The Antipodean Explorer had its beginnings in Oxford, England in 1984 in a small office overlooking the River Thames. It was created by Neil & Jan Rawlins.

Neil has created & led tours worldwide, many Overland journeys between London & Kathmandu - through Iraq, Iran, Middle East & former Soviet Union.  Neil was one of the first tour leaders for EXPLORE WORLDWIDE, specialising in India, Kashmir & Ladakh, the Middle East & Turkey & has spent considerable time in Africa.  Neil's Travel Blog

Neil & Jan have created and operated special interest adventure holidays for EXPLORE WORLDWIDE.

  Jan, in  has spent many years traveling in the medical field, India  - a particular favourite, South America , Scanidnavia above the Arctic Circle and now spends much of her time in the South Pacific Islands, 

Before settling in NZ ( IF YOU CAN CALL IT SETTLING) Jan & Neil operated a Hotel Barge on the canals of England, 140 FT of motor vessel & butty (engineless barge), this probably being one of the hardest jobs either of them had done for some time. Yes,  they painted  the narrowboats before the tours as well,the castles the roses, the diamond the clubs etc, in traditional style!

Both Neil & Jan love remote places  and met  in India, a place they both have an affinity for. Both Jan & Neil love writing , Neil is a  photographer & travel writer. Jan dabbles at painting amongst other things. 

The Antipodean Explorer Ltd HQ has an extensive library of Books Maps and pictures all of which are essential tools for the tours they create.  

 In 1986 Jan & Neil returned to New Zealand  & The Antipodean Explorer came into fruition in 1988, initially with Neil operating short tours from Auckland. Over the last 17 years longer tours throughout New Zealand -  North, South & Stewart Islands - & the Pacific Islands, 2 week & 4 week duration small groups especially for EXPLORE WORLDWIDE as well as for individuals and small group tailor made groups.

The time and need for more exciting and new adventures in the South Pacific and New Zealand is now the full time project that Neil & Jan with their team are involved in. Hence this new complement of tours you see on The Antipodean Explorer’s web site today…

The Antipodean Explorer  really can offer you a truly memorable holiday, whether you prefer to travel in a small group or travel independently.

Jan & Neil are also busy with  coffee Plantation that keeps many Ni-Vanuatuans busy. Helping a Nation to grow in the South Pacific,  supporting Health & education in remote areas of the South Pacific Islands . You can order this beautiful Pure  Organically Grown Arabica Coffee on this web site , small and large quantities sent worldwide.  www.tannacoffeecompanynz.co.nz

The Antipodean Explorer Ltd also supports M.S.F. Medcines Sans Fronteres. www.medcinessansfronteres.com.au    Doctors without borders