Down Under holidays

Discover Down Under with TravelEssence

In Australia, discover tropical rainforests, red deserts, bustling cities, and wildlife found nowhere else.

Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand’s snow-capped peaks, golden beaches, lush forests, and vibrant Māori culture invite you to slow down and explore.

Travel these remarkable countries your way, on a tailor-made holiday Down Under that connects you with the people, places, and stories at the very soul of Australia and New Zealand.

With first-hand local knowledge and carefully selected accommodation and activities, we'll shape a journey that matches your interests, pace, and style.

Why travel Down Under?

Planned by experts, Australia and New Zealand become one seamless journey Down Under. Here’s what makes them shine:

• Beautiful landscapes: Marvel at Uluru, sail the Great Barrier Reef, and drive the Great Ocean Road in Australia. In New Zealand, explore dramatic fiords, wander wild beaches, and hike volcanic terrain.

• Rich culture: Hear stories from the world’s oldest living culture with Aboriginal guides in Australia. Experience Māori traditions and hospitality, deeply woven into New Zealand’s landscapes.

• Unique wildlife: Meet kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and quokkas in Australia. Spot kiwi birds, playful dolphins, and curious seals in New Zealand.

• Ease of travel: With excellent infrastructure, English-speaking locals, and safe environments, both countries are ideal for independent exploration.

• Experiences for everyone: From adrenaline-fuelled adventures to tranquil nature retreats, the possibilities are endless.

• Geographical proximity: Side by side in the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand are linked by regular flights, making it easy to combine both in one trip.

Explore the top highlights Down Under

Wander the ancient landscapes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta with an Anangu guide, or uncover the spiritual significance of Tongariro National Park to the Māori.

Meet the world’s happiest animal, the quokka, found only on Rottnest Island, or discover how the albatross is revered in Māori culture as a symbol of strength, peace, and beauty.

And the magic doesn’t stop there. Each place you stay Down Under is an adventure in itself, like a glass cottage in the Glasshouse Mountains, where host Keith welcomes you with home-roasted coffee and shares hidden gems known only to locals.

Cultural tours

Both Australia and New Zealand are rich with cultural experiences and traditions. Learn bush tucker skills and discover ancient Aboriginal petroglyphs, or be part of a traditional Māori welcome ceremony and visit historic pā sites.

Scenic train rides

Take a ride on The Ghan through the vast desert landscapes of the Red Centre in Australia, or travel from coast to coast and traverse the Southern Alps with the TranzAlpine in New Zealand.

Boat trips

Sail the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays or cruise along Tasmania's dramatic coastline. Glide through Milford Sound or feel the rush of a jet boat ride.

A combined holiday Down Under

If you’re looking to combine a holiday to Australia and a holiday to New Zealand into one unforgettable adventure Down Under, we’re here to help.

With our expert knowledge and local connections, we’ll link every element of your itinerary into a single, seamless journey.

Practical travel information for Down Under

Every memorable journey starts with the right preparation. Our travel specialists have gathered all the key information so your holiday Down Under runs smoothly from start to finish.

Read our detailed guide for everything you need to know when planning a trip to New Zealand and Australia, from visas and driving to health, safety, and time zones.