Travel Blog

Lord of the Rings: New Zealand Movie Sites

If you’re a fan of Lord of the Rings, you’ll know that New Zealand is the real-life Middle-earth. The rolling green hills, dramatic mountains, and crystal-clear alpine waters made the perfect backdrop for the movies—and they make for an ideal travel destination, too! Many of our clients travel to New Zealand just to visit the beautiful Read More…

Islands of Australia: 7 Jaw-Dropping Vacation Spots

Australia is fringed by more than 8,000 islands, each of them unique and filled with unbelievable wildlife! That’s a whole lot of beautiful islands to choose from, so our Australia specialists have curated this list of the best ones to explore on your next trip. Whether you’re looking to explore or completely relax, we are Read More…

Top 10 Events and Festivals in Sydney

Looking for things to do in Sydney? Australia’s largest city has no shortage of fun, family-friendly activities throughout the year! Watch one of the world’s most incredible fireworks shows on New Year’s Eve, see the city light up like never before during Vivid Sydney, and indulge your tastebuds during Good Food Month. These are the Read More…

Australia Zoo: Channel Your Inner Crocodile Hunter!

You can’t get a more quintessential Australian wildlife experience than visiting the Australia Zoo and seeing Steve Irwin’s legacy firsthand. The Australia Zoo, founded by the original Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, runs one of the largest wildlife conservation programs in the world. All money raised is put back into wildlife projects and conservation efforts around Read More…

What to Do in Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia, has a seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. The iconic Sydney Opera House is well worth a visit, and if you have a head for heights, take the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb for stunning views and a great adventure. Be sure to see the city from the water, explore hidden beaches on beautiful Read More…

Best Places for Wine Tasting in Australia

The best places to go wine tasting in Australia include Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley, McLaren Vale, and Margaret River. You can go wine tasting on a day trip from Sydney or Melbourne or stay a few nights at a beautiful hotel set amongst the vineyards. These wine regions offer everything from behind-the-scenes tours to private dinners Read More…

What to Do in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is a stylish, sophisticated, and dynamic city with plenty to explore! Some of our favorite things to do in Melbourne are wandering through lanes and arcades covered in street art, exploring the vibrant culinary scene, driving the Great Ocean Road, wine tasting in Yarra Valley, and wildlife tours just outside the city. Here are Read More…

Adventures & Adrenaline on New Zealand’s North Island

New Zealand is an amazing country for adventurous travelers! The team at Down Under Endeavours loves to experience all that New Zealand has to offer. If you are looking for an adventure-packed vacation, New Zealand’s North Island is an amazing destination! Top adventures on New Zealand’s North Island: Active Volcanoes Heli-hiking on White Island, an Read More…

Ayers Rock Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Ayers Rock, or Uluru as it’s known to the traditional Anangu owners, is a massive sandstone monolith in the heart of Australia’s Red Centre—the physical and spiritual center of the country. Ayers Rock and the nearby Kata Tjuta rock formations have been significant in traditional ceremonies and rites of passage for over 10,000 years. Aboriginal Read More…

A Perfect Day in Queenstown, New Zealand: Top Activities for the Non-Adrenaline Junkie

When you ask about the best things to do in Queenstown, most people will give you a long list of outdoor adventure activities: bungy jumping, canyon swinging, hiking, biking, kayaking, paragliding, jumping out of planes… the opportunities for adrenaline junkies are truly endless! But, you ask, what if I’m not super adventurous? Can I still Read More…

Best Beach Vacations of the South Pacific

Hello there, mates! The dreary February weather here in the Midwest has us dreaming of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Below is a list of some of our all-time favorite best beach vacations and destinations. Australia: Whitehaven Beach Private picnic on Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. Image courtesy of Ellen Hoffman Whitehaven Beach is Read More…

Australian Animals: What You’ll See Down Under

A highlight of any Australia vacation is meeting the unique Australian animals! Whether you’re visiting a wildlife sanctuary, watching kangaroos hop freely in the wild, cuddling a koala, or swimming with whale sharks, there are so many opportunities to experience Australia’s unique wildlife. Here are some of the most iconic animals you’ll see in Australia: Read More…

Top 5 Most Romantic Getaways

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and Down Under Endeavours is in the know when it comes to the most romantic spots in the world to take your significant other. From overwater bungalows in Bora Bora to grand country estates in New Zealand, we’ll help you plan the perfect romantic getaway! Below are some of our top Read More…

Top 10 Wildlife Tours in Australia

An Australian wildlife tour is the highlight of any trip down under! Australia is packed with unique wildlife, with an average of 7,500 total animals calling the country home! But, did you know that 90% of animals in Australia are found nowhere else in the world? Seeing wildlife down under is truly a magical experience, Read More…

Wellington Travel Guide: The Coolest Little Capital

Wellington, New Zealand, was deemed “The Coolest Little Capital” by Lonely Planet, and it certainly lives up to the name! Located on the North Island of New Zealand, Wellington is filled with outdoor adventure, arts and culture, delicious cuisine, and quirky festivals. The city is famous for its vibrant creative culture fueled by great food, Read More…

St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is Heaven on Earth!

I knew as soon as we had hit Bora Bora; that stunning lagoon is impossible to miss! I looked out my window on the 60-seater plane and watched the water change from Persian blue to brandeis to cyan and fade into a celeste blue so sheer I could see straight to the bottom through a Read More…

Best Overwater Bungalow Destinations

Not all overwater bungalows are created equal! From the deep azure waters of the Maldives, to the famed Bora Bora lagoon in the Islands of Tahiti, to the laid-back Cook Islands, here are our favorite overwater bungalow destinations in the South Pacific and beyond. 1. Islands of Tahiti An iconic view of Mt Otemanu in Bora Read More…

Bora Bora: Perfect Island Getaway

A Bora Bora island getaway is perfect for honeymoons, special occasions, and anyone looking for some relaxation and sunshine. Bora Bora is world-famous for its luxurious overwater bungalows, where you can see colorful fish swimming beneath your floor and lounge on your outdoor terrace surrounded by a bright turquoise lagoon. Here are just a few of Read More…

Sydney Travel Guide: Hotel, Touring, and Dining Highlights

Hi, all! I just returned from a whirlwind 4-night trip to Sydney, and now that I’m mostly recovered, I thought I’d share a bit about all that I experienced. Let me start by stating that in my ten years of traveling to Sydney, I’ve found that September is still one of the best times to Read More…

The Perfect Weekend in Kaikoura, New Zealand: Best Hotels, Things to Do, and Where to Eat

Kaikoura, a small town on the northeast of New Zealand‘s South Island, is known for its epic marine life, seafood, and beautiful mountain to ocean views. You can get to Kaikoura by driving from Christchurch (approximately 3 hours) or from Blenheim (approximately 2 hours). But do allow some extra time for stops to enjoy the Read More…

Luxury Family Travel in New Zealand: 5 Best Resorts for Families

Beautiful New Zealand is the perfect destination for luxury family travel! Abundant with jaw-dropping natural beauty, incredible outdoor activities, and terrific wines, New Zealand is perfect for adrenaline junkies, foodies, and a wide range of travelers in between. You’ll be sure to find activities for the whole family to enjoy and have the experience of Read More…