Distant Journeys Official Blog

Located slightly off the beaten track on the western side of New Zealand’s South Island, Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a place like no other. You’d probably think it was impossible to visit beaches, rainforests and glaciers all in one morning, or even in one day, but you can do exactly that in Westland National Park. It’s among the top natural reserves and parks in New Zealand, perfect for..

Not only home to some of the world’s largest cities and greatest historical treasures, there is a whole array of beautiful scenery in China to be seen during your visit, offering a variety of stunning natural landscapes. China’s sheer size means its landscapes include everything from remote mountain ranges to tranquil rivers meandering amongst limestone columns. You may need to venture slightly of..

A lively and bustling riverside city, Brisbane is home to a host of top restaurants, drawing from a number of international influences and cuisines, from delicious Asian to hearty Italian. But that’s not all Brisbane has to offer – it also boasts some of the best views in Australia, whether it’s of the modern city skyline, the towering Mount Coot-tha or the pretty Brisbane River.   The good n..

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,..