about us
We create highly personalized vacations throughout New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific using firsthand destination knowledge, trusted local relationships and over 23 years of experience. Every itinerary is tailored to your travel style so you experience the places we know and love—not just the ones found in guidebooks.
The best journeys are thoughtfully designed, not simply booked.
Meet Jane Turner
Born and raised in New Zealand to a Kiwi father and Australian mother, I've been exploring New Zealand and Australia for as long as I can remember. After living and working in New Zealand, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, I settled in San Diego and founded Active Downunder in 2002 to share my passion for the South Pacific with travelers seeking authentic, personalized experiences. More than two decades later, I continue to return regularly to personally experience new hotels, luxury lodges, guided adventures and hidden gems because I believe there's simply no substitute for firsthand knowledge when creating truly memorable journeys.
Outside of travel, Jane enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, climbing, surfing, skiing and yoga—interests that continue to inspire the active journeys she designs for clients. She also enjoys painting, upcycling old furniture and adventures with her Shepherd/Retriever, Dillon.
Jane Turner - Owner / Founder
Why I Started Active Downunder
I started Active Downunder with one simple goal: to create journeys that are as unique as the people taking them. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all itineraries, I take the time to understand each client's interests, travel style and dreams, then combine my local knowledge, trusted relationships and firsthand experience to design seamless, personalized vacations throughout New Zealand, Australia and beyond. From our first conversation until you return home, every detail is thoughtfully planned so you can travel with confidence and simply enjoy the experience.
Why Travelers Choose Active Downunder
-
✓ New Zealand-born owner with lifelong local knowledge
-
✓ 23+ years designing custom South Pacific vacations
-
✓ Personally visits hotels and experiences every year
-
✓ Boutique service from first conversation until you return home
-
✓ In-country contact to assist while traveling
-
✓ Private, luxury and active travel specialists
-
✓ Other worldwide destinations available through trusted local partners
-
✓ Air, accommodation, tours, cruises and travel insurance handled together
Achievements
-
Premier Aussie Specialist
-
Fiji Matai Specialist
-
100% Pure New Zealand GOLD Specialist
-
23 years in business
-
Virtuoso / Global Travel Collection affiliated
-
Regular research trips
-
Thousands of customized itineraries designed
-
Featured luxury partners
-
Well known by industry partners such as Tourism New Zealand & Tourism Australia
Ready to Start Planning?
Every great journey begins with understanding you.
Our Customized Itinerary Questionnaire is the first step in designing a journey that's tailored to your interests, travel style, budget and pace. It gives us valuable insight into what you're looking for, allowing us to make the most of our initial consultation and begin creating an itinerary that's uniquely yours.
The questionnaire is simply an inquiry and does not commit you to booking. Once we've reviewed your responses, we'll contact you within 24 hours to discuss your travel plans and answer any questions. If we're the right fit, we'll guide you through the next steps and begin crafting your personalized Active Downunder journey.
Prefer to email?
Contact Jane directly