Southern Crossings

19/08/2024

Another fabulous Travel Week catching up with dear friends and great colleagues in Vegas again.
Thank you Virtuoso Travel

15/08/2024

As part of our commitment to ensuring that the luxury travel experiences we curate are as rewarding and restorative for our destinations as they are for those that travel with us, we are proud to be supporting the regeneration of beautiful native forests in Australia and New Zealand, through our partnerships with local reforestation initiatives: Trees That Count and ReForest Now.

Just some of the ways in which we are supporting travel for good.

Southern Crossings luxury travel specialists have an ethos of delivering responsible travel experiences throughout Australia, New Zealand

10/08/2024

08/08/2024

We are proud to be able to share the news today that Southern Crossings has been named "Large Inbound Tour Operator of the Year" 2024 at the TECNZ Conference last night.

Collected by Helen Flinkenberg and Jane Turner on behalf of the whole Southern Crossings team, this well-contested award recognises excellence across our business operations and visitor experiences - as judged by the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand and voted on by the industry peers that we work with every day.

Thank you, we are incredibly humbled x

29/04/2024

It is with the wide smiles that characterise a warm Fijian welcome that we are pleased to announce that Southern Crossings is now also a Virtuoso Travel Preferred On-Site for the idyllic islands of Fiji!

With nearly four decades’ experience in tailoring luxury vacations to this beautiful part of the world, we look forward to sharing our favourite Fiji resorts and island insights with Virtuoso travellers.

Snorkelling, surfing or scuba diving; swimming with manta rays or swinging in a hammock – Fiji is where “happiness comes naturally”. Whether it’s adults-only romance or family-friendly fun, we can ensure that seamless luxury comes equally as easily.

As a stand-alone vacation destination or the perfect addition to tailored adventures in Australia and New Zealand, we are delighted to be able to provide Virtuoso advisors with tailored Fiji luxury travel experiences, delivered with signature Southern Crossings' style and attention to detail.

Sharing some of our favourite Fiji travel inspiration with 8 great reasons to luxury travel in Fiji: https://southern-crossings.com/our-news/reasons-to-luxury-travel-in-fiji/

Southern Crossings is a proud Virtuoso On-Site for luxury travel in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji; Virtuoso UltraLuxe community partner for Australia and New Zealand and Virtuoso Best On-Site globally in 2022 and 2023.


Image: private beach picnic VOMO Island Fiji

18/03/2024

Australia, New Zealand or Fiji;
Honeymoon, Family vacation or personalised UltraLuxe travel experiences:

“Whatever trip you’re planning, they’ll pull off the impossible and spare you the logistics”

We are incredibly honoured and humbled that Sarah Farag and Stuart Rigg have again been named among Condé Nast Traveler's Top Travel Specialists in 2024.

This privilege is awarded in recognition of unmatched destination knowledge, unparalleled local connections and unwavering dedication to above and beyond service.

Accolades such as these are received with grateful thanks also to the Southern Crossings Travel Design teams in Sydney and in Auckland and to the wonderful local suppliers we work with across the region, whose support and dedication bring our unique luxury travel experiences to life on a daily basis.


https://southern-crossings.com/our-news/conde-nast-travel-specialists-australia-new-zealand-fiji/

22/02/2024

The 2024 Travel + Leisure A-List is out - and we are very proud to be able to share the news that Sarah Farag and Stuart Rigg are both on this list of “the world’s top travel advisors” recognising Southern Crossings as leaders in luxury travel right across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Inclusion on this coveted ‘directory of the most influential vacation specialists in the world’, is an honour that is both shared by and attributable to the Southern Crossings team’s collective in-depth knowledge, expertise and connections that reach right across our region.


Read on for more about the Travel+Leisure A-List
https://southern-crossings.com/our-news/travelleisure-a-list-for-australia-new-zealand-fiji/

05/02/2024

What a fabulous occasion! It was a real privilege to be able to celebrate 20 years of partnership with Virtuoso Travel Down Under - and looking forward to many more.

05/02/2024

We are super-proud and incredibly humbled to be able to share the news that Southern Crossings’ Stuart Rigg and Sarah Farag have again been recognised on the Wendy Perrin WOW List as the travel experts to turn to ‘to ensure an extraordinary trip’ in Australia and New Zealand in 2024.

It is truly an honour to be included on this rigorously road-tested and traveller-reviewed global list of (in Wendy’s own words) ‘exceptionally knowledgeable and well-connected trip planners’.

A very big thank you to Wendy Perrin and all of the ‘WOW list’ travellers who have entrusted your travels to us. Our huge congratulations also to all of our friends and colleagues on the 2024 WOW List.

10/01/2024

Stylish and sophisticated, cultured and contemporary, the fabulous new Capella Sydney is one of our favourite new hotel openings of 2023.

