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.
As a family-orientated country, New Zealand has all the ingredients to ensure you’ll have a relaxing holiday together. We have personally selected extraordinary local experiences for children of all ages. And our focus is on nature conservation and small-scale locally owned companies.
Go kayaking, windsurfing, snorkelling, diving, sailing, fishing and more. With 15,000 kilometres of coastline, you don’t have to travel far to indulge in New Zealand’s beach lifestyle. Camp under the Milky Way. Soak up a bird’s-eye view of backcountry wilderness during an eye-opening helicopter ride.
Discover more about our extraordinary range of activities in New Zealand
Look inside our best adventurous activities for families
Queenstown, New Zealand
Experience the world's most exhilarating jet boat ride
Coromandel, New Zealand
Cruise past Mercury Bay and Cooks Beach before anchoring at Cathedral Cove
Whangarei & Tutukaka Coast, New Zealand
Experience world-class underwater experiences for every level of diver
Akaroa, New Zealand
Enjoy the ultimate experience with dolphins in their natural habitat
Franz Josef & Fox, New Zealand
Experience a helicopter ride and landing on a glacier
Punakaiki, New Zealand
Be guided through the untamed natural wilderness of the Paparoa National Park and the Nile River Cave System
Waitomo, New Zealand
A 5-hour adventure, abseiling into the depths of the earth
Rotorua, New Zealand
Soar above three waterfalls on a total of four ziplines
“I was lucky enough to experience Mount Aspiring National Park with a local company. It was truly unique, and I can’t recommend it enough.”
Brooke, Product Manager
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Available for all your questions
Simply contact us for personal advice
No question is too crazy. Our experienced travel experts are available to assist you with your dream holiday to New Zealand.
Good to know
Would you like to experience adventure Down Under? We can create a personalised journey based around major sporting events in New Zealand. For example, the Coast to Coast, an iconic multisport event showcasing New Zealand’s dramatic landscape.
Best travel time
Travelling with primary-aged children means you will need to travel during school holidays. And, if you are travelling as far as New Zealand you want to travel for at least three weeks. This makes travelling during your summer holidays (winter in New Zealand) the best option.The winter months in New Zealand are from June to August. Soak up views of snow-capped mountains and enjoy fewer crowds. The perfect time for hikes and bike rides. We have personally travelled with our own children and have experience designing stress-free holidays with a relaxed travel schedule.
In the North Island, winters are mild with average temperatures between 10 and 16 degrees. The South Island is often snowing and has generally colder temperatures. Enjoy the snow and go skiing/snowboarding at Mount Hutt, Cardrona, The Remarkables, Treble Cone and Coronet Peak.
Discover more about travelling with your family
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.