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.
Our carefully selected down-to-earth hosts will make you feel at home with their welcoming Kiwi hospitality. Get to know them over dinner. Or join them for a tour of the farm or vineyard.
How would you like your accommodation?
Luxury accommodation that becomes a part of your trip. An eclectic-styled luxury villa on a 75-acre estate. Get “off the grid” on the shores of Lake Pukaki at an elegant lodge. A classical house perched on a hill, overlooking the Remarkables mountain range. Or a modern apartment by the beach.
Discover how small-scale accommodation makes your holiday better.
Look inside 10 of our luxury accommodations for friends
Coromandel Peninsula, a natural wonderland and everything a big city isn’t. With misty temperate forests, pristine… read more
Venture into the heart of the Southern Alps to discover a luxury wilderness lodge. Set on a magical 4000-acre high… read more
Take it easy on Waiheke Island. The second-largest island in the Hauraki Gulf, just a 35-minute ferry ride from… read more
Hidden in the dunes of Peka Peka Beach is a boutique lodge designed by renowned architect, Ron Stevenson. Blending… read more
Nestled beneath the towering peaks of the Darren Mountains is a luxury lodge. Set in the mystical Milford Sound… read more
The Wilson Family - of five siblings, designed and built this luxury lodge with unique tree houses. Set on a deer… read more
"We love our local area because of its location near the lake, rivers, forests and mountains. The natural environment is very accessible."
Local hosts, Lynne and Jim
Good to know
We understand that everyone has different needs while you are travelling. Therefore, we will ensure your needs are catered for during your journey Down Under. Whether it be self-contained accommodation, so you can whip up a meal quickly. Or local hosts who will cook dinner for you and prepare a fresh breakfast. No matter what, we know that it is important to ensure there is a food plan while travelling.
Did you know?
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.
Useful facts
The South Island
Why should you visit the South Island? The southern part of New Zealand features sublime nature with 14 national parks, 10 of the highest mountains and 5 of the largest glaciers in the country.
Discover glistening lakes, fiords, ski-fields, golden beaches, farms and charming small towns. Immerse yourself in the remarkable Maori culture, slow-paced southern lifestyle and the unspoiled remoteness. The South Island is sure to capture your heart.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Discover more about travelling with your friends
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