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A Luxury Travel Blog

Author: Andrew Morten

Home > Travel Guides
Andrew Morten is the founder of TravelEssence. Specialising in bespoke journeys to Australia and New Zealand, TravelEssence is a carbon-neutral and Travelife-certified company. Away from the mainstream, clients can travel Down Under in a uniquely local way. By staying with local hosts at unique locations in small-scale accommodations, and experiencing one-of-a-kind activities, clients can see the country through the eyes of the locals. It's a chance to get off the beaten path and explore the lesser-known. From unique encounters with wildlife, and learning about Indigenous culture to enjoying a barbecue with your friendly hosts. Andrew is a born and bred New Zealander and has over 30 years of experience in the tourism industry.
Why Queenstown tops the adventure destination list

Why Queenstown tops the adventure destination list

ByAndrew Morten December 8, 2022

It all started in 1988 when a few people shuffled to the edge of a bridge near Queenstown, New Zealand, and jumped. Little did they know they were making history.

View Post Why Queenstown tops the adventure destination listContinue

9 must-see places to add to your Great Ocean Road itinerary

9 must-see places to add to your Great Ocean Road itinerary

ByAndrew Morten November 24, 2022

The Great Ocean Road is Victoria’s coastal road to adventure and the world’s longest war memorial. It was built by World War One soldiers in memory of those who lost their lives in war.

View Post 9 must-see places to add to your Great Ocean Road itineraryContinue

Discover the world’s top island escapes in Auckland

Discover the world’s top island escapes in Auckland

ByAndrew Morten October 9, 2022October 8, 2022

Auckland is a city that must be visited, mostly for its vibrant diversity and cultural flair. Known as the “City of Sails”, and surrounded by the Hauraki Gulf, it offers a unique experience.

View Post Discover the world’s top island escapes in AucklandContinue

Australia’s top gourmet destinations

Australia’s top gourmet destinations

ByAndrew Morten September 18, 2022September 16, 2022

Australia is world-renowned for its beautifully diverse landscapes, incredible wildlife, and laid-back lifestyle.

View Post Australia’s top gourmet destinationsContinue

Discover the Barossa Valley

Discover the Barossa Valley

ByAndrew Morten August 12, 2022August 8, 2022

The Barossa Valley is known as Australia’s wine mecca. Tucked between the rolling hills of Adelaide are some of the oldest vineyards in the country.

View Post Discover the Barossa ValleyContinue

5 beautiful places to hike in New Zealand

5 beautiful places to hike in New Zealand

ByAndrew Morten July 7, 2022

There is something quite magical in being able to lose yourself in New Zealand’s natural beauty by exploring on foot.

View Post 5 beautiful places to hike in New ZealandContinue

Discover the highlights of Tasmania

Discover the highlights of Tasmania

ByAndrew Morten June 17, 2022July 22, 2022

Widely known for having the cleanest air in the world, combined with some of the best scenery, wildlife, and rich history, Tasmania is a must-visit.

View Post Discover the highlights of TasmaniaContinue

5 of New Zealand’s best food and wine regions

5 of New Zealand’s best food and wine regions

ByAndrew Morten May 16, 2022

New Zealand is a small island nation located in the Pacific ocean renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, Maori culture, friendly people, and let’s not forget its national rugby team.

View Post 5 of New Zealand’s best food and wine regionsContinue

11 reasons to visit Australia

11 reasons to visit Australia

ByAndrew Morten April 9, 2022April 8, 2022

With an area of 7.692 square million kilometres, Australia is a dream destination filled with surprises, natural wonders and friendly locals.

View Post 11 reasons to visit AustraliaContinue

9 local gems along the east coast of Australia

9 local gems along the east coast of Australia

ByAndrew Morten March 4, 2022March 4, 2022

The East Coast of Australia stretches over 4000 kilometres. If you drive from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland to…

View Post 9 local gems along the east coast of AustraliaContinue

5 beautiful places to cycle in New Zealand

5 beautiful places to cycle in New Zealand

ByAndrew Morten February 5, 2022February 7, 2022

New Zealand is a natural wonderland, filled with an assortment of native wildlife and pristine wilderness. Go on an…

View Post 5 beautiful places to cycle in New ZealandContinue

Explore the spectacular wine regions of Tasmania

Explore the spectacular wine regions of Tasmania

ByAndrew Morten January 5, 2022February 2, 2022

Are you a wine lover? Let’s explore the stunning wine-growing regions of Tasmania. Located on the southeast coast of…

View Post Explore the spectacular wine regions of TasmaniaContinue

Take a tour of 8 of the best New Zealand wine regions

Take a tour of 8 of the best New Zealand wine regions

ByAndrew Morten December 16, 2021December 16, 2021

When we mention New Zealand, you may think of the impressive nature, the Lord of the Rings films and…

View Post Take a tour of 8 of the best New Zealand wine regionsContinue

6 of Queensland’s most luxurious islands

6 of Queensland’s most luxurious islands

ByAndrew Morten November 16, 2021

With 6973 kilometres of coastline, plenty of sunshine, pristine beaches and 1955 islands, Queensland is a pure paradise. Discover…

View Post 6 of Queensland’s most luxurious islandsContinue

Dr. Paul Johnson

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A Luxury Travel Blog is the world's first and leading luxury travel blog, with over 12,500 articles from more than 800 experts.

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A Luxury Travel Blog is like no other travel blog, focussing on the finer aspects of travel and catering for the discerning traveller, with information on luxury hotels and resorts, the world's finest restaurants and the latest news from the luxury travel industry.

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View Post Chartering a yacht in Greece: What nobody tells you before you sign
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Voted "one of the world's best travel blogs" and "best for luxury" by The Telegraph.

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