Jane Turner shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jane, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately I’ve been enjoying the creative process of planning the garden in our new home. It’s fun imagining the colors, textures, and blooms that will come together over time. I also enjoy upcycling antique furniture.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I grew up in New Zealand and have always had a passion for exploring the world. In 2002, I launched Active Downunder, a boutique travel business specializing in tailor-made trips to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and Tahiti. Over the years, my own global experiences — living in the UK, Japan, Australia, and now the U.S. — have given me a deep appreciation for how meaningful travel can be.
Last year I was honored to be named a Premier Aussie Specialist by Tourism Australia, joining an elite group of just 49 advisors across North America recognized for their expertise and proven success in curating Australian journeys. I also hold other official designations including Kiwi Specialist (New Zealand), Matai Specialist (Fiji), Tahiti Specialist (Tahiti Tourism), and Switzerland Specialist (Swiss Tourism) — credentials that allow me to bring insider knowledge and trusted contacts directly to my clients.
I am also affiliated with Global Travel Collection, a leading luxury travel organization. Through this affiliation and its strong network of in-country partners, I now plan trips well beyond the South Pacific — most recently to Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Italy, and Japan.
What makes my work special is that I don’t just sell trips; I curate journeys that weave together a destination’s unique flavors from wildlife, landscapes, food, wine, and culture. My clients return home feeling like they truly have a great sense of the place they visited. Right now, I’m especially excited about helping travelers experience Australia’s diversity — from its indigenous culture to its world-class culinary scene — as well as continuing to build relationships with our partners in other destinations to plan amazing travel experiences globally.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me that possibility and perseverance go hand in hand. They encouraged me to believe I could do anything, but also reminded me that success comes from knuckling down and working hard. That balance of vision and grit along with my self-motivation and discipline are things I carry into everything I do today.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I’ve had moments where I wanted to give up, but I’ve learned that I don’t like who I am when I do. I’m very competitive with myself, and failure never feels like an option. Building a business and rock climbing have both taught me a lot about perseverance — you must keep moving forward, building a business requires chipping away to make many incremental gains and on a multi-pitch climb, the only way is up.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Friends would probably tell you that I come alive when I’m outdoors and in nature — especially in the mountains or on a rock face. Adventure, challenge, and independence are core to who I am, pushing myself is what keeps me happiest and most fulfilled.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I’d like people to remember that despite a difficult adolescence, I built a business in a new country, in an industry I knew nothing about, from the ground up. That I lived with independence, resilience, and an adventurous spirit that led me to amazing people and experiences. I also hope they say I was empathetic, loyal, a good listener, friend and strived to live a balanced and adventurous life. That I was a collector of experiences, and not things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.activedownunder.com
- Instagram: active_downunder
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063726692695#
