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.
Check out the captivating highlights of New Zealand with your partner in this fantastic 16-day trip as you witness the rugged landscapes, pristine beaches and lakes, and the vibrant Maori culture New Zealand is famous for.
Start your trip in Queenstown, a bustling city set against the dramatic Southern Alps - the perfect starting point for your trip - as you make your way to explore some of New Zealand's most iconic sights, such as Lake Tekapo, Christchurch, Wallington, Lake Taupo, and Auckland. Plus, take part in some of the region's most exciting activities and spend the night in unique accommodations.
Have a look at what your dream New Zealand trip with your partner could look like:
- Relaxed travel pace with two to three nights at selected accommodation
- Twelve nights in six locations staying in B&Bs, hotels, and cottages/cabins
- Four activities included
- Intermediate SUV hire included
If you would like to book your New Zealand holiday for you and your partner, contact one of our travel specialists, obligation-free, to find out how we can help you experience an authentic and unforgettable experience down under. Below, you can discover our suggested locations.
Route and Impressions
![new-zealand](/img/maps/map-new-zealand-fc.png)
![Enjoy a day trip to the northern tip of Lake Wakatipu by jet boat](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/see-and-do/nz-queenstown-jet-boat-view-family-see-and-do-adventurous.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=b3914f2ff4ec544b97e18eaa21db90ed 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/see-and-do/nz-queenstown-jet-boat-view-family-see-and-do-adventurous.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=4f577347b4bf14549ac69b355367fb64 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/see-and-do/nz-queenstown-jet-boat-view-family-see-and-do-adventurous.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9e117cd2f1d94a215c1fd98c2d61dc60 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/see-and-do/nz-queenstown-jet-boat-view-family-see-and-do-adventurous.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=85c483f5306a278c0779b73f230d90f7 400w)
![Scenic flight to Milford Sound including 2hr cruise on day four](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/MilfordSoundNatureCruises_FlyMilfordSoundScenicCruiseFly-fromQueenstown_MilfordSoundNatureCruises_FlyMilfordSoundScenicCruiseFly-fromQueenstown_Andy_Woods_140409_4774-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=951969ee0e8b95c82e3e5e9c19136ab1 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/MilfordSoundNatureCruises_FlyMilfordSoundScenicCruiseFly-fromQueenstown_MilfordSoundNatureCruises_FlyMilfordSoundScenicCruiseFly-fromQueenstown_Andy_Woods_140409_4774-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=daee76f22c1185658eb9520450ecb468 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/MilfordSoundNatureCruises_FlyMilfordSoundScenicCruiseFly-fromQueenstown_MilfordSoundNatureCruises_FlyMilfordSoundScenicCruiseFly-fromQueenstown_Andy_Woods_140409_4774-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=e0c85b93ad727571554e5933c06d3311 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/MilfordSoundNatureCruises_FlyMilfordSoundScenicCruiseFly-fromQueenstown_MilfordSoundNatureCruises_FlyMilfordSoundScenicCruiseFly-fromQueenstown_Andy_Woods_140409_4774-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=44a3da0a84db88dad4ef526043ecd5b3 400w)
![Lake Tekapo is a small township located in New Zealand.](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/Lake-Tekapo.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=cf267088fa07dc8019dd29178a05c005 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/Lake-Tekapo.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=d71338aa51cb38f2f5baf3805bf172cc 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/Lake-Tekapo.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=79e7e8c114131972274dcd9cd65a99ae 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/Lake-Tekapo.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=05c9181d2fce400c645aa902a116a6e2 400w)
![Stargazing at Mt. John observatory on day six](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/NZ-Mt.-John-Observatory.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=6582f82fff700a8f5db441ccf25b4bcc 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/NZ-Mt.-John-Observatory.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=c112ab9d9548e2262b99df2a8ab58612 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/NZ-Mt.-John-Observatory.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=f8e83a31c1a17a43f69b5aa0ee5f7cdb 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/NZ-Mt.-John-Observatory.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=c118780c4521ba25b57c50b01952626f 400w)
![The best way to explore Christchurch is on foot](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/jpeg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=7b6f18768364089cdb6b0c46990caa43 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/jpeg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=7bdf09da9d68d7d0ca3887d9ee3c5ea1 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/jpeg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=7311f8c8adf61a3af32198be6fde9e64 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/jpeg.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=0279fa42b3d0e900433231642e7e402d 400w)
![TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps on day eight](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/solo/landingspage/nz-tranz-alpine-journey.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=3500f38e758e98412431a08d3f505812 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/solo/landingspage/nz-tranz-alpine-journey.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=72945e06c22c19961411130f3f7e48d4 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/solo/landingspage/nz-tranz-alpine-journey.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=60f127fd6f933ed12b44e7d149a8a7ad 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/solo/landingspage/nz-tranz-alpine-journey.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=b6316e3087c4862a71fcb91c73a1bf41 400w)
![Savour Wellington city's assortment of culinary delights](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/5466_Zest_Food_Tours_1587533043_MW_platter_Byrne_CR_ZEST.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=25a30e8fc5ce26f1febeee345bec1b86 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/5466_Zest_Food_Tours_1587533043_MW_platter_Byrne_CR_ZEST.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=5b49b512d4196029a91f52023dc4e0b4 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/5466_Zest_Food_Tours_1587533043_MW_platter_Byrne_CR_ZEST.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=2829460728ee623e291b7b5ebdc27c2f 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/5466_Zest_Food_Tours_1587533043_MW_platter_Byrne_CR_ZEST.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=fe0b10c935bdfbdd66246c955da63a21 400w)
![Get a bird's eye view of Taupo in a float plane](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/Taupo-float-plane-farms.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=dfe5eaec9985005552f088ce1730ed24 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/Taupo-float-plane-farms.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=9532b9a91bbe76b3c5d50117f3129cf9 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/Taupo-float-plane-farms.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=6e3bf8729862e12859a98661b1f63ef5 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/Taupo-float-plane-farms.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=16e3977e732b75cae2474866edb86c4c 400w)
![Sail on Lake Taupo and visit majestic rock faces, waterfalls and private beaches on day twelve](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/accommodation/NZ-6639-Kinloch-Manor-lake-taupo.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=1d006dd58595d356ba597c4e3e82c1ef 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/accommodation/NZ-6639-Kinloch-Manor-lake-taupo.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=9de3ee075fcf058c6c848a7f73b8234a 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/accommodation/NZ-6639-Kinloch-Manor-lake-taupo.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=cd8e7086568143b09488d9ce3851b2ff 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/family/accommodation/NZ-6639-Kinloch-Manor-lake-taupo.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=8aa7379df97e867e4c066535b6bdd2f0 400w)
![For 360 degree views of Auckland City, walk to the summit of Mount Eden](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-mount-eden-viewpoint.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=4d7136b93a0a9ce5add01d0349864393 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-mount-eden-viewpoint.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=503c12a0723e8ce6e1db7f72175e12b9 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-mount-eden-viewpoint.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=c8b4931c586320afd776d6ee4670ca08 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-mount-eden-viewpoint.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=a55a524ad006b5b66d9790d8d63056b9 400w)
£5,750 Per person
- Return Economy Flights
- Domestic flights
- Ten nights accommodation
- Intermediate SUV hire for nine days
- Enjoy fully CO2 compensated travel
- Four pre-booked exclusive activities
- 24-hour local support network while you travel
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.