what we do

The specialists in escorted small group touring and exclusive travel experiences in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

Our small group escorted journeys introduce you to all the must-see sights .. and get off the beaten track to share some of our favourite local finds. Each journey includes special local experiences not easily accessible by individual travellers.

We explore bite-size regions - with most journeys of approximately 10 days duration - to limit travel time and maximise the time spent enjoying the relaxed local connections that memories are made of.

We stay in superior boutique accommodation, with each property chosen specifically for its sense of place and personality.

We enjoy plenty of fabulous local food and wine along the way to give a real taste of the destinations we visit and the time to take it all in.

We provide the opportunity to make true connections with new people and places. We want you to take home lifelong memories and long-lasting friendships.

We leave a positive legacy with every journey. Each Explorations small group escorted journey includes a contribution to a local conservation project or philanthropic initiative, that gives back to the destinations visited.

Who we are

Patrick Bourke, has been promoting travel to this corner of the planet for nearly 40 years. He has worked with airlines, operated his own boutique accommodation and is a founding director of the region’s leading luxury inbound travel specialist (Southern Crossings, established in 1986 and still going strong).

Outgoing and outdoorsy, Patrick has now turned his talents to building a fully escorted small group touring company that invites Kiwis and Aussies to get out and explore the amazing sights and unique travel experiences right on their door step. A keen hiker and a natural host, Patrick generously shares his local knowledge, insights and his genuine love for the destinations visited.

Well-travelled and well connected in the travel business, its true to say you are in safe hands whilst in the engaging company of one of the most experienced names in the New Zealand travel industry.


Supported by a team of talented travel specialists and a hand-picked (and personally road-tested) collection of suppliers, Patrick personally curates each Explorations journey to ensure the pace and places visited provide the perfect balance of gentle outdoor adventures, authentic local interactions, iconic sights and off-the-beaten track hidden gems.

Where we go

We curate small group escorted journeys to the most popular iconic regions and fabulous far flung corners of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific:
New Zealand's East Cape (19-25 Feb 2021)
Enjoy an escorted self-drive through largely unexplored corners of New Zealand's East Cape More Details A Taste of Tasmania (April 2021)
Launceston – Cradle Mountain – Freycinet – Bruny Island – Hobart
More details New Zealand's Fiordland (2021)
See some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery cruising the country's most magnificent and remote Fiords
More Details Stewart Island Cruise (2021)
Abundant bird and marine-life in some of the most remote parts of the planet.
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Australia’s Red Centre & Top End (2021)
Uluru, Katherine and Kakadu
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Off the Beaten Track in the South Pacific (2021) Cruising Fiji’s remote reaches and tropical treasures.
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Like what you see but prefer to travel independently?

Southern Crossings

our sister company is the tailor-made travel specialist for discerning travellers in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific
www.southern-crossings.com
Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific small group escorted touring a Southern Crosssings travel partner