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.
Your travel specialist has first hand knowledge
We know Down Under like no other because we are locals too - some of us are native Kiwis and Aussies, while others have lived, worked, and travelled there extensively.
So read on - it's time for an introduction.
![Andrew Morten | New Zealand holiday](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/andrews-tips/andrew.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=563&q=80&w=750&s=407e22b9eb8b7da6e11d8443df436aa9 750w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/andrews-tips/andrew.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=d0db97356ef468922656dae403c72fd1 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/andrews-tips/andrew.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=db228db93173536fa4ab77ee4cbe1828 400w)
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.
More about Andrew![TravelEssence specialist Kieran visiting Doubtful Sound New Zealand](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/travel-experiences/Doubtful-Sound-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=1000&q=80&w=750&s=620b8b0aa38d074b97a0472e98ec051c 750w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/travel-experiences/Doubtful-Sound-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=800&q=80&w=600&s=8cc8788d9843562ee99f19ec94f38d9c 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/travel-experiences/Doubtful-Sound-1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=533&q=80&w=400&s=ba605f5ef421548a53b8bcb49b5671d0 400w)
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
More about Kieran![Luke Travel Specialist 7](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/Luke-Travel-Specialist-7.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=563&q=80&w=750&s=1ddc9031055575b46ab6b174ddd28046 750w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/Luke-Travel-Specialist-7.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=483aa4a44f2188c72ff8689aec08649c 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/Luke-Travel-Specialist-7.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=447ba304b8c24f2f43808eba5e91423a 400w)
Luke
Having called Australia home for three incredible years and spent a year living in stunning New Zealand, I've developed a deep connection with the land down under.
Get in touch with me at luke@travelessence.co.uk
More about Luke![Hendrikjan cook islands team](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/Hamburgermenu/travel-experts/hendrikjan-cook-islands-team.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=563&q=80&w=750&s=9259d012b31a80d56607f83c49cc8486 750w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/Hamburgermenu/travel-experts/hendrikjan-cook-islands-team.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=42708ddf136c4a0c3a97a992792f4601 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/Hamburgermenu/travel-experts/hendrikjan-cook-islands-team.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=8496109a1582c6bb4d59d9647e517c11 400w)
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
More about Hendrik-Jan![Lisette](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/littleamerica/America/Experts/Lisette.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=563&q=80&w=750&s=e9f6203cb692458d6860701cab6b406a 750w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/littleamerica/America/Experts/Lisette.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=90919a81672ec2b18562039054656a89 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/littleamerica/America/Experts/Lisette.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=b79525c3180ee555b5b7cbc3e7ad36bf 400w)
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!
More about Lisette![Brooke in Doubtful Sound](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/general/brooke-product-manager-website.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=563&q=80&w=750&s=ab3f6277123bec39caecc8a252d09c72 750w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/general/brooke-product-manager-website.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=78cfa788ac700e3c267c98cb1d60bf21 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/australia/general/brooke-product-manager-website.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=6d81e9e69c3f1aa1beaa8965b3ef0b51 400w)
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.
More about BrookeReady 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.