Thoughtfully appointed guest rooms and spacious suites, a choice of fabulous dining and gathering venues, a wellness facility without compare (including two stunning light-flooded indoor pools and a decadent day spa exclusive to in-house guests) - all complemented by a collection of uniquely Australian touches and experiences.

Read our latest blog for a wrap up of some of the other noteworthy newcomers in 2023 - and a sneak peek of what's in store for 2024: https://southern-crossings.com/our-news/hot-new-hotels-and-experiences/

05/01/2024

Introducing the Lindis' "Black Diamond": enjoy complete seclusion, panoramic mountain vistas and delicious chef-prepared meals in the ultimate contemporary high country style.

Off-grid and well off-the-beaten track, diners can arrive on horseback, e-bike or hike* to this stunning purpose-built private dining room quite unlike any other.

*vehicle transfers can also be provided.


The Lindis

03/01/2024

Home Suite Home Away from Home

If the festive season celebrations have you thinking about a celebration somewhere different in 2024 we have a stunning collection of private villas and beautiful beach houses, perfect for a quiet getaway for two; or a family celebration with space for the whole crew - at any time of year.

Read on for Private Villa inspiration in New Zealand: https://southern-crossings.com/private-homes-villas/
or contact our Travel Design team to match you with your perfect place.

The Landing NZ

02/01/2024

The Kimberley, Ningaloo Reef, Margaret River and the welcoming sunny capital of Perth: dramatic outback landscapes and ancient indigenous culture, technicolour coral reefs, world-class wines and beautiful beaches, wonderful walks and bucket-list wildlife encounters - Western Australia has it all.

It was truly a pleasure to help introduce Town & Country magazine editor, Klara Glowczewska to the wonders of Western Australia.

Klara's article "Australia's Big Secret' provides the inspiration for why Western Australia should be on your travel 'must-do' list in 2024 with an itinerary developed by Southern Crossings' Director Stuart Rigg- "Klara’s go-to-man Down Under"

https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/a45768685/western-australia-travel-secret-itinerary/

"Nobody goes there," I was told about Australia's vast westernmost state, where Baz Luhrmann's new series Faraway Downs was largely filmed. So of course I went. And let me tell you…

19/12/2023

Unparalleled privacy and personalised service, Pelorus Private Island offers barefoot relaxation of the most indulgent kind.

With accommodation for up to eight guests this new exclusive-use island on Australia's Great Barrier Reef is the ultimate hideaway for family and friends looking to experience the best of the region whilst escaping the cares of the rest of the world.

Ask our Travel Designers about weaving a stay at new Pelorus Private Island into bucket-list Australian adventures in 2024.
https://southern-crossings.com/pelorus-private-island/

06/12/2023

Welcome back Southern Ocean Lodge!

Crowning the Kangaroo Island cliff-tops with ever-changing views over the dramatic Southern Ocean at almost every turn, the long-awaited return of one of Australia's most luxurious lodges - Southern Ocean Lodge - has reopened its doors today.

Twenty five spectacular suites (including the stunning new addition of an ultraluxe Ocean Pavilion!) are the gateway to awe-inspiring Australian wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, wild walks and delicious local dining experiences.

Southern Ocean Lodge is the 'icing on the cake' for one of 2024's Hottest Destinations - read on with our latest blog to find out why Southern Ocean Lodge and South Australia's Kangaroo Island should be on your 2024 'must-do list'.
https://southern-crossings.com/our-news/hot-destination-australias-kangaroo-island/

27/09/2023

serves as a reminder of our mutual responsibility to steer the direction of tourism to pave the way for a more sustainable future for people and planet.

We believe that travel provides the opportunity to inspire and enrich through experiences that are as rewarding and restorative for our local environments and communities as they are for the clients that travel with us.

At Southern Crossings we curate one-of-a-kind, off-the-beaten-path itineraries that spread economic benefit and reduce over-tourism, that invite authentic interactions with locals and exclusive ethical encounters with our unique wildlife.

From exceptional 5 Green Star city stays and off-grid luxury lodges to personalised experiences that truly connect travellers with locals and meaningful opportunities for hands-on participation in local conservation projects, it is our daily privilege, and great pleasure, to be able to enrich the lives of both travellers and the destinations they visit.

Happy World Tourism Day!


Image: Mahu Whenua Ridgeline Homestead & Eco Sanctuary

05/09/2023

Waterfalls, wildflowers, walks and wildlife; great golf, delicious local delicacies and fabulous fishing - Spring has sprung and the Southern Hemisphere months of September, October, November offer so many enticing experiences to explore the lands Down Under.
This time of year is also perfect for combining a visit to our region's tropical north (the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, the Kimberley and the islands of Fiji) with the more temperate southern destinations (New Zealand, Tasmania, Margaret River and more).

