Distant Journeys Blog

Surrounded by beautiful oceans, with scenic and tranquil lakes punctuating the inland landscape, New Zealand is a haven for watersports, especially kayaking. A kayak tour of New Zealand is essential during your visit to this incredible country, and there are many great destinations to choose from, from sea kayaking off the shores of the Abel Tasman National Park to paddling on the gentle waters of..

The world’s most populous country, China is home to hundreds of cities, including 65 with a population of over a million people. Each of these cities has evolved to offer its own unique atmosphere and culture. If you’re wondering where to go in China, you need to visit at least a couple of cities to see their differences and immerse yourself in their explosion of sights, sounds and smells. Here ar..

A more laid-back alternative to the backpackers’ favourite, Gold Coast, found further south, Australia’s Sunshine Coast is true to its name and enjoys year-round sunshine. This, combined with some of the best beaches in Australia and a whole host of stunning national parks and nature reserves, makes the Sunshine Coast one of Australia’s top destinations.   Our tour discovering Australia and t..

Home to some of the world’s most southerly vineyards, New Zealand is one of the world’s top destinations for viticulture. New Zealand wines, especially the Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc varieties, are among some of the finest around the globe. Across both North and South Island you’ll find several world-famous New Zealand wine regions where you can follow a wine’s journey from vine to bottle...

The Chinese tea ceremony is one of China’s most famous traditional customs, and for centuries has been integral to Chinese culture. Before you visit China, read on to find out everything you need to know about this ancient tradition as well as what to do if you take part in one. (more…)..

A city set on the coast of Tropical North Queensland, Cairns is a laid-back base for exploring everything from beaches and islands to lush rainforests and vast National Parks. There are many attractions to explore in Cairns and the surrounding area which you absolutely need to try during your visit. If it’s your first time visiting and you’re wondering what to do in Cairns, be sure to add these am..

If you’d like to see hundreds of miles of stunning landscapes in one incredible journey, the scenic rail journeys of New Zealand are the perfect choice. Not just a way of getting from one place to another, the railways in New Zealand are renowned for their remarkable views and breathtaking sceneries, passing through endless stretches of unspoilt landscapes.   During your visit to New Zealand,..

The cuddly giant panda is not only a national symbol of China but also their national animal. China is leading the way in preserving this wonderful species, which has been brought back from the brink of extinction, with numbers of giant pandas in China rising by almost 20% in the past decade.   If you’re wondering where to see giant pandas in China, there are numerous places across the countr..

Together in the South Pacific on the other side of the world, Australia and New Zealand aren’t just neighbours – in fact their relationship with each other is more like that of a big and small sibling. There are many similarities between Australia and New Zealand that provoke a feeling of familiarity when travelling between the two; yet they still have several differences that make both worth a vi..

Home to some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, New Zealand is steeped in natural beauty, and one of the more unusual ways to experience this is in its caves. There are a few caves in New Zealand that are truly magical and awe-inspiring when you walk around inside, and this is because the towering walls, stalagmites and stalactites are decorated with bioluminescent glow worms.   The..