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.
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
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:
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.
"I love the natural beauty surrounding Tongariro National Park. It's absolutely breathtaking with many hiking possibilities."
Kieran, Travel specialist
Find out more about New Zealand on our blogs
Client reviews
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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.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 9am until 6pm. 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.