Aerial view of a catamaran, people sunbathing on the boat and swimming in the lake
Explore the Bay of Islands | New Zealand holiday
Aerial view of a catamaran, people sunbathing on the boat and swimming in the lake
Explore the Bay of Islands | New Zealand holiday

Explore the North Island

Are you ready to roam beyond the ordinary? Start your dream journey here. Experience a fully bespoke holiday, created by us and enjoyed by you. Stay with local hosts who warmly welcome you to their homes, at unique and special locations. Take advantage of our local knowledge and visit the places, others didn't know existed.

We sit down with all of our clients to personally discuss your wants and needs. We plan and organise everything in detail to create your absolute dream holiday. Feel free to contact us to discuss your holiday plans. Or attend one of our live and informative presentations to learn more.

The North Island

Immerse yourself into the wonders of the North Island. A place with pristine coastlines, volcanos, farmland, national parks, geysers, high terrain, cosmopolitan cities, and rich in Maori culture. Go on a uniquely local journey and discover why the North Island is a dream destination for world travellers.

Along the way, discover the mystical Rotorua, the Art Deco scenery in Napier, New Zealand’s capital city, the golden beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, and much more.

Why should you visit the North Island and not the South Island? Both islands offer spectacular nature, world-class wineries, beaches, and endless things to do and see. However, in the North Island the Maoritanga, the Maori way of life is very much alive.

It is where the vast majority of New Zealand’s Maori people reside and therefore, has a wealth of local culture to be uncovered. The North Island is also home to three-quarters of the country’s population which makes it a vibrant and interesting place with many things going on. The North Island is a true gem with all the ingredients to experience a trip of a lifetime.

Haka performance at Waitangi | New Zealand holiday
Watch traditional dances
© TravelEssence
Visit geothermal wonders
Discover the hidden gems of New Zealand

3 weeks of the North Island

Would you like to get closer to the rich and diverse Indigenous culture of New Zealand? This trip is perfect for… read more

Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s culture

4 weeks from Wellington to the Bay of Islands

New Zealand is a diverse multicultural country with a melting pot of cultures. With a blend of Maori, Asian,… read more

Exploring breathtaking nature

National Parks in New Zealand

New Zealand is a nature wonderland - with 13 national parks across the country, there are more than 11,000 square… read more

Explore the land of great contrasts that is

New Zealand

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7 activities to inspire your trip to New Zealand

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4 highlights of New Zealand

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10 of New Zealand’s best food & wine regions

New Zealand is renowned for being a nature wonderland, having hospitable locals and the Maori culture. However,… read more

White flowers, green vegetation, rocks and snow-capped mountains | New Zealand holiday

Should you visit the North Island or South Island?

Is New Zealand your dream holiday destination? Do you know which island you would prefer to visit? The adventurous… read more

Stay at unique accommodation in special locations

A hidden gem can be discovered on a hilltop surrounded by gardens, in the heart of Hawkes Bay's wine country. The… read more

A vibrant and compact city, bursting with an array of things to see and do. Located at the bottom of the North… read more

A fusion of luxury and a relaxed beach lifestyle is how this award-winning contemporary holiday home is defined.… read more

Unlock the treasures of Kapiti Island, a small tranquil island which is home to an abundance of birds. A… read more

Spend hours gazing out over the Pacific Ocean from your eco-friendly holiday house. Set on the Whangarei Heads,… read more

You can’t leave New Zealand without experiencing life in a quintessential ‘bach’. A classic Kiwi holiday home with… read more

Experience local activities with Kiwi guides

Cycle the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay on tandem bicycles. The tour starts in the heart of the wine region at Ash… read more

Hop onboard a seaplane and discover the beauty of New Zealand from above. An experience of a lifetime, featuring… read more

Discover more about New Zealand

Extra information

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Why choose us?

We are an Australia and New Zealand travel specialist like no other, specialising in travel to and through… read more

Expert tips and inspiration

To help you plan your dream holiday

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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.