Our local knowledge makes the difference

Your travel specialist has first hand knowledge

We know Down Under like no other because we are native Kiwis and Aussies. We are locals or have lived, worked or travelled there extensively. Founder, Andrew Morten is a born and bred Kiwi, with almost 30 years of experience working within the New Zealand and Australian tourism industry. It's time for an introduction.

Andrew Morten | New Zealand holiday

Andrew

Hi, I’m Andrew Morten, the founder of TravelEssence. I was born in New Zealand and have been at the forefront of unique travel through Australia and New Zealand for almost 30 years. TravelEssence gives you the chance to experience the Down Under I fell in love with as a wide-eyed and free-spirited child.

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TravelEssence specialist Kieran visiting Doubtful Sound New Zealand

Kieran

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.

Get in touch with me at kieran@travelessence.co.uk

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TravelEssence specialist Charlotte in Sydney

Charlotte

Having the travel bug from a young age, I always knew I wanted to travel as much as I could when I grew up.

Hearing my dad talk about his years in Australia when he was my age, his adventures, and how he felt at home there inspired me to book a one-way ticket to Australia with no idea where I would go or how long I would stay for!

Fast forward nearly four years and I’d fallen in love with Australia.

Get in touch with me at charlotte@travelessence.co.uk

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Ilona website

Ilona

From an early age, I had a fascination for Australia and New Zealand and so, as soon as the opportunity presented itself, I travelled to Australia. Eventually, I actually ended up living there for a number of years. I stayed with a great Australian family in the beautiful, Glasshouse Mountains in South Queensland.

Get in touch with me at ilona@travelessence.co.uk

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Hendrikjan cook islands team

Hendrik-Jan

Hello, my name is Hendrik-Jan and I work as a travel specialist for TravelEssence. For years, travelling has played a big role in all areas of my life. I am happy to be able to do this type of work, to create custom-made holidays to the most beautiful countries in the world.

Get in touch with me at hendrik-jan@travelessence.co.uk

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Lisette

Lisette

I lived in Australia for 10 years and am proud to be able to call myself an Aussie.

My journey Down Under started when I was 18, fresh out of school on a gap year. While backpacking my way around Australia, I was blown away by the country’s size, space, natural beauty, diversity, friendly people and easygoing lifestyle. So much so that I emigrated to Australia a few years later!

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Brooke in Doubtful Sound

Brooke

For me, New Zealand will always be home. I was lucky enough to grow up on Waiheke Island in New Zealand, where I spent the first 30 years of my life exploring what this beautiful country has to offer. As I travel and see more of the world, I realize just how truly unique and special New Zealand is.

When I moved to Europe in 2016, I became a part of the TravelEssence team as the Product Manager.

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A women on holiday in Australia

Vanessa

G’day. My name is Vanessa, an Aussie living in Europe. Growing up in Australia was easy-going. Islands were my backyard, koalas lived across the road and distance was never considered an issue.

As part of the marketing team, you will find me mostly writing content. I love writing about my home country and sharing all of my local knowledge with TravelEssence clients.

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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.