This 14 day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer departs and returns to Christchurch, offering an immersive rail and coach journey across New Zealand’s South Island. You ride the “Super 6” scenic rail lines including TranzAlpine, Kingston Flyer, Marlborough Flyer, Mainlander, Taieri Gorge and Weka Pass. The tour includes a Milford Sound cruise, glacier landscapes at Mt Cook, heritage rail experiences, wine region visits, and coastal rail travel on the Pacific. You stay in premium four-star plus hotels and lodges, enjoy refined dining, and travel with expert local guides and seamless transfers. The balance of rail, coach and on-foot exploration provides depth and ease across this spectacular region.
Begin in Christchurch with optional pre tour arrangements. Registration to meet your fellow explorers and tour guides starts is from 2.30pm – 5pm at Distinction Hotel in Christchurch.
Welcome Dinner and Tour Briefing will be held at the hotel restaurant at 6pm.
Overnight at Christchurch, Distinction Hotel in Christchurch
Your journey begins at Christchurch Railway Station, where the iconic TranzAlpine awaits. Often regarded to be one of the world’s great train journeys for the scenery through which it passes. The journey is 223 kilometres one way, taking almost five hours. You will see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice fed Waimakariri River, traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps, and see large tracts of native beech forest.
On arrival in Greymouth, the “Pounamu Pathway” is a newly opened immersive visitor experience highlighting the rich Māori Culture, history, and West Coast heritage crafted by Wētā Workshop. Luxury coaches await to transport you to your hotel in the ruggedly beautiful Franz Josef.
Overnight at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef
Wake up to enjoy the option for a helicopter tour of the Franz Josef glacier. Leaving Franz Josef, we travel down the West Coast through the Haast Pass, journeying through large tracts of native rain forest and over the Southern Alps. This remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow capped mountains. Continuing through Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, we pass by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and Lake Dunstan.
The adventure playground of Queenstown then awaits! Cap off a special day as we take in The Remarkables Mountain Range and the view of Lake Wakatipu from the hotel.
Overnight at Queenstown, the Novotel Lakeside Hotel, centrally located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu
Wake up to join a lake cruise on board the historic TSS Earnslaw, the 1912 Edwardian steamboat, which takes us across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet BBQ lunch.
Overnight at Queenstown, the Novotel Lakeside Hotel in Queenstown.
Departing Queenstown, we continue to the village of Kingston which is nestled on southernmost end of Lake Wakatipu. Here, the iconic Kingston Flyer Steam Train awaits to take you on a memorable return journey between Kingston & Fairlight. Then, we enter the Fiordland National Park district, continuing to traverse the Southern Scenic Route, our journey calls in to visit the Takahe Bird Sanctuary. Takahe are the stars of the show and meeting these prehistoric looking characters is a ‘must do’ for Fiordland visitors. The sanctuary is a large part of the success of the Takahe Recovery Programme.
Experience breathtaking landscapes and for those who wish to add on a unique experience, take part in a guided Glowworm cave tour for a truly magical experience or an optional jet boat experience.
Overnight at Te Anau, Distinction Hotel Luxmore
Traveling along the Milford Road (between Te Anau and Milford) is one of the finest alpine drives in the world. The scenery is exceptional, ranging from broad grassy flats, dense rainforest and towering mountains through to glacial lakes and alpine herb fields. A day tour to Milford Sound offers some of the most spectacular natural scenery to be viewed anywhere in the world. Board the coach and travel through stunning scenery along the Milford Road and into Fiordland, where your cruise boat awaits you. The tour includes a cruise around the fiord so you can experience its wonders up close and see landmarks like Mitre Peak and amazing wildlife, such as dolphins and seals. Cruise the inner most reaches of Milford Sound to the open Tasman Sea and back (or there is the optional upgrade to explore Doubtful Sound instead).
A one day itinerary is enough to see all the beautiful views along the way, take a scenic cruise around the fiord, and get back to Te Anau in time for dinner.
Overnight at Te Anau, the Distinction Hotel Luxmore.
Departing Te Anau for Invercargill, where we board a recently re-established train, “The Mainlander” which weaves it way through rolling hills and lush scenic rural landscapes of the deep south of New Zealand, to Dunedin.