See our latest blog for more Australia and New Zealand Spring travel information and inspiration:
https://southern-crossings.com/our-news/spring-travel-in-australia-and-new-zealand/

Image with thanks to Walk into Luxury

22/08/2023

We are beyond thrilled and so very honoured to share our news, that Southern Crossings New Zealand has been awarded Virtuoso Travel's award for Best On-Site 2023.

Selected from a global collection of very talented colleagues and alongside some amazing finalists, it is incredibly humbling for Southern Crossings to have received this award that recognises the luxury travel companies that "elevate and innovate the industry, creating amazing, memorable experiences for luxury travellers" for the second consecutive year.

With huge thanks to all at Virtuoso,
* to the luxury travel advisors who have entrusted your valuable clients to us,
* to the local suppliers who bring our itineraries to life every day,
* and to our dedicated Travel Design teams whose passion it is to deliver expectation-exceeding travels, every time.

Thank you x


Sarah Farag

27/07/2023

We are thrilled to announce the Lap of Luxury Season 3 Prizewinners today:

Our HUGE CONGRATULATIONS go to Anna Robbie and Kay Mortimer - and a big thank you to all who entered and watched Lap of Luxury.

Anna and Kay will soon be enjoying return flights to Christchurch for two people, two nights at the fabulous new Flockhill Lodge inclusive of breakfast provisions and chef-prepared dinners, along with return Craigieburn Valley transfers: one way by private vehicle and one way scenic helicopter flight with GCH Aviation. We wish them a most wonderful and well-deserved luxury getaway.

To continue to be inspired, please follow us here - and reach out to our Travel Design team when you are ready for us to curate your own personalised Lap of Luxury.
New Zealand: [email protected]
Australia: [email protected]



If you missed Lap of Luxury on television, New Zealand viewers can catch up with TVNZ OnDemand – for all our other friends around the globe: stay tuned for where Lap of Luxury will be airing next.

13/07/2023

We invite you to join us in celebrating Matariki today.

Matariki is a star cluster known around the world by many names (most commonly Pleiades). It’s appearance in the New Zealand midwinter night skies signals the Māori New Year.

This is a time to reflect and return to the places that nourish you; a time to celebrate with family and friends; and a time to plan for the promising year that lies ahead.

From one of the places in the world where the stars shine brightest .. Mānawatia a Matariki x


Images with thanks to our friends The Lindis - bordering the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, this luxury lodge is one of the best places in the world from which to observe the night sky in style.

23/06/2023

Tomorrow's final episode of Lap of Luxury’s Season 3 has something for everyone – a spectacular lakeside estate from which to explore the Southern Alps, a private villa on Auckland’s north shore or a glass cabin to really immerse yourself in New Zealand’s breath-taking wilderness.
Join us 8.15pm this Saturday to enjoy another captivating armchair journey of New Zealand’s beautiful scenery, engaging stories and fabulous places to stay .. and for your final chance to win a wonderful weekend at Flockhill Lodge

The Dacha, Elements of Castor Bay (image), and PurePods

15/06/2023

From the mountains to the sea, this week’s episode of Lap of Luxury is action packed! We’ll take you hiking through Hollyford Valley, jetboating on the Hollyford River and helicoptering through Milford Sound. We’ll have you snorkelling Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and lapping up the luxury in New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Join us this Saturday evening 815pm on TVNZ 1 to go beyond the scenery and discover the warmth of the Hollyford Wilderness Experience walkers’ lodges, the epitome of contemporary coastal style on Lizard Island and the breath-taking beauty of The Dacha overlooking Lake Wanaka.

13/06/2023

We are incredibly honoured and very humbled for our team to have been recognised among the very best of the best with a highly-contested nomination for Southern Crossings New Zealand for VIRTUOSO TRAVEL BEST ON-SITE again in 2023.

From all of us at Southern Crossings, a HUGE THANK YOU
to those who nominated us,
to the advisors who have entrusted us with your valued clients, and
to the wonderful suppliers who help us to deliver expectation-exceeding experiences.

We are truly grateful for your support, thank you x

With Big Congratulations also to our fellow award nominees.

02/06/2023

Whether your ideal getaway is an adults-only alpine adventure in New Zealand’s high country; reliving childhood adventures in a romantic treehouse (complete with outdoor hot-tub) or relaxing surrounded by beautiful beaches and wonderful wines .. we have the private villa to suit.

Join us at 8.25pm this Saturday evening on New Zealand’s TVNZ 1 (or catchup with TVNZ OnDemand) for a down-to-earth journey in to the Lap of Luxury – and for your chance to win a luxury weekend getaway for two at the fabulous Flockhill Lodge.



Ben Nevis Station Nest Treehouses and Te Rere Estate

31/05/2023

We are incredibly honoured to have spent a long weekend as guests of the House at Lizard. This private piece of paradise on Australia's Great Barrier Reef should most definitely be on every luxury travellers's bucket list!

