Blue sea and brown rock in Western Australia
Embrace the fascinating Maori culture
Scenic driving over the Arthur's Pass | New Zealand holiday
Blue sea and brown rock in Western Australia
Embrace the fascinating Maori culture
Scenic driving over the Arthur's Pass | New Zealand holiday
Take a trip down-under and explore

Australia and New Zealand

Do you want to explore the lands down under? From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the breathtaking fiords of Milford Sound, embark on an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, wildlife encounters, and friendly locals.

At TravelEssence, we create slow-paced bespoke holidays that are tailor-made just for you - perfectly crafted to ensure you spend your time really enjoying every location you visit.

From coastal cities to the serene beauty of the Outback of Australia and the ruggedness and picturesque landscape of New Zealand, our holiday itineraries boast unique properties close to the best natural attractions and local gems.

Stay in a glass cottage in the midst of the Glasshouse mountains or a cosy cottage among the rolling vineyard of New Zealand as you immerse yourself in the real lands down under that only locals know about.

Visit Rottnest Island in Australia and meet the happiest animal on the planet - the quokka - or learn all about the importance of the albatross to the Māori people with our local, knowledgeable guides, and get ready to make memories with the perfect holiday, only TravelEssence can deliver.

Explore Australia and New Zealand

Discover the wonders of Australia

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Iconic destinations

Our extensive knowledge, local resources, and exclusive partnerships with local accommodation and activity suppliers, means that the team at TravelEssence are in a unique position to tailor-make your Down Under adventure in a way that makes it the best holiday you have ever had – just check our reviews!

Wander through the ancient landscapes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia with an Anangu guide as they take you deep into the ancient sites and truly understand the origins of mankind on the planet.

Meanwhile, in New Zealand, explore the otherworldly landscapes of Tongariro National Park with a local Māori guide as you learn first-hand from a native of the park’s Māori cultural and spiritual significance in a way that only locals know about.

There is so much behind each bespoke TravelEssence holiday itinerary – our mission is to ensure that you experience these iconic destinations through the eyes of the locals – the rugged landscapes, as well as the historical and cultural importance to those who still, to this day, protect these ancestral lands.

Where to stay?

At TravelEssence, we focus on small-scale accommodation run by local hosts renowned for their hospitality because we know this is the best way to see Australia and New Zealand.

Imagine yourself spending the night on a pontoon resting over a slice of paradise surrounded by sparkling aqua water, tropical islands, and the fascinating Great Barrier Reef. Spend your day snorkelling alongside the friendly turtles and your nights slowly drifting off under the canvas of glowing stars.

That's why we love small and special places to stay - not just for their comfort and personality. But because we know that staying with local hosts who love to share their insider knowledge with you enables you to experience REAL Australia and New Zealand and makes all the difference to your holiday.

When you book with TravelEssence, you are guaranteed to enjoy:

1
Local hospitality
Enjoy unique, quirky, and characterful accommodations throughout Australia and New Zealand in beautiful locations where you’re hosted by TravelEssence's local partners and suppliers who love to share their insider tips.
2
Value for money
We have found the best accommodation and activities and we hand-select them for you so you can spend your time enjoying them. Our travel specialists can help you get the most for your money with their local knowledge and expertise.
3
Personalised service
Do you have special wishes, needs, or requirements? Both TravelEssence and our suppliers are happy to cater for your special requests because we are in direct contact with ALL of our hosts before, during, and after your arrival.
4
A preferred agent
Your hosts love having you stay with them, just as they do all of TravelEssence guests, because TravelEssence guests, like yourself, are happy, well-informed, and travelling at a relaxed pace. Plus, all suppliers are paid prior to your arrival.
5
Seamless arrival
Arrive seamlessly and enjoy instantly. Because all paperwork and payments have been taken care of by us prior to your arrival, all that is left for you to do is start enjoying from the moment you arrive, until the moment you are ready to leave.

Perfect places you can stay in

Why should you combine Australia and New Zealand into one trip?

  • Geographical proximity: both Australia and New Zealand are located in the South Pacific, making it convenient to visit them together.
  • Diverse Landscapes: Australia offers everything from tropical rainforests to countless beaches and vast deserts, while New Zealand is renowned for its fiords, mountains, and spewing geysers.
  • Outdoor Activities: whether it's hiking in the mountains, diving in the Great Barrier Reef, or skiing in the Southern Alps, there's no shortage of adventure activities to enjoy in both countries.
  • Cultural Contrasts: Australia and New Zealand each have their own history and culture. Combining both destinations in one trip allows you to experience the Aboriginal culture in Australia to Maori culture in New Zealand.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Australia is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including kangaroos and koalas. Meanwhile, New Zealand is famous for its native bird species, such as the kiwi, and opportunities to see dolphins and whales.

Best travel time to Australia and New Zealand?

Travelling outside the summer months presents an opportunity to experience Australia and New Zealand in a way that transcends the typical tourist experience.

While summer may promise warmer temperatures and bustling cities, venturing during the shoulder seasons unveils a quieter, more authentic charm.

What are the benefits of travelling outside the summer months:

  • flights and accommodation often come at a more affordable price
  • you can stretch your budget further and
  • immerse yourself deeper into the local culture and natural splendour
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Find out more about Australia and New Zealand on our blogs

Street art Melbourne | Australia holiday
5 weeks in Australia and New Zealand
Over five weeks, you will go on a journey and marvel at a collection of local gems found in Australia and New Zealand.
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Turtle swimming | Australia wildlife
Take a digital detox in Australia and New Zealand
Technology plays a huge role in our lives and today we spend more time on a screen than ever before.
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Aboriginal Adventure | Australia holiday
Connect with Indigenous Australia and New Zealand
The Aboriginal people of Australia are waiting to welcome you And tell you their stories. In each corner of the country, with their own traits and traditions, it is a truly unique experience.
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Reef in Australia | Australia holiday
Australia or New Zealand: Where should you visit?
In a short amount of time, you could choose to visit both countries and blast past all the highlights. However, to truly, experience Down Under, we would recommend...
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Au great barrier reef Citizen Science Tour Surveying The Marine Life Photo Credit Passions Of Paradise
5 animals to swim with in Australia and New Zealand
From friendly whale sharks, dolphins, turtles, and manta rays to the colourful birds of the ocean, unique fish, and sunbathing seals that also enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean now and then.
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Magical sky lights at Pōhue | New Zealand nature
8 Reasons to love our unique accommodations Down Under!
We believe that the right accommodation can make your travel experience truly unforgettable.
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Local Aussie hosts with their dog in The Grampians
Enhance your journey DownUnder by staying with the locals
No one can show you Australia and New Zealand better than the locals themselves. They know the country like no other. They know where the best places are and love to share their stories about where they live.
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Client reviews

“A fantastic and beautiful holiday” Catherine and Lambert in Australia

Australia

When we started preparing for our trip, we gathered information from several travel agencies and were given a lot…

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"There were so many highlights for us" The Kising family in New Zealand

New Zealand

There were so many experiences and memories that we will certainly never forget. The accommodations were all amazing, especially...

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Who will you be travelling with?

Get tailored information relevant to your travel companions

Why travel with TravelEssence?

  • A tailor-made holiday, just for you
  • Travel protected by ABTA and ATOL
  • Our customers rate us 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot
  • 30 years of experience in travel to Australia and New Zealand


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. 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.

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.