Downunder Journeys

08/09/2026

🚢🌏 Thinking about combining a cruise with a land adventure in Australia or New Zealand?

A cruise can be an amazing way to see the coastline, islands and incredible scenery—but adding some time on land can turn it into an unforgettable journey. 🇦🇺🇳🇿 The trick is knowing where to add those extra nights, whether to cruise first or explore on land first, and how to avoid rushing from one place to the next.

I’ve put together some tips in my latest Down Under Journeys blog, including ideas for Sydney, New Zealand, the Great Barrier Reef and more.

👉 How to Combine Cruise & Land the Smart Way
Read the article here

https://www.downunderjourneys.com/post/how-to-combine-cruise-and-land-the-smart-way

If Australia or New Zealand is on your travel wish list, this is definitely worth a read! ✨🛳️🦘🍷

Learn how to combine cruise and land in Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific with smart pacing, connections, and expert support with confidence.

09/26/2025

Sharing some more client love....

We love hearing from happy clients that have had a great trip. Traveling with a personalized travel itinerary and support is the way to go.

Mandy Buttenshaw is an absolute professional. She is supremely knowledgeable, and she is a true joy to work with. Mandy really and truly acts as an advocate for her clients as much as she does as a travel consultant. Her energy and spirit are remarkable, and she is always at hand to answer questions, provide guidance, and lend an ear. Aces!

CHARLES

09/23/2025

Add Melbourne to your Australian itinerary!

Melbourne is the perfect balance of style and taste. It is famous for its trendy food and coffee, and diverse neighborhoods - each of their own unique style. Visit the city for its blend of street art, restaurants, bars, and culture and the many famous sporting events, such as the Melbourne Cup and the AFL Grand Final. There is no shortage of attractions in this unique culture-packed city. Enjoy the vibrant feel Melbourne exudes and pack in some shopping, dining, relaxing interspersed with activities.

Top things to do in Melbourne include:

1) Ride the free City Circle Tram, this is a good city introduction.
2) Head up the Melbourne Skydeck for amazing views of the city.
3) Wander the laneways and check out the fantastic street artwork.
4) Visit Sealife Melbourne Aquarium
5) Wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens and enjoy the thousands of plants on display.

For more information about travel to Australia, check out our website www.downunderjourneys.com/melbourne. You’ll find travel itineraries that include Melbourne.

09/19/2025

When’s the best time to visit Tahiti & Bora Bora?

French Polynesia is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit for dry, pleasant weather is between June and August. Expect sunshine, comfortable temperatures, and more visitors, as it’s peak season.

If you want fewer crowds then consider May or September–October for a great balance of good weather and lower tourist numbers.

You can travel during the rainy season (November to April), but expect tropical showers and higher humidity. These months still bring sunny breaks, and it’s often more affordable too.

For more advice on visiting French Polynesia, get in touch. You can also find travel ideas on our website www.downunderjourneys.com/french-polynesia-travel-ideas.

09/16/2025

Planning a trip to Australia? Here’s what you need to know about visas:

All international travelers heading to Australia must apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before arrival. This digital visa is essential whether you’re visiting for a holiday, cruise, to see friends or family, or for certain business activities. The cost of the ETA is $20 AUD and you can stay in Australa up to 90 days per visit.

Here’s what you need to apply for an ETA:
🌐 You must apply from outside Australia
🌐 You’ll need a valid passport
🌐 The ETA must be requested via the Australian ETA app

Processing times can vary, so it’s best to apply well in advance of your travel date.

09/12/2025

Discover Australia’s Most Popular Wines & Where to Find Them

Australia is home to some of the world’s finest wines, thanks to its diverse climates and rich winemaking heritage. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a seasoned wine lover, here are the top varietals and the regions they shine in:

1. Shiraz – Barossa Valley, SABold, spicy, and rich – Shiraz is Australia’s signature grape. Head to Barossa for cellar doors and world-renowned reds.

2. Chardonnay – Margaret River, WA & Yarra Valley, VICFrom buttery to crisp styles, Australia’s Chardonnays are globally celebrated. Visit Margaret River or Yarra Valley for premium pours.

3. Cabernet Sauvignon – Coonawarra, SAFamous for its terra rossa soil, Coonawarra produces powerful Cabernets with depth and character.

4. Pinot Noir – Mornington Peninsula & TasmaniaElegant and aromatic, Pinot thrives in cooler climates. Discover delicate reds just a short drive from Melbourne or on the island of Tasmania.

5. Riesling – Clare Valley & Eden Valley, SAZesty and refreshing, Aussie Rieslings are perfect for summer sipping. Clare and Eden Valley are top spots for tasting.

Many of these regions offer tasting trails, vineyard tours, and gourmet dining. Perfect for a wine-inspired getaway! Make sure you include some or a few of these wine regions in your Australian adventure. You can find ideas on how to do this on our website. See what’s possible, then get in touch so we can design a customized itinerary to suit your travel dates, budget and activity preferences.

