Get the most out of your journey and discover New Zealand through the eyes of a local. Dive deep into New Zealand’s culture, identity, and landscape and experience our unique small-scale activities. From multi-day kayak adventures and wildlife excursions to scenic flights over World Heritage Sites. Connect with local Māori and their fascinating culture.
Meet Kieran, your New Zealand travel specialist
"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!"
Book with confidence: TravelEssence is affiliated with Air Travel Organiser Licensing - licence No. 11760. Your holiday with us is fully protected by the ATOL scheme under the trading name - Little Travel UK LTD.
Book now - and stay flexible
If you book a holiday to Australia and New Zealand and it is cancelled due to COVID-19, you can reschedule free of charge at any time, or if you prefer, you will receive a full refund with a cancellation. If, when it comes time to go on your holiday, you are not confident that you will have a good time due to current COVID-19 restrictions in your destination country, you can postpone your holiday free of charge. Take advantage of the TravelEssence flexibility guarantee.
At TravelEssence, we have carefully selected small-scale, locally owned and environmentally-friendly activities. A range of unique experiences that showcase the best of New Zealand. We can assist you in selecting activities that match your interests.
7 must-do activities in New Zealand
1. Have close encounters with native wildlife
New Zealand is home to some of the most unique wildlife in the world. A country surrounded by the ocean, attracting magnificent marine animals. Kaikoura’s nutrient-rich waters attract whales, dolphins and albatross. Go whale watching or swim with dolphins and seals. Akaroa and the Bay of Islands are also great places to have close encounters with dolphins and other wildlife.
Spot yellow-eyed penguins and New Zealand fur seals in the Catlins and on the Otago Peninsula. Search for the elusive Kiwi bird - New Zealand’s national icon, on Stewart or Kapiti Island. Keep a lookout for cheeky kea or the flightless weka throughout the South Island.
Go whale watching in Kaikoura
Swim with dolphins in Kaikoura's nutrient-rich waters
"I love to watch animals in their natural habitat, either organised with a local guide or by myself. It always fascinates me!"
Nicole, Travel specialist
2. Meet the locals
Embracing the Māori culture and spending time with locals is the best (and, we think, the only way) to completely understand New Zealand’s identity, culture, landscape and of course its people. Join local Māori, Maria and Joe, in the Far North and wander into the rainforest. Learn about their special connection to the land and visit unique places.
Another local legend that we can’t wait for you to meet is Johnny. He lives on the wild West Coast of the South Island. With his bushy grey beard, muddy gumboots and jeans, Johnny is renowned for living off the grid and preserving his much loved Awakari Valley. He will introduce you to the history and wilderness of New Zealand.
"Swimming with wild dolphins still remains one of the most incredible encounters that I ever had, it's magical."
Tobias, Travel specialist
3. Cycle the best trails
Discover New Zealand’s diverse landscape by cycling the best trails. Whether you would like to explore the vineyards of Marlborough, Gisborne or Hawkes Bay? Or maybe you are after a bit more adventure?
Conquer the Great Lake Trail, Otago Rail Trail or the West Coast Wilderness Trail. We can match the best cycle trail to your experience and wishes.
Cycle the iconic Otago Central Rail Trail
4. Explore 15,000 kilometres of coastline
New Zealanders absolutely love the water and all activities that involve it. That shouldn’t come as a surprise with 15,000 kilometres of coastline. Surrounded by the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, you are never too far away from the ocean.
Set sail in the Bay of Islands and the Coromandel, kayak the waters of Marlborough Sounds and Doubtful Sound or go snorkelling and diving at Poor Knights Islands. We have found the most unique small-scale water activities for you to experience.
Kayak the waters of Doubtful Sound and spot wildlife
5. Take a scenic flight
Capture a birds-eye view of New Zealand’s unique landscape during a scenic flight. An experience that you won’t be forgetting any time soon. Soar above snow-capped peaks, crystal clear lakes, active volcanoes, golden beaches and mystical fiords. Go to places that aren’t normally accessible.
Fly above Milford and Doubtful Sound, Mount Cook, Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers or the lake districts of Rotorua and Taupo. Whether you prefer a helicopter, floatplane or twin-turbo aircraft, we have found the best scenic flights of New Zealand.
"Whether it's a flight across Lake Tekapo, or above the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers - it's always special to get a bird's eye view."
Tobias, Travel specialist
Are you searching for the ultimate view? Enjoy a scenic flight
Get inspired for your dream holiday
Would you like to discover more about New Zealand? Let Kieran inspire you on a virtual journey through the country and answer all of your questions.
New Zealand is full of spectacular walking tracks. From easy-going day hikes to adventurous multi-day hikes, there is a range of options to suit all experience levels. Go deep into the wilderness of New Zealand’s national parks including Mount Aspiring, Abel Tasman and Fiordland.
