Down under ventures
Hospitality. Community. Experiences — Done the Down Under Way.
At Down Under Ventures, we believe great hospitality is more than good food and coffee — it’s about creating memorable experiences, supporting the communities we operate in, and building spaces where people feel they belong.
We exist to bring people together. One café, one guest, one moment at a time.
who we are
Down Under Ventures is a next-generation hospitality and tourism company operating across New Zealand and the United States, founded by partners Daniel and Bobby Thomas-Smith.
Together, we bring decades of hands-on experience — from busy kitchens and café floors to global tourism strategy and destination marketing. We know hospitality from the ground up, and we’re passionate about building brands, teams, and experiences that matter.
This isn’t just about opening venues — it’s about creating momentum, community, and places people feel proud to be part of.
Our Vision
We’re redefining the hospitality experience — one sip and one taste at a time — by blending exceptional service, creativity, and genuine community connection.
At the heart of our approach is what we call the “Down Under Attitude”:
grit and resourcefulness
endless creativity
good humour and humility
Inspired by the Kiwi “number 8 wire” mindset, we believe in making the most of what we have, thinking creatively, and getting the job done with heart.
Our values
Everything we do is grounded in purpose and people.
Manaakitanga first
We bring hospitality, kindness, generosity, and respect into every interaction.
People & Planet
We care deeply for our team, our guests, our communities, and the environment around us.
Consistency & Care
Quality, reliability, and attention to detail are non-negotiable.
Fun & Creativity
Hospitality should be joyful — for our guests and our teams.
Giving Back
Through initiatives like People, Place or Animal, we channel our passion into making a meaningful impact beyond our venues.
we create environments where…
ideas are welcomed
creativity is encouraged
people feel supported and valued
great experiences happen naturally
Meet the Founders
Daniel Thomas-Smith brings more than 25 years of leadership across tourism, aviation, and hospitality, connecting global insight with local storytelling and service.
Bobby Thomas-Smith brings frontline hospitality mastery shaped by years in high-performing restaurant environments — combining warmth, efficiency, and guest-first thinking.
Together, they are rewriting the hospitality playbook — one unforgettable guest interaction at a time.
and yes… There’s Bourbon
Every great hospitality brand needs heart. Ours comes with four legs. Bourbon, our unofficial Chief Morale Officer, reminds us not to take life too seriously and to lead with warmth, joy, and authenticity.
We’re here
for you
Everyone has a voice here — and we want to hear yours.
Whether you’re visiting, partnering, joining our team, or simply curious, Down Under Ventures is built on connection, conversation, and collaboration.
Let’s build something amazing together.
