Insightful Small Group Adventure Travel

We are delighted to invite you to travel with us on a unique, interpretive and very personal escorted small group adventure tour


Travel is fascinating and alluring...a melting pot of diverse cultures, enchanting people, stunning landscapes, fresh experiences and emotive histories awaits you.

Picture yourself exploring ancient temples, trekking in wildlife sanctuaries, riding elephants in the jungle, gently rafting jungle-shrouded canyons, observing Buddhist monks practicing centuries-old traditions, sampling superb local cuisine, indulging in therapeutic massage, trawling markets for textiles and treasures, and sharing a smile where friendship needs no language.

Pacific Discovery has grown from a passion for travel, wonderful friendships with people met, and a desire to share these incredible experiences with others. We have personally researched and developed each trip itinerary to take you on an intimate, insightful and adventurous journey into the heart of each country, and to enable you to discover the magic for yourself.



Small group adventure travel trips


Pacific Discovery offers the following small group adventure travel tours. Alternatively, if you are interested in a private or custom trip for your family, friends or special interest group then please contact us, as we are happy to develop an itinerary that incorporates experiences to suit your group and focus.


Discover Burma tour

An unforgettable 16-day journey to the heart of Burma / Myanmar

Journey to a country steeped in history, a mystical, beautiful land of golden temples with a rich and vibrant cultural heritage. Experience Inle Lake, the artistic heritage of Mandalay, the faded charm of old Rangoon, journey down the Ayeyarwaddy River, explore Bagan, enjoy the natural environments of Hsipaw and Pyin U Lwin, and meet the people who make this country so unforgettable.
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Discover Cambodia tour

Cultural insights, NGO visits and volunteering

Cambodia’s spirit is embodied in the stunning, ancient temples of the Angkor Empire. However, 30 years of war, and cultural genocide had a devastating effect on the country, particularly on the education system. BOOKS FOR CAMBODIA is helping to change that and we are inviting you to join us for a very special experience of this wonderful country. Cambodia is a fascinating and safe country to visit, and travelling here with us will be a pivotal and heart-warming experience.
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Discover New Zealand Tour

Conservation volunteering and adventure travel through the North and South Islands of New Zealand

This 20-day tour combines rewarding volunteer conservation work on two 3-day volunteer projects with interpretive and insightful adventure travel. Get involved in important conservation initiatives and experience welcoming hospitality and unique adventures amidst spectacular landscapes of ancient forests, golden beaches, lakes, mountains and wide open spaces. 14-day and 23-day options available.
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Discover Peru tour & Galapagos Islands

20 days of fantastic adventure travel through Peru with optional 9-day Galapagos Islands extension

Peru is a land of contrasts - explore the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, see the intriguing Nazca Lines, walk in the shadows of the mighty Colca Canyon, homestay on an island in Lake Titicaca, wander the ancient plazas and markets of Cusco and Arequipa, head up-river into the Amazon jungle, and much more. And if you have time, join us for an amazing trip exploring the Galapagos Islands.
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Tale of the Dragon - Vietnam tour

North to south through this exciting vibrant country experiencing indepth adventure travel, 18 days

Wander the fascinating maze of Hanoi’s old quarter, meet the unique and enchanting hilltribes of the north, cruise the twisting arms of Halong Bay, ride the ‘reunification express’ train, bask in the historical charm of Hoi An and it’s myriad silk tailors, explore Saigon’s chaotic districts and markets, and take daytrips to the Mekong Delta, infamous Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai temple...
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Three Points North - Southeast Asia tour

23 days travelling through Thailand, Laos and Vietnam

An enthralling hiking adventure visiting diverse and beautiful areas in the northern regions of Thailand, Laos and Vietnan. Stunning landscapes, homestays in fascinating hilltribe villages, enchanting people, cultural insights, and time to explore our three favourite cities – Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang and Hanoi.
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Trail of the Elephants - Southeast Asia tour

23 days travelling through Thailand, Laos and Cambodia

An evocative journey through Thailand, Laos and Cambodia’s physical and cultural landscapes. Contrast a relaxing passage down the Mekong River with riding elephants in the jungle; Modern cities and lifestyles with Buddhist monks practicing centuries old traditions; The buzz of urban Thailand with the laid back ambience of Laos; Exploring ancient jungle shrouded temples with trawling markets for antiques and textiles.
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Joining the tour of your choice is easy!


You are welcome to give us a call before booking, with any questions you may have about a trip - we can also put you in touch with people who have travelled with us...or you can read what they have to say.

Otherwise, simply check availability, then submit your booking form (online, by fax, or post) and $400 deposit (credit card, cheque or bank transfer).

We will confirm your place on the tour and send you a pre-travel dossier with comprehensive information on flights, visas, travel insurance, climate, health, responsible travel, and a gear/packing list.

