Family Travel Category Archives

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, 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Hello, all! I have recently returned from a quick trip to the Cook Islands, and my only complaint is that I had to return to the real world too soon. The Cook Islands make you feel like you’ve been transported to not only a beautiful destination, but a simpler time: No one is in a Read More…

Just 20 minutes from Port Douglas (one of the gateways to the Great Barrier Reef), Silky Oaks Lodge offers a local Australia experience like no other.

Travel is a huge part of my life, so I couldn’t wait to get back into the swing of things after having my first baby. At nine months old, my son has been on ten flights so far, including a 16-hour travel day to Hawaii! While traveling with a baby might take more preparation and Read More…

Hi, fellow travelers! I’ve just returned from a whirlwind 5-day trip to Sydney—my first time there in 4 years—and I enjoyed so many unique experiences that I can’t wait to share with all of you! See some photos and highlights from my trip below. First Stop: Sydney Tour A city tour of Sydney is perfect Read More…

The North Island of New Zealand is known for its rich history and culture, agriculture (think rolling green hills dotted with sheep), and geothermal wonders. On my most recent trip to New Zealand, I focused on the fascinating geothermal region located in and around Rotorua. This area was named the Bay of Plenty by European Read More…

If your family loves adventure and beautiful scenery, New Zealand is the perfect destination! Made up of 2 small islands, the country of New Zealand features a variety of destinations very distinctive in character. Because the country is so compact, you can easily visit several different areas on your holiday. Whether it’s adrenaline-fueled activities or Read More…

It’s safe to say that Vivid Sydney makes this already incredible city even more special to visit! See what this weeks-long festival of lights, sights, and sounds is all about.

Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. Image: Tourism Queensland The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest reef system and a bucket list destination for many of our clients! This spectacular destination is perfect for snorkeling or diving. There are even several options for travelers who want to see the miraculous, colorful marine life Read More…

How do you know if your resort is all inclusive—or if it should be? Resorts in Fiji, Tahiti, and other South Pacific island destinations are typically half board, full board, or all inclusive. Many people assume that all inclusive is always the best value for money, but it all depends on your location and your Read More…

Between airport delays, crowded roads lost luggage, and packed planes, holiday travel can be a recipe for a meltdown. Maintain your sanity this holiday travel season with these ten tips from the Down Under Endeavours team. 1. Get to the airport early This may seem like a no-brainer, but you don’t want to be caught Read More…

Is your family in need of ultimate relaxation mixed with adventure? If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten track, the Cook Islands have exactly what you need. Lay your feet in the beautiful white sandy beaches, breathe in the salty ocean air, and enjoy some time under the sun. The 15 islands Read More…

The South Pacific has so many great options for family vacations—from the warm and sunny islands of Fiji, to beautiful blue waters in the Islands of Tahiti, to the laid-back charm of the Cook Islands. Here are some of our favorite resorts in the South Pacific for families: Fiji For families with older children and Read More…

Summer break is right around the corner, which means summer vacation! Australia is a great choice for family travel, and our specialists here at Down Under Endeavours have broken down their favorite family-friendly spots! With an abundance of fascinating wildlife, cultural experiences, and plenty of water-based activities, Australia will be sure to keep you and Read More…