Close your eyes and picture yourself on your dream journey in New Zealand. Are you swimming in the blue waters of Lake Wakatipu? Wandering through ancient rainforests? Learning the Maori peoples' stories shared through word of mouth over centuries? Discovering Auckland or Queenstown? Kayaking through Fiordland National Park? Spotting the elusive Kiwi bird? Doing anything your heart desires? The possibilities are limitless.
Be welcomed by Kiwi friendliness, and experience the true meaning of kia ora. Travel at a relaxed pace in one of the world's safest and most friendly countries. Be astounded by the natural beauty and rich culture of New Zealand. Enjoy great adventures, stay with local hosts at unique locations, create new stories, and make long life friendships.
"After living in New Zealand for four years, 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 KieranWould you love to visit some of the South Island's highlights at a relaxed pace? During this journey, you will see… read more
New Zealand is a diverse multicultural country with a melting pot of cultures. With a blend of Maori, Asian,… read more
Would you like a holiday Down Under with the perfect mix of luxury and nature? This trip is perfect for you. New… read more
Do you seek once in a lifetime experiences? This trip is perfect for an adventurous traveller who would like an… read more
Your journey to New Zealand should represent you and only you. Because we are specialists in the art of travel, you'll experience a bespoke holiday that is significantly yours. Are you ready to travel through New Zealand in a uniquely local way? Let’s put your dreams on paper.
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.
I have been home for almost a week from my trip to New Zealand. I spent three weeks touring the North Island, a… read more
I lived in Australia for the first eight years of my life. My parents joined the great post-war emigration in 1960… read more
"When I travel on my own through New Zealand, I love sharing stories with the locals and enjoying dinner together. I arrive a stranger and feel like I leave as a friend.”
Andrew Morten, Founder and New Zealander
At TravelEssence, we focus on small-scale accommodation with local hosts renowned for their Kiwi hospitality. This is the greatest way to experience authentic New Zealand. A unique spot to experience the natural wonders of New Zealand and meet the locals. It's a place where you can truly unwind and escape the ordinary. Enjoy a barbecue with your hosts after an exciting day of exploring, sit around the fire and share stories with fellow travellers.
Whether you prefer to wake up to homemade brekky at a quirky bed & breakfast in the heart of Wellington. Get off the grid at a farm stay on the South Island or sleep between the fruitful vines in Marlborough. Experience unique accommodations that become an unforgettable part of your journey.
"I stayed in small-scale bed & breakfast and lodges that are all cosy, beautiful and above all located in beautiful natural locations."
Michiel, TravelEssence client
At TravelEssence, we have personally selected over 2000 small-scale suppliers throughout Australia and New Zealand. We are in direct contact with each and every one of them. By continuously building strong relationships and paying your host before you arrive, we have also built trust. Our product team Down Under visits our suppliers frequently and are always searching for the best unique small-scale accommodations and activities for you to enjoy.
With the diversity of New Zealand, you can see and do just about anything your heart desires. Immerse yourself in the Maori culture with Indigenous guides. Spot the rare yellow-eyed penguin on a hike to the Caitlin Coast of South Island. Cycle along an old railway line, through tunnels and over bridges between Dunedin and Central Otago. Sail the waters as you spot whales, dolphins and albatrosses.
Don't waste your time with tourist traps! Let your travel specialist know your interests and they will advise you on what is best for you as a traveller. We can take care of every detail, so you just have to show up and enjoy the new experience. There are private tours available as well as small group tours which offer a great chance to meet other travellers.
One of the best parts about travelling DownUnder is meeting other like-minded travellers. Along the way, join an activity (or more) with a small group of travellers. Here, you can meet an international group of people from all over the world.
New Zealand is a beautifully diverse country that is great for travel at any time of the year. During the shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, the temperatures are ideal for enjoying the outdoors. There are plenty of opportunities to take in the wonder of nature and immerse yourself in the culture.
Would you like to explore Auckland? Discover Mount Cook? Fly in a helicopter over the Franz Josef glacier? Hike one of New Zealand's great walks? Based on your specific interests, our travel specialist can advise you on the best time to travel and the best regions to discover.
You could spend months travelling the ever-changing landscape of New Zealand and not see the same place twice. For your holiday, the question becomes: "How long do I have?" A great solo trip comes with enough time to truly reset and get into a new rhythm. When you don't have to rush or be on anyone else's agenda.
Six weeks is an ideal amount of time to venture deep into the depths of New Zealand and unravel the authentic Kiwi lifestyle. Or, if you have slightly less time, your travel specialist can help you choose the best regions that suit your wishes. We recommend travelling at a relaxed pace for a minimum of three weeks.
A British passport entitles you to no less than a six-month stay in New Zealand. This allows you plenty of time to discover all the hidden gems and take it easy to experience the real New Zealand lifestyle.
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.
A relaxed travel pace is the greatest way to see New Zealand. And your travel specialist will design your holiday with two or more nights at each location. Explore each local area and get the most out of where you are. This way you get to drive less but see more. Because that's what a great holiday is all about at TravelEssence.
If you are thinking of renting a campervan, talk to us now and discover why driving in a rental car is the best way to see New Zealand.
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.
Join Kieran at an online presentationFlying is a fun experience on its own. Nothing else makes you truly feel like you are embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime journey than stepping onto the plane. A comfortable flight makes all the difference, no matter which class you fly.
Quality comes first - we will never sell you cheap flight tickets that hide expensive additional services.
On your way, you can choose a stopover in Asia to break up the journey and add a cultural experience to your holiday. From the tropical vibes in Bali and world-class shopping in Singapore to the friendly locals on the Cook Islands and the cultural mecca of Hong Kong. The possibilities are limitless.
Specialist knowledge means the details that need specific attention are always taken care of - you don't have to worry about anything. But of course, you may have a lot of questions right now as you get an idea of the possibilities that await you. Find the answers to your questions here. Or contact us for more information.
Let's accentuate the positive, reduce the negative, and offset what's left.
Sustainability in actionWhen you book your solo trip with us, your travel specialist has only one goal: to create your dream holiday through New Zealand and to do it properly. Make the most of your time Down Under by choosing a travel specialist that has local experience and knows New Zealand like the back of their hand. We are travel nerds and from our first-hand experience believe that small details lead to big differences. Get in touch to make your holiday dream a reality.
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
