Distant Journeys Blog

Auckland, in New Zealand’s North Island, is the country’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, including the biggest Polynesian population in the world. It’s a truly fascinating place to visit, with a wealth of free attractions – and a glorious cityscape surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, verdant rainforest and dozens of dormant volcanoes. Here are the places from which you can see the city at its ve..

The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets. Just three hours’ drive or a 35-minute flight north of Auckland, this subtropical paradise boasts no fewer than 144 stunning islands. Paihia is just one of the many charming villages in Bay of Islands and is the gateway to the region’s fantastic sites for diving, but it’s also an amazing destination in itself. Here are just a few of its..

South Africa is an amazing cultural experience. The sights, the sounds, the smells – and the tastes – will stay with you forever. Our flexible escorted tours of South Africa can take you to cosmopolitan Cape Town, the lush and verdant Garden Route and lively Durban plus many more destinations. Here’s what you should eat along the way.   (more…)..

Situated in Tropical North Queensland, Cairns is a beautiful city that shouldn’t be missed on a trip down under. Perfectly located near to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, this is a stop with plenty of natural wonders that are bound to take your breath away. You'll want to make the most of your time in Cairns as this is a city with unforgettable experiences at every turn. (..

Any tour of lush, verdant New Zealand is bound to be a breathtaking experience. There’s so much to see and do, from beautiful beaches to stunning snow-capped mountains; from cosmopolitan cities where cultures blend in a riot of colour to incredibly ancient Māori settlements. But the crowning glory of any Kiwi tour will be a glimpse of massive, magnificent whales – some of the most remarkable creat..

One of the many reasons that tours in Melbourne are so popular is because of the splendour of its buildings, many of which tell a story about the heritage of one of Victoria’s largest cities. When heading to Australia, this excellent tour will give you plenty of time to explore all that the city has to offer, including Melbourne’s iconic buildings.  With so many fantastic things to do in Melbourne..

Australia – the only country that’s also a continent – isn’t just one of the most amazing, magical and otherworldly places on earth. It’s also a top foodie destination that can offer gastronomes some unique experiences. So when you’re enjoying an unforgettable tour of Australia, here’s what you should be eating – and where. (more…)..

New Zealand is a remarkable country by any measure, boasting some stunning scenery and a laid-back lifestyle and culture. Its also a place full of wonderful wildlife that you simply can’t find anywhere else. So what are the top ten Kiwi animals we think you should meet?   Hector’s dolphin   The world’s smallest species of dolphin is often to be found darting and gliding in the waves off..

What makes Rotorua so remarkable? Well, the dramatic landscape – sometimes dusted with snow and ice to add the finishing touch – certainly helps. There’s also no shortage of things to see and do, and we highly recommend you take a mountain bike trail amid glistening lakes and lush, verdant forests. But what makes Rotorua unique is its Māori culture – and there’s no better way to explore it than vi..

One of the great ways that you can appreciate Sydney and all its beauty is with a relaxing picnic in one of the many parks and nature spots. With stunning scenery and beautiful weather, settling down for a picnic in this bustling city should surely be on any visitor’s bucket list. We’ve picked just five of the best picnic places in and around Sydney so that when you decide to go to Australia you’l..