Be guided by a local Māori into the Te Urewera Rainforest and learn about the deep history of the region. Follow the coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula, and conquer one of the world’s best day hikes - the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or a local favourite, the Routeburn Track.
The best way to get in touch with New Zealand’s nature is by walking or hiking. No matter where you are, how much time you have or who you are with, there’s a walk for everyone. The Department of Conservation website offers a variety of walking trails, divided by region, duration and difficulty.
Good to know
We would love to meet you and discuss our range of activities. We focus on nature conservation and small-scale locally owned companies. From helicopter rides to cultural tours with local guides. We have found it and want to share it with you.
7. Taste the best of New Zealand
New Zealand has made a name for itself for producing quality wine. Waipara Valley is the fastest growing wine region in the county. With its long dry summers, high sunshine hours and cool nights, a variety of Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir grapes are grown here. Looking for New Zealand’s finest Pinot Noir? Central Otago is your region.
The regions of Marlborough and Blenheim produce world-famous Sauvignon Blanc and Hawke’s Bay is renowned for fruitful and award-winning wineries as well as New Zealand’s oldest winery - Mission Estate. Of course, where there is world-class wine, there is also food to match. Indulge in fresh seafood and a fusion of local produce, innovation and flair.
Taste the best of the best when it comes to New Zealand's wine
Did you know?
New Zealand is known internationally for Sauvignon Blanc. In recent years, New Zealand has created an international reputation for Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Good to know
If you book your holiday with us, we will provide you with a comprehensive list of our local tips. All of our favourite things to do DownUnder including food & wine, hikes and scenic walks, sports and active activities, events, family-friendly places and highlights to visit. Plenty of inspiration, so all you have to do is enjoy.
We would love to discuss with you further about all the possibilities. Our activities are far away from mainstream tourism. Small-scale experiences that connect you with the country and the locals.
Useful facts
Cycling in New Zealand
Discover New Zealand by bike. The country offers some of the best cycling trails in the world. Explore the beautiful ever-changing landscapes along the way. Would like to explore the vineyards of Marlborough, Gisborne or the Hawkes Bay? Or maybe you are after a bit more adventure? Conquer the Great Lake Trail, Otago Rail Trail or the West Coast Wilderness Trail.
We can advise you on which cycle trail matches your experience and wishes.
Train travel in New Zealand
Would you like to travel by train in New Zealand? Experience one of the world’s most incredible scenic railway rides. A passenger train that runs between Christchurch and Greymouth. Along the way, be entranced by the diverse landscapes and surroundings. From vast plains and rugged mountains to lush native rainforest. A train ride filled with postcard-perfect scenery.
Would you like more information, contact us and we would be happy to talk more about train travel in New Zealand.
Seasonal activities
Is it your dream to hike the Milford Track? Or climb Mount Cook? Depending on which activities you would like to do in New Zealand, depends on when the best travel time is. Because some of your dream activities may be only available seasonal. If you do have an activity on your bucket list, let’s sit down and have a chat about it together. We will ensure you won’t miss out on your experience of a lifetime.
New Zealand's lakes
New Zealand has several beautiful lakes. Most were caused by the scouring effect of ice during the ice age and the melting of glacial ice. The clear blue colour of the water and the magical surroundings of mountains, should not be missed when you visit New Zealand.
Admire the clear waters of Lake Tekapo, see the flooded crater of Lake Taupo and spot special bird species around Lake Waikaremoana. By the way, did you also know that Lake Taupo is the largest lake in all of Australasia?
You can comfortably board a boat or hop in a kayak to discover all the secrets of New Zealand’s water world. In and around the lakes, it is possible to participate in various activities, such as fishing, swimming or hiking.
New Zealand's wine regions
New Zealand is a food and wine destination for discerning foodies. With a world reputation for producing award-winning locally grown produce. This young country has come of age as a producer of internationally acclaimed wines. With an ideal climate for wine growing, there are six major grape growing regions which are all surrounded by alluring landscapes.
Marlborough, at the top of the South Island, is New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region. Marlborough has a varied selection of Sauvignon Blanc wines that have gained worldwide recognition. However, there is also Central Otago, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa and Canterbury. New Zealand's is home to the world’s most southerly vineyards.
Hiking in New Zealand
New Zealand has 10 official “Great Walks”. These spectacular trails showcase the diverse landscapes of New Zealand. Glistening lakes, golden beaches, snow-capped mountains, native forests, deep gorges, sweeping valleys and flowing rivers. Lake Waikaremoana, Tongariro Northern Circuit, Whanganui Journey, Abel Tasman Coast Track, Heaphy Track, Paparoa Track, Routeburn Track, Kepler Track, Milford Track and Rakiura Track are the official 10 Great Walks. But, you don’t need to stick to these 10 to benefit from picturesque views. Walking trails are abundant with a range of difficulty levels and distances.