09/09/2025

Discover New Zealand’s Native Wildlife: 5 Must-Visit Spots

Looking to experience New Zealand’s rare and remarkable wildlife up close? These five locations offer unforgettable encounters with native species.

1️⃣ Zealandia, Wellington – A ground breaking eco-sanctuary where endangered species like kiwi, tuatara, and native birds thrive in a protected valley. A must for conservation enthusiasts.
2️⃣ Tiritiri Matangi Island – Just a ferry ride from Auckland, this predator-free island is a sanctuary for unique birds like the kōkako, takahe, and hihi, as well as tuatara.
3️⃣ Ulva Island, Stewart Island – A pristine, predator-free island teeming with native forest birds, including yellowheads and saddlebacks. Keep an eye out for the rare yellow-eyed penguin.
4️⃣ Kaikoura – Renowned for marine life, Kaikoura offers year-round whale watching (s***m, humpback, and more) plus fur seals and sea lions along scenic coastal walks.
5️⃣ Akaroa – One of the best places to see the endangered Hector’s dolphin, the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin, only found in New Zealand’s coastal waters.

Experience New Zealand’s natural world and support vital conservation efforts along the way. Include one or more of these opportunities to see wildlife in your New Zealand travel itinerary. For help to decide what and how to do it, get in touch!

09/05/2025

Planning a Trip to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park? Here’s What You Shouldn’t Miss

Located in Australia’s Red Centre, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its striking desert landscapes, ancient geological formations, and deep cultural significance to the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners of the land.

Here are 5 top experiences to include in your itinerary:

🦘 Sunrise or Sunset Viewing at Uluru – The rock changes color dramatically in different light. Designated viewing areas make it easy to capture unforgettable photos at dawn or dusk.

🦘 Uluru Base Walk – This 10.6 km loop trail offers an up-close look at Uluru’s caves, waterholes, and rock art. It’s the best way to understand the scale of the rock and learn about its sacred sites.

🦘 Field of Light – Created by artist Bruce Munro, this solar-powered art installation features over 50,000 light stems that illuminate the desert floor after dark. Pre-booking is essential.

🦘 Wintjiri Wiru Drone and Light Show – A powerful evening show combining 1,000 drones, lasers, and projections to tell an Anangu creation story. It’s a new and immersive way to learn about local culture.

🦘 Kata Tjuta Sunrise & Breakfast – Wake early to experience dawn breaking over the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta. The Walpa Gorge walk is a popular option afterward.

This region offers a rare chance to connect with ancient culture and stunning natural beauty. Ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and those interested in Indigenous heritage.

09/02/2025

Discover the Ultimate South Island Adventure In New Zealand

Looking for a trip that blends jaw-dropping landscapes, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable experiences? Our Adventures Down South itinerary takes you on a 12-day self-drive loop through New Zealand’s stunning South Island. You get to experience Queenstown’s adrenaline-pumping activities, glacier landings at Aoraki/Mt Cook, dolphin swims in Akaroa, and an overnight wilderness cruise in Doubtful Sound.

This thoughtfully crafted journey covers all the highlights – wine tasting in Central Otago, glow-worm caves in Te Anau, rare wildlife on the Otago Peninsula, and charming cities like Christchurch and Dunedin. With a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and scenic exploration, it’s the ideal way to explore the best of the South Island at your own pace.

📍 Learn more and view the full itinerary here: https://www.downunderjourneys.com/adventures-down-south

Use this itinerary to see what’s possible, then get in touch so we can design a customized travel plan to suit your travel dates, budget and activity preferences.

08/29/2025

Where is the Kimberley region in Australia, and why is everyone talking about it?

The Kimberley coast is a remote Western Australia that’s 154440 square miles in size. That’s three times the size of England but with a lot fewer people, only an estimated 40 000. That makes this area one of the most sparsely populated in the world. The Kimberleys offers visitors some amazing opportunities to experience Australia at its best. Travel and Leisure have even put the Kimberleys on their 2024 hottest new expedition cruise destination.

What might you see if you venture to The Kimberleys?

(1) The world’s only Horizontal Falls. Fly over or take a thrilling jet boat ride through these falls.
(2) The 1000 rocky islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. You can fly over these or take a more leisurely cruise.
(3) The Bungle Bungles which are part of the Bungle Bungle Range in World Heritage Purnululu National Park. You can explore by foot or from the air.
(4) Ancient Kimberley boab trees.
(5) Cruise along the Chamberlain Gorge
(6) Visit rock art sites to see some of the oldest known artwork in the world.
(7) Cruise the Kimberley route between Broome and Darwin. If you’re interested in doing a cruise between Broome and Darwin, then you need to book early. This is a popular cruise and there is limited availability.

The Kimberleys is a bucket list destination for Australians and international visitors. It is a definite must do for your Australian bucket list. Get in touch for more information on how you can fit this region into your travel plan and availability for cruise ships.

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