Spectacular, secluded and quite simply sublime, the House at Lizard occupies at picture-perfect private peninsula on Lizard Island. With panoramic ocean views, three private beaches, an infinity swimming pool, rooftop sundeck and spa - and plenty of space for all, the three-bedroom House at Lizard and neighbouring Cottage accommodate up to eight indulged guests.

A huge thank you to the fabulous House hosts, our private chefs and all who took such fabulous care of every detail and thoughtful indulgence. This is truly a Great Barrier Reef experience without compare! The House at Lizard
https://southern-crossings.com/the-house-at-lizard/

25/05/2023

Another collection of exceptional exclusive-use villas for two (or a few more!) feature on this week’s episode of Lap of Luxury:

Rise early to be among the first on the planet to greet the new day at The blackhouse ; an exclusive-use holiday home that perfectly captures the laidback local lifestyle.

Take your pick from Annandale's collection of four fabulous coastal farm villas (each with their own distinct style and character) on the beautiful Banks Peninsula.

Stargaze from the outdoor hot-tub overlooking Lake Wakatipu at Lodge Lorien, a spectacular private hideaway in New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Join us, 8.10pm tomorrow (Saturday evening) on New Zealand’s TVNZ 1 (or catchup with TVNZ OnDemand) for a down-to-earth journey in to the Lap of Luxury – and for your chance to win a luxury weekend getaway for two at the fabulous Flockhill Lodge.

Annandale Coastal Farm Escape & Luxury Villa Collection Lodge Lorien Glenorchy Screentime Passion Distribution

24/05/2023

We are proud to be able to share this recent article in Condé Nast Traveler.

From Northland to the Southern Alps, it was a pleasure and a privilege to be able to introduce Erin Florio to a collection of ‘New Zealand’s less-visited corners’.

Having grown up in Wellington, this seasoned luxury traveller and Executive Editor of Conde Nast Traveler knows our beautiful part of the world better than many.

As Conde Nast Travel Specialist for New Zealand, Sarah Farag and the team at Southern Crossings take great delight in introducing the most discerning visitors to bucket-list-worthy hidden gems and authentic local experiences.

Follow Erin’s New Zealand adventures with Southern Crossings here:
https://www.cntraveler.com/story/a-journey-through-new-zealands-less-visited-corners-showcases-maori-history-and-kiwi-innovation

And learn more about what it takes and what it means to be a Conde Nast Travel Specialist here:
https://southern-crossings.com/our-news/conde-nast-travel-specialist-for-new-zealand/

New Zealanders can also join us on TVNZ 1 this Saturday from 8.10pm to see more from The blackhouse on Lap of Luxury (Season 3, Episode 2).

The Landing NZ Lake Hawea Station

A writer travels the less-explored regions of the country where she was raised to discover the Indigenous traditions and contemporary Kiwi thinking that make Aotearoa a place like no other.

23/05/2023

New to Bamurru - the Jabiru Retreat is an ideal base for families and couples travelling together to explore the untamed tropical Top End: two separate safari bungalows joined by a shared deck with private plunge pool overlooking the plains that are home to abundant wildlife.

Air-boating, barramundi fishing, bird watching, croc spotting, open-top game drives and guided walks; Bamurru Plains offers an unparalleled Australian safari-style adventure.

20/05/2023

From a romantic cliffside retreat to a stunningly restored homestead in the heart of Hawkes Bay wine country and a spectacular new private villa surrounded by New Zealand’s Southern Alps, this week’s episode of Lap of Luxury showcases the diversity of New Zealand’s landscapes and experiences.

Join us, 8.25pm this evening on New Zealand’s TVNZ1 (or catchup with TVNZ OnDemand ) for a journey behind-the-scenes at some fabulous New Zealand luxury villas – and for your chance to win a luxury weekend getaway for two.


https://southern-crossings.com/lap-of-luxury/


Pipinui Point Te Mata House - Luxury Accommodation, Wedding & Events Venue Hawke's Bay Flockhill Lodge

18/05/2023

We couldn't be more excited to welcome the all-new Southern Ocean Lodge back to Kangaroo Island. Commanding mesmerising views of the wild Southern Ocean, Southern Ocean Lodge spectacularly combines contemporary design, world-class dining and a privileged personalised connection with Australian native wildlife and nature.

Reopening 6 December 2023, Southern Ocean Lodge 2.0 introduces a new level of luxury to Kangaroo Island - and now is the time to secure availability for the Australian 2023/24 summer months and beyond at what is destined to be one of Australia's most sought-after luxury travel experiences.

Read on for further information:
https://southern-crossings.com/southern-ocean-lodge/
and contact our Travel Design team to incorporate this spectacular new hotel in your next Australian adventures. [email protected]