In New Zealand, you can find everything from an untamed wilderness to a rich culture. It has magnificent mountains, misty fjords, golden beaches and quiet bays. In a world of its own, New Zealand is an outdoor mecca with electrifying adventures, unique wildlife, Maori culture and Kiwi hospitality. Feel right at home on the other side of the world.
"After living in New Zealand for four years, one of the things that really stuck with me was the close relationship many New Zealanders have with the outdoors. 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!"
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The name comes from the Maori words wai (water) and tomo (hole). It is widely known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions and it's not hard to understand why. As you silently enter the dark caves, you'll be mesmerised by the natural light display that welcomes you in the Glowworm Grotto.
The adventure into the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is an absolute must-do. The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is only found in New Zealand and the whole experience of exploring the caves is unique and exciting. See thousands of these tiny creatures as they light up a dark world below ground.
The 16-kilometres-long Milford Sound was described by Rudyard Kipling as the eighth Wonder of the World. A magical place, it is renowned for the towering Mitre Peak, and Stirling and Bowen falls, which plummet down its sides. Staying overnight is highly recommended because when all the buses leave you will feel like you have the entire place to yourself. The feeling of seclusion in one of the wildest places on South Island is amazing.
Situated on the west coast of the South Island, hours from the nearest town, Milford Sound is where deep-cut cliffs and powerful waterfalls meet dark waters. Breathtaking in any weather, the fjord's cliffs rise vertically from the black waters, mountain peaks touch the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards from as high as 1000 metres. When it rains in Milford Sound, the waterfalls gush down magnificently. It will truly be something you have never witnessed before.
Start your adventure with a bus trip through deep valleys, past lakes and towering cliffs of granite rocks to… read more
Franz Josef Glacier was named after the Austrian emperor by geologist Julius von Haast. It is easily accessible five kilometres from Franz Josef town. Spend a day or two on the west coast exploring Franz Josef and Fox Glacier by taking a heli-hike, guided ice walk or aerial sightseeing. There are many shops and restaurants in Franz Josef and a cheerful atmosphere in which to mingle with locals.
Franz Josef Glacier walk is easy to do making it perfect for families. It takes approximately one and a half hours to the base of Franz Josef Glacier from the car park. The steep form of the glacier creates the perfect conditions for ice flow. An intriguing fact is that the Franz Josef glacier has been recorded as moving up to four metres per day. Now that's impressive.
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to New Zealand in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Register nowWith 1500 kilometres of New Zealand's coastline, Marlborough Sounds is a collection of ancient sunken river valleys filled with the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The area consists of Queen Charlotte, Kenepuru and Pelorus Sounds.
To truly escape from it all hike along the breathtaking Queen Charlotte Track. Let your inner explorer out and find secluded bays, hike through the forest or kayak around the bays and inlets to unearth a new hidden gem each day.
Welcome to New Zealand’s largest wine region, Marlborough. Home to the world-famous Sauvignon blanc, an exquisite… read more
Stewart Island is New Zealand's third largest island, situated 30 kilometres south of the South Island, across the Foveaux Strait. The Maori's named it Rakiura which means ‘the land of glowing skies'. It's a pristine piece of paradise, largely untouched by humans and a predator-free sanctuary for birds. Get to see and hear a myriad of bird species like nowhere else in the world.
Most people come to Stewart Island for hiking and birdwatching. The island has just 28 kilometres of road, but 280 kilometres of walking tracks are suited for short walks, day walks and multi-day hikes. There's a good chance you'll spot the brown kiwi or Tokoeka because they outnumber humans by 50 to 1 on the island.
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations in New Zealand. Your travel specialist will match you with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
Are you a wine and nature lover? Then don’t miss a visit to Marlborough. A region with high sunshine hours and an… read more
Naturally outstanding, New Zealand is a beautiful destination throughout the year - with each season bringing life… read more
Get the most out of your journey and discover New Zealand through the eyes of a local. Dive deep into New… read more
Set out on a journey where your accommodation becomes an experience in and of itself. Whether you're seeking a… read more
New Zealand is a paradise for varied nature, with 13 national parks in the North and South Island. This means… read more
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.
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.
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.
020 36 95 95 69
