Explore the land of great contrasts that is

New Zealand

New Zealand is a country right out of the most amazing fairy tales - a land of great contrasts and diversity, it is renowned for being an outdoor mecca with jaw-dropping nature, unique flora and fauna, fascinating culture, and welcoming locals with a can-do attitude.

At TravelEssence, we create bespoke holiday itineraries at a relaxed travel pace, so you have time to really enjoy every location you visit. Be it the mighty Southern Alps, the wild West Coast, geothermal wonderlands, or white sandy beaches, with us, you will be staying in some of the most unique properties.

Stay in a working farmhouse and watch the sun rising over the green landscape as livestock grazes carefree, or explore the lesser-known and quieter fiords only our local guides know about as you immerse yourself in the real New Zealand.

Go Kiwi spotting with our local Māori guides, get up close and personal with the cheeky Kea, deep dive into Māori culture, and get ready for once-in-a-lifetime experiences with TravelEssence.

Suggested holiday itineraries for New Zealand

A perfect trip for two visiting New Zealand's Highlights

New Zealand

16 days - £5,750 Per person

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A family holiday visiting North & South Island Complete New Zealand

New Zealand

20 days - £6,450 Per person

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A taste of New Zealand From Queenstown to Auckland

New Zealand

21 days - £4,345 Per person

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The ultimate family holiday in New Zealand From Akaroa to the Bay of Islands

New Zealand

31 days - £7,200 Per person

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Iconic destinations

By tapping into our expert knowledge, local resources, and exclusive partnerships, we are able to tailor-make your perfect New Zealand adventure, ensuring that every moment of your holiday is filled with awe-inspiring memories.

Join a private tour led by a native Kiwi - born and bred right in the heart of the Southern Alps region - as he leads you on a tour of the Wakatipu region, or learn all about the vibrant Māori culture and their connection to Mother Earth, where centuries-old stories of legends, history, and customs will be shared before turning in for the night on one of our exclusive characterful accommodations.

Our holiday itineraries go far beyond ticking bucket lists. At TravelEssence, we want you to really see these iconic destinations through the eyes of the locals, to immerse yourself in the landscapes and the history and cultural significance that they have played to the ancestors of the land, which are still very much alive today.

Where to stay?

At TravelEssence, we focus on small-scale accommodation run by local hosts, the heartbeat of New Zealand's communities renowned for their Kiwi hospitality - making you feel right at home on the other side of the world.

Imagine yourself waking up to the sounds of native birds chirping after what has been the most comfortable night’s sleep you’ve had in a long time – as you realise the serenity of being surrounded by miles of rolling vineyard fields, knowing that today will be a day for slow exploration – perfectly completed with a refreshing outdoor bath under the canopy of a starry night's sky.

That's why we love small and special places to stay - not just for their comfort and personality, beautiful locations, and vistas across jaw-dropping landscapes, but because we know this is the best way to see New Zealand.

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

1
Local hospitality
Enjoy unique, quirky, and characterful accommodation throughout New Zealand in beautiful locations where you’re hosted by TravelEssence's local partners. Enjoy their Kiwi hospitality and 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.

Things to see and do

Of course, the guidebooks can send you to well-known places, but only locals can tell you where the locals go.

Anyone can book a trip to New Zealand to explore New Zealand's majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook, and the Fiordland National Park, with its deep fiords and cascading waterfalls, marvel at Waitomo's glowworm caves, or relax at the white sandy beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Islands.

What makes TravelEssence different is far more than the unique experience guarantees we give you; it is that your holiday is full of first-hand knowledge and local tips that no other holiday arranged, even by any other specialist, can surpass.

Hello - Kia ora. Goodbye - Haere rā. Thank you - Mihi.

Best travel time

We at TravelEssence are locals, too. And that is why we recommend travelling in shoulder seasons, such as autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November), which is, for us, the best time to see and experience the real New Zealand.

Our team in the UK have lived Down Under and has therefore experienced the diverse regions throughout the seasons. The advantage of travelling in shoulder seasons is that you can truly immerse yourself in the destination without the crowds or extreme weather conditions, allowing you to enjoy a more authentic interaction with local communities and attractions.

Plus, accommodations and attractions are typically more affordable, allowing you to stretch your budget further and potentially indulge in unique experiences or longer stays.

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"I love the natural beauty surrounding Tongariro National Park. It's absolutely breathtaking with many hiking possibilities."

Kieran, Travel specialist

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Who will you be travelling with?

Get tailored information relevant to your travel companions

Share quality time and make lifelong memories in New Zealand with your family

Close your eyes and picture your family on a dream holiday to New Zealand. Are the kids building sandcastles on Awaroa Beach? Swimming with the world’s smallest dolphin? Listening in awe to the Māori people's stories? Then stop dreaming - and let us make it a reality.

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Client reviews

"These special memories will always be with us" Kim and Beatrice in New Zealand

New Zealand

The perfectly crafted tailor-made trip, which could not have been better, had a variety of unique and...

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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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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 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.