All the things you love
and none of the things you don't
Our local knowledge makes the difference for your bespoke holiday through New Zealand or Australia. Your journey Down Under starts here.
A place where you feel welcomed and cared for. A place where our local hosts provide you with extra knowledge. And comfort that ensures you enjoy your holiday through New Zealand. Each host has a different story to tell. A journey where your accommodation becomes a highlight of your trip.
How would you like your journey?
Experience the stunning beauty of New Zealand in our very comfortable accommodations. Away from the mainstream. A special place with unforgettable scenery. Exceptional local hosts. A wonderful array of landscapes. A chalet next to a river that leads into the fiord, a rural bed and breakfast or an overnight cruise.
Discover how small-scale accommodation makes your holiday better.
Look inside 10 of our very comfortable accommodations for solo travellers
Discover a unique bed and breakfast on the Coromandel Peninsula. Nestled amongst the native bush in a protected… read more
A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Queenstown. Mediterranean-inspired, you might have a hint of the feeling… read more
Unlock the treasures of Kapiti Island, a small tranquil island which is home to an abundance of birds. A… read more
Welcome to Taupo! A thermal wonderland of active volcanoes, trout-filled rivers, alpine tussock and ancient… read more
Think wide-open spaces, pure relaxation and gourmet food and wine. The philosophy at Steven and Anne’s lodge is… read more
A natural playground with over 140 sub-tropical islands waiting to be explored. The best way to discover the… read more
"One of my favourite small-scale accommodations is run by Peter and Jenny. They are one of the friendliest couples, I've ever met."
Bart, Travel specialist
Did you know?
In our original business plan, made in 2006, it was already decided to look for as many climate-friendly solutions and travel components as possible, in close collaboration with local and small-scale accommodation owners.
Good to know
At TravelEssence, 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.
Useful facts
Ask the locals
New Zealanders are renowned for being very friendly. However, they are also very helpful. Whether you need directions or if you're having trouble deciding where to go. So, if you ever need help along the way, just ask a local Kiwi. They are more than happy to help. And of course, they love to share a story (or three) too!
Your hosts are local experts with an abundance of information about the area to share with you. Ask them, they know their home better than anyone else. And they love to share their local knowledge with you so you can make the most of your time DownUnder.
Safety and ease of travel
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.
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.
Culinary
New Zealand burst into the culinary scene with a fusion of local produce, innovation and flair. A multicultural country that blends flavours from all over the world. New Zealand has some of the best oysters in the world - Bluff oysters, and don’t forget to indulge in fresh whitebait fritters.
Kiwi’s love to invite friends and family over for a barbecue. Don’t be surprised if you receive an invite too! To blend in as a local, enjoy fish and chips with a side of tomato sauce or a mince and cheese pie is a popular choice.
Experience a traditional Maori Hangi, a process of cooking in a steamed pit with heated stones. Or are you more interested in wine? The top 5 wine regions are Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, Central Otago, Gisborne and Canterbury.
WiFi & internet
Please be aware that some remote accommodations, Downunder have limited WiFi access or none at all. In some places, you may also need to pay for WiFi and internet access. This, of course, varies from accommodation to accommodation.
Accommodation check in & out times
Check in and check out times vary from accommodation to accommodation. However, the average time for check-in time is from 3 pm till 6 pm. If you wish to arrive earlier than this, please contact the hosts in advance to see if this is possible. We will also provide more specific information about the check-in/check-out time of each accommodation you are staying at on a provided voucher. Check out time is generally before 10 am.
Food and groceries
During your holiday Downunder, some places are remote and therefore grocery shopping may need to be thought of in advance, before arriving at your accommodation. We will provide you with more information about this on a voucher.
Please be aware that some places have limited trading hours, especially on Sunday. And on some public holidays, for example, Good Friday, you are not able to purchase alcohol from the liquor store. We recommend planning in advance to avoid any food and drink shortages.
Discover more about solo travelling
All the things you love
and none of the things you don't
Our local knowledge makes the difference for your bespoke holiday through New Zealand or Australia. Your journey Down Under starts here.
Contact us
We would love to discuss your dream journey