatic landscapes won’t disappoint. A true outdoor paradise.
New Zealand has no less than 13 national parks spread across both the North and South Island. An exhibition of powerful landscape, pristine nature and native flora and fauna.
New Zealanders are extremely proud of their country and they will passionately introduce you to their treasured national parks. From white sand beaches and ancient rainforests to snow-capped mountains and magnificent glaciers. Join them on an adventure by foot, boat, kayak or helicopter.
Of course, we recommend visiting all 13 national parks but to self-drive and travel at a relaxed pace, you’ll need to make some tough decisions. Our top 3 choices are Fiordland National Park, Abel Tasman National Park and Tongariro National Park.
All are completely unique but have one thing in common - spectacular scenery and alluring flora and fauna. Fiordland National Park is home to Milford and Doubtful Sounds with mystical waterfalls, towering mountains and luscious rainforest.
Abel Tasman offers pristine golden beaches and secluded coves. And lastly, Tongariro National Park features three volcanoes and one of New Zealand’s best one-day hikes - The Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
"I love the natural beauty surrounding Tongariro National Park. It's absolutely breathtaking with many hiking possibilities."
Nicole, Travel specialist
As a family-orientated country, New Zealand has all the ingredients to ensure you’ll have a relaxing holiday… read more
New Zealand is a paradise for solo travellers who would like to experience the great outdoors. With a focus on… read more
We have personally selected extraordinary local experiences in nature. From authentic cultural experiences,… read more
New Zealand is a mecca destination for travellers seeking a real outdoor adventure. We have personally selected… read more
New Zealand's largest cities are Auckland and Wellington on the North Island, and Christchurch on the South Island.
These trendy cities are just waiting to be explored. From the hustle and bustle of Auckland to the vibrant and compact city that is Wellington. New Zealand’s cities are diverse both in terms of size as well as the things to see and do there.
New Zealand is renowned for its breathtaking nature, unique flora and fauna, Maori culture and friendly locals.… read more
With a population that is just as varied as the landscape, New Zealand is a melting pot of cultures that shape the country we have today. The indigenous Māori culture has a huge influence and this can be seen in many aspects. From sport, the language, their beliefs, region/place names and traditional cooking methods.
The Māori population is approximately 16% of New Zealand’s total population and their customs are treasured. Māori named the country Aotearoa - ‘land of the long white cloud’. After arriving a thousand years ago from a long journey across the Pacific Ocean in a traditional waka (canoe).
The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 in the Bay of Islands, between the British Crown and 540 Māori chiefs. A written agreement that continues to influence decisions made today. On the 6th of February each year, there is a national holiday to recognise and reflect on the significance of the treaty.
New Zealand is a country full of unique flora and fauna that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Because of the country’s isolation, an array of distinct plants and animals have evolved. Just another reason to visit!
From the national icon - the Kiwi, a flightless nocturnal bird, the Kea, a cheeky alpine parrot that is forever entertaining to ‘a living dinosaur’ - the ancient Tuatara, that can live up to 100 years.
And of course, the country is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, so there are many unique marine animals. Two of our favourites are the yellow-eyed penguin and the smallest and rarest dolphin in the world, Hector's dolphin.
Be amazed by the giant Kauri trees found in ancient forests or the bright colours of the Kowhai and Pohutukawa trees. Pohutukawa trees are also known as New Zealand’s iconic Christmas tree. And last but not least, the sacred Silver fern, the national symbol of New Zealand.
"I prefer to visit Doubtful Sound over Milford Sound: it's less touristy but just as beautiful."
Marie-Cecile, Travel specialist
There are five species of the endangered national treasure and icon - the Kiwi. The North Island Brown kiwi, Great Spotted kiwi, Little Spotted kiwi, Rowi and Tokoeka. These cute, flightless, long-beaked birds are nocturnal and can be found in forests, scrublands and grasslands.
We work closely with the Indigenous population of Australia and New Zealand. They have always lived in harmony with nature, but have had a hard time in the past century. It is because of small-scale tourism that their stories once again gain a voice, which is treated with respect.
With every turn of the road, New Zealand’s landscape changes. A dramatic array of scenery that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. From coastal roads to panoramic rainforest passes, and awe-inspiring mountainous landscapes - New Zealand is best explored by car. Self-driving means you're able to reach places that group trips and campervans cannot.
Stop at the places that catch your eye and explore the country like a local. From the glistening Lake Tekapo and Lake Taupo to meeting the locals in Makarora and getting off the beaten track on the South Island. A New Zealand road trip is a must-do and the best way to see the country.
Your travel specialist will design your self-drive itinerary with two or more nights at each location. Because a relaxed travel pace is the best way to explore the natural beauty of New Zealand.
If you are thinking of renting a motorhome, talk to us now and discover why driving in a rental car is the best way to see New Zealand.
New Zealand features some of the best scenic drives in the world. And that is why we recommend travelling through… read more
Travel on a ferry across the waters over to the North Island or South Island. Renowned for being one of the best ferry rides in the world. A journey surrounded by spectacular scenery, truly one of New Zealand’s most iconic experiences.
The Interislander is a ferry service that sails between Picton (South Island) and Wellington (North Island). The 92-kilometre crossing is approximately three hours. As you cross the Cook Strait, soak up the views of the Marlborough Sounds and the Wellington region. Enjoy the surroundings from the viewing decks and keep a lookout for the many species of wildlife living in the area.
New Zealand is a wonderful destination at any time of the year. With sunny and snowy winters, crisp and bright… read more
Are you searching for practical information about travel to New Zealand? It's maybe not the most exciting part of… read more
New Zealand may seem like it is unreachable, a faraway place on the other side of the globe. However, the flight… read more
We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. 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 to get started now.
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.
We would love to discuss your dream journey
020 36 95 95 69
