Solo travel through New Zealand

Close your eyes and picture yourself on your dream journey in New Zealand. Are you swimming in the blue waters of Lake Wakatipu? Wandering through ancient rainforests? Learning the Maori peoples' stories shared through word of mouth over centuries? Discovering Auckland or Queenstown? Kayaking through Fiordland National Park? Spotting the elusive Kiwi bird? Doing anything your heart desires? The possibilities are limitless.

Experience New Zealand like a local

Be welcomed by Kiwi friendliness, and experience the true meaning of kia ora. Travel at a relaxed pace in one of the world's safest and most friendly countries. Be astounded by the natural beauty and rich culture of New Zealand. Enjoy great adventures, stay with local hosts at unique locations, create new stories, and make long life friendships.

The TravelEssence guarantee:

• Explore beyond the typical tourist destinations with a tailor-made holiday that is made just for you.

• Engage and immerse with your welcoming local hosts and gain a deeper understanding of different customs.

• Discover unique small-scale accommodations and activities.

• Once in a lifetime kind of experience.

• Rest assured with a 24/7 network of support for the duration of your holiday should you need us.

• Speak to a travel expert when convenient for you - our team is available every day until 9 pm at our London office or online.

• Complete peace of mind as we are full members of ATOL and ABTA.

How long do I need in New Zealand?

You could spend months travelling the ever-changing landscape of New Zealand and not see the same place twice. For your holiday, the question becomes: "How long do I have?" A great solo trip comes with enough time to truly reset and get into a new rhythm. When you don't have to rush or be on anyone else's agenda.

Travel at a relaxed pace

Six weeks is an ideal amount of time to venture deep into the depths of New Zealand and unravel the authentic Kiwi lifestyle. Or, if you have slightly less time, your travel specialist can help you choose the best regions that suit your wishes. We recommend travelling at a relaxed pace for a minimum of three weeks. Have a look at some of our favourite trips to get inspired for your own journey.

Where can I stay?

At TravelEssence, we focus on small-scale accommodation with local hosts renowned for their Kiwi hospitality. This is the greatest way to experience authentic New Zealand. A unique spot to experience the natural wonders of New Zealand and meet the locals. It's a place where you can truly unwind and escape the ordinary. Enjoy a barbecue with your hosts after an exciting day of exploring, sit around the fire and share stories with fellow travellers.

A place where you arrive as a stranger and leave as a friend

Whether you prefer to wake up to homemade brekky at a quirky bed & breakfast in the heart of Wellington. Get off the grid at a farm stay on the South Island or sleep between the fruitful vines in Marlborough. Experience unique accommodations that become an unforgettable part of your journey.

What can I see and do?

With the diversity of New Zealand, you can see and do just about anything your heart desires. Immerse yourself in the Maori culture with Indigenous guides. Spot the rare yellow-eyed penguin on a hike to the Caitlin Coast of South Island. Cycle along an old railway line, through tunnels and over bridges between Dunedin and Central Otago. Sail the waters as you spot whales, dolphins and albatrosses.

Enjoy once-in-a-lifetime activities and connect with the locals

Don't waste your time with tourist traps! Let your travel specialist know your interests and they will advise you on what is best for you as a traveller. We can take care of every detail, so you just have to show up and enjoy the new experience. There are private tours available as well as small group tours which offer a great chance to meet other travellers.

When is the best travel time?

New Zealand is a beautifully diverse country that is great for travel at any time of the year. During the shoulder seasons, spring and autumn, the temperatures are ideal for enjoying the outdoors. There are plenty of opportunities to take in the wonder of nature and immerse yourself in the culture.

Make the most of your time in New Zealand

Would you like to explore Auckland? Discover Mount Cook? Fly in a helicopter over the Franz Josef glacier? Hike one of New Zealand's great walks? Based on your specific interests, our travel specialist can advise you on the best time to travel and the best regions to discover.

How do I travel around?

With every turn of the road, New Zealand’s landscape changes. A dramatic array of scenery that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. From coastal roads to panoramic rainforest passes, and awe-inspiring mountainous landscapes - New Zealand is best explored by car. Self-driving means you're able to reach places that group trips and campervans cannot.

Take advantage of our special deals and travel comfortably, complete with:

• A navigation system

• Air-conditioning

• Full insurance and low fuel costs

• Hire cars that are less than six months old

• Safe and secure roads

• A route with only a couple of hours between each location

• Discover off-the-beaten-track places that motorhomes often cannot reach

Drive less, see more

A relaxed travel pace is the greatest way to see New Zealand. And your travel specialist will design your holiday with two or more nights at each location. Explore each local area and get the most out of where you are. This way you get to drive less but see more. Because that's what a great holiday is all about at TravelEssence.

If you are thinking of renting a campervan, talk to us now and discover why driving in a rental car is the best way to see New Zealand.

Great flights and stopovers to New Zealand

Flying is a fun experience on its own. Nothing else makes you truly feel like you are embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime journey than stepping onto the plane. A comfortable flight makes all the difference, no matter which class you fly.

Quality comes first - we will never sell you cheap flight tickets that hide expensive additional services.

Take advantage of our first-hand experience and airline connections:

• The best flight schedule

• The most spacious seats in each class

• A private HD display

• A good selection of food and drinks for the journey

• The best price

• All of your flights are carbon neutral

Take a break and enjoy a stopover

On your way, you can choose a stopover in Asia to break up the journey and add a cultural experience to your holiday. From the tropical vibes in Bali and world-class shopping in Singapore to the friendly locals on the Cook Islands and the cultural mecca of Hong Kong. The possibilities are limitless.

Best places to visit

Frequently asked questions

Specialist knowledge means the details that need specific attention are always taken care of - you don't have to worry about anything. But of course, you may have a lot of questions right now as you get an idea of the possibilities that await you. Find the answers to your questions here. Or contact us for more information.

Why book with us?

When you book your solo trip with us, your travel specialist has only one goal: to create your dream holiday through New Zealand and to do it properly. Make the most of your time Down Under by choosing a travel specialist that has local experience and knows New Zealand like the back of their hand. We are travel nerds and from our first-hand experience believe that small details lead to big differences. Get in touch to make your holiday dream a reality.