Up until departure we liaise closely with you to ensure you are taken care of. We can assist with international flights, travel insurance and extension options. Your final tour payment is due 90-days before departure (unless late booking), and we send you an invoice for this, prior to the due date.

Read our booking conditions.



Our style of trip


A meaningful adventure

We provide opportunities to have ‘real life’ experiences…from new food and languages, unique activities, fantastic adventures, to hospitality and homestays with local families …and enough time to relax, refresh yourself and absorb it all. Along the way you’ll learn and share as much (or as little) as you choose.

Small group travel

Our small group tours are open to all ages, but the majority of people who travel on our small group tours are plus 40s and come from New Zealand (our home) and North America. Groups are limited to 12 travellers, escorted by a Pacific Discovery tour leader. Our tours are sociable and a lot of fun - we encourage this through shared meals and experiences. Of course, this is your holiday, and you are welcome to follow your own interests and appetites. Many of our clients remain friends long after the tour is over. If you have children you wish to travel with, please contact us - we may be able to offer you a family departure. If you are 18-25 and looking for a life-changing adventure, please also check out our semester, summer and gap year travel programs.

Your tour cost is all inclusive

There are no hidden costs. Included in the cost of your tour: All tour related travel and transport from tour start to finish including flights and related airport taxes; visas; all accommodation; most meals as indicated in itineraries; all excursions, activities and entry fees as described in itineraries; escorted by a Pacific Discovery tour leader and the services of local guides.

International flights

You have the option of arranging your own international flights to and from tour start and finish, or utilising those recommended and arranged by the Pacific Discovery travel agent (a free service we offer to simplify your arrangements). Flight options and fares are confirmed at the time you make your booking.

Meals

Food is one of the great pleasures of life, and often a highlight when travelling. The variety on offer is usually extensive. Throughout your tour, there will be the option to eat authentic local or western style cuisine. Special dietary requirements and vegetarians are catered for. Most meals are included in your trip, but we have some independent meals enabling a choice of where, when and what you eat.

Accommodation

Our accommodation is diverse, comfortable and carefully chosen to enhance our experience. When we are in major towns or cities we use boutique family-owned hotels and guesthouses which reflect the character of the country. If we have to rough-it a little on our adventures, we make sure the facilities are clean and you have all the comforts we can find. Typically, accommodation is on a twin-share basis with private ensuite bathroom, air-conditioning and hot water. Single room supplement is available if preferred. Laundry, postal, telephone and email facilities are available frequently.

Transport

Our itineraries balance comfort and safety whilst also giving you the opportunity to experience local transport and take part in daily life. We utilise private vans, taxis, boats, trains, flights and a variety of local transport.

Health and information

There are no specific health or fitness requirements to participate on our tours or to enter any of the countries we visit. Please refer to the ‘information booklet’ for a specific tour for details about the activity level of a trip. When you book and are confirmed on a tour we send you a comprehensive tour dossier that covers important pre-departure and travel information including health, climate, a packing list of gear to take, and recommended reading. We are also just a phonecall or email away, to answer any queries you may have, at any time.

Responsible and sustainable ethical tourism

We believe that our small group tours have a positive effect on the countries and communities we spend time in. Sustainable tourism is an important source of income for many communities and a valuable opportunity for cultural exchange. To this end, we utilise locally or family owned and operated businesses and accommodation, and we endeavour to make our tours as low impact and insightful as possible. Our tours offer involvement in community development initiatives and volunteer opportunities.

Professionalism

We are dedicated to making every tour the most memorable holiday you’ve ever had, and by giving you a smooth and hassle-free journey where you can relax and experience the joy of travel, we hope you’ll come away with a thirst for more! We are a grassroots travel company operating small group adventure tours and upholding an enviable level of professionalism. Your enquiries will be answered promptly and any additional travel information you may require will be given freely.

Knowledge

Our tours are developed and led by us, people with extensive experience in the countries we visit, who share a deep respect for the people and cultures, a fascination with their history, and awareness of contemporary issues and politics. Local guides accompany us for sections of each tour, offering a unique source of knowledge to help you get the most out of your travels.

Value and loyalty

We are a family-run travel company offering very personalised travel experiences with superb attention to detail. Our low overheads enable us to provide a higher standard of service and experience than many other companies. We don't hesitate to 'go the extra mile' to make sure you have the best holiday and travel experience possible. We also appreciate your loyalty - people who return to travel with us are rewarded with a discount off their next trip - and if you've travelled with us before and you bring a friend on your next trip, we offer you both a discount.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

We offer you

  • Refreshing travel that you can feel great about
  • A very personalised experience
  • Unique itineraries
  • Interpretation and local knowledge
  • Ethical and responsible sustainable travel
  • Opportunities for cultural exchange
  • Flexibility
  • Great value for money
  • Professionalism and integrity