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.

Call us 020 36 95 95 69 Request information Join a presentation

Nz mount cook hiking trail partner best travel time

4058 Wanaka River Journeys Jet Boat and Wilderness Walk Half day3

Lake Tekapo Canterbury Vaughan Brookfield 1597 1

Nz kaikoura small house mountains reflection partner comfortable

A BESPOKE HOLIDAY WITH YOUR PARTNER

How long do you need to visit New Zealand?

Are you wondering how long you need to visit New Zealand? If you are travelling as far as New Zealand, the more time you have the better. We recommend a minimum of three weeks to experience the real New Zealand. To inspire you for your journey DownUnder, we have created a few example routes for couples.

How much time do you have?

2-3 weeks 3-5 weeks

Select information that matches you

Visiting New Zealand for five or more weeks gives you a huge amount of flexibility. It allows you to see and do more. Dive deep into Maori culture and be surrounded by incredible landscapes. Meet the locals and experience their genuine Kiwi hospitality.

See all the corners of New Zealand, away from mass-tourism. Go places that you won’t find in any guide book and feel as if you are home, on the other side of the world.

Explore our favourite journeys for more inspiration

Pure luxury in New Zealand

5 weeks from Central Otago to the Bay of Islands

Would you like a holiday Down Under with the perfect mix of luxury and nature? This trip is perfect for you. New… read more

Nz waiheke island drone water boats land joshua mccormack partner header

A luxurious road trip of New Zealand

5 weeks from Queenstown to Auckland

Would you like to visit some of New Zealand’s most spectacular sights and hidden gems? Starting in Queenstown, you… read more

NZ - #24 - couples - 5 weeks - culture - A luxurious road trip of New Zealand

A real New Zealand adventure

5 weeks from Coromandel Peninsula to Akaroa

Are you and your partner searching for an action-packed holiday in New Zealand? Then this trip is perfect for you.… read more

Discover the highlights of New Zealand

7 weeks from Canterbury to Auckland North

Do you seek once in a lifetime experiences? This trip is perfect for an adventurous couple who would like an… read more

Nz bay of islands sailing catamaran snorkeling friends see and do easy going

"I would advise you to take your time in New Zealand and if you want to see both islands, I would recommend at least 6 weeks."
Simone, Travel specialist

Good to know

We are serious about sustainable travel and always have been. Since native New Zealander Andrew Morten founded the company in 2006, we have taken sustainability seriously. It’s not just a project for us but a company philosophy. Since 2008, we have been planting trees in the Te Urewera Rainforest. And we joined forces with Cathay Pacific to carbon offset all of our clients and employees travel through projects in Asia.

Useful facts

How long can you spend in New Zealand?

The NZeTA - New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority is valid for up to two years. As a British citizen, you can travel through New Zealand for up to six months at a time. If you would like to stay longer, it is possible but you will need to apply for another type of visa. We can advise you further about this when we sit down together.

Flights

Your journey starts with a relaxing flight to New Zealand. We can guarantee your seats will be reserved next to each other. Put your feet up, tilt your seat back and enjoy the in-flight entertainment, food and beverage service.

We work with the best airlines and offer comfortable connections and flight times. Our close relationships with airlines make your flying experience a breeze. Depending on your flight, you will have two flights of approximately 12 hours each.

Why not enjoy a romantic stopover? There are countless options for flight routes. Stopovers in Dubai, Thailand, Cook Islands, Singapore, Fiji and Hong Kong can break up your journey to New Zealand. Following our advice, you have the choice of flying Economy, Premium Economy, Business or First Class.

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.

Best travel time

Embarking on an adventure to New Zealand, just the two of you, gives you the flexibility to travel at a time that suits you best. As you may already know, the seasons in New Zealand are the opposite of Europe. We recommend travelling in shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to get the most out of your holiday, but this completely depends on your interests.

Travelling in spring offers plunging waterfalls, blooming flowers and newly born animals. With fewer crowds and mild temperatures. Do you love snow-sports? Winter would be a great time to travel to experience life up the mountain. Autumn has stable temperatures, perfect for hiking and kayaking. Warm and inviting colours can be adored.

The summer months are the busiest, with not only international visitors but also New Zealanders on their summer holidays. They love to spend time outdoors at lakes, beaches and in national parks. We recommend travelling outside of these months.

The North Island

Why should you visit the North Island and not the South Island? Both islands offer spectacular nature, world-class wineries, beaches and endless things to do and see. However, in the North Island the Maoritanga, the Maori way of life is very much alive. It is where the vast majority of New Zealand’s Maori people reside and therefore, has a wealth of local culture to be uncovered.

The North Island is also home to three-quarters of the country’s population which makes it a vibrant and interesting place with many things going-on. The North Island is a true gem with all the ingredients to experience a trip of a lifetime.

Travel Guide

No matter what your level of travel experience is - Even if you have never travelled outside of Europe, we will provide you with everything you need. All the information, resources and guidance to ensure you have a fantastic holiday to New Zealand and Australia. We will adapt to your needs and travel experience accordingly. That’s one less thing to worry about!

Discover more about travelling with your partner

Nz pohutukawa tree nelson partner best travel time

Best time to visit New Zealand for couples

Top things to do in New Zealand for couples

nz-nelson-hut-property-view-partner-accommodation-comfortable

Accommodation in New Zealand for couples

Nz driving south island partner medium car

Car hire in New Zealand for couples

Nz cathay pacific partner flights economy

Flights to New Zealand for couples

New Zealand example itineraries for couples

Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?

Discover a world beyond ordinary

Call us 020 36 95 95 69 Request information Join a presentation

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.

Call us 020 36 95 95 69 Request information Join a presentation