Overnight at Dunedin, Dunedin’s premier luxury hotel, the Distinction Hotel, nestled in the heart of the city
In the morning, we explore the remote Taieri Gorge by Dunedin Rail over river gorges, weaving our way through a myriad of historic tunnels and guide you to the historic Wingatui Viaduct, a marvel of 1880s construction that remains the largest wrought iron structure in New Zealand.
An afternoon at leisure is planned or there are the optional excursions visit to Larnach Castle for a high tea & garden tour or explore the ‘hidden’ underground Fort Taiaroa, located underneath the Royal Albatross breeding colony at Taiaroa Head.
Overnight at Dunedin, Distinction Hotel in Dunedin
Departing Dunedin by The Mainlander Train, we continue to hug the coast towards Oamaru. We then detour inland via Waitaki Valley & Omarama by coach and onwards towards the spectacular Aoraki Mt Cook. Here, we find the home of the tallest mountain in New Zealand, which helped Sir Edmund Hillary to develop his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of Mt Everest. Recognised as part of the Te Wahipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area, the National Park is a breath-taking environment of glaciers, terminal lakes, turbulent rivers and Australasia’s tallest peak, the mighty Aoraki Mt Cook soaring above at 3,724 metres.
Overnight at Mount Cook, the iconic Hermitage Hotel with majestic mountain views of Aoraki Mt Cook
Enjoy a leisurely morning and then a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, which is a tribute to New Zealand’s global icon as well as discovering New Zealand’s colourful transport, climbing and hotel history. Followed by an afternoon scenic drive up the Hooker Valley through the National Park surrounded by the silent splendour of the Southern Alps. Morning optional activities include a glacier explorer cruise or a scenic ski plane flight with expert pilots navigating their way over the glacial lake, passing soaring mountain tops over NZ’s longest glacier – the 600 metre thick, Tasman Glacier. Guest speaker is a Hillary family representative in the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Theatre before dinner. The optional Planetarium Show takes place in the theatre after the Hillary presentation.
Overnight at Mount Cook, Hermitage Hotel.
A morning departure from the hotel leaving Aoraki Mt Cook by coach, we journey back to the coast via Tekapo, Geraldine and Rakaia on the way to Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch, enjoy either a privately chartered Tram for a historic tram journey around the city or explore modern day Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre and experience a taste of this unique and breathtaking continent, just like the explorers before you.
Overnight at Christchurch, Distinction Hotel in Christchurch
“Where the mountains meet the sea”
Departing Christchurch on the Coastal Pacific Scenic Train, our destination is Kaikōura, home of resident whales, where the guardians of the seas – the mountains of the Southern Alps – rise majestically from the deep trenches of the Pacific Ocean. Several different species of whale can be seen off the coast of Kaikōura at different times of the year, and most of the time, the huge resident Sperm Whales can be sighted. The ocean trench just off the coast means sperm whales are often seen close to shore. Enjoy the option to go on a whale watching cruise, 4WD farm tour or a zip line experience whilst in Kaikōura.
Overnight at Kaikoura at the newly opened Sudima Hotel, taking in spectacular views of the Kaikōura Esplanade.
This morning, we board the Coastal Pacific train again, departing Kaikōura’s dramatic mountain backdrops onwards to the Marlborough winelands region. The coastal route heads inland, crossing the historic railroad bridge at Seddon and bursting out to the Awatere Valley, then through the Dashwood Pass en route to Blenheim by train. Continuing back to Kaikōura by coach after enjoying a leisurely wine tasting at Allan Scott Winery or a visit to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.
Overnight at Kaikoura, Sudima Hotel
Wake up in Kaikōura and travel via Greta Valley to Weka Pass Railway in Waikari, journey through the unique limestone beauty of the Weka Pass in heritage carriages hauled by a vintage diesel-electric locomotive. Continue by coach through the rural Canterbury plains to Christchurch where the tour ends at lunchtime. There is the option for posttour accommodation at the Distinction Hotel in Christchurch.
Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other currencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.
Exclusions:
Flights to and from your points of arrival/departure are not included. Post tour accommodation is optional and also not included. We recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance.
If you would like to book pre or post-tour accommodation, this option is available to book (an extra cost).
Meals that are not included:
Explore local hospitality with Dinner on your own for one of the nights in Queenstown, Te Anau and Dunedin.
Lunch on your own at Aoraki Mount Cook and on the TranzAlpine train
Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.
Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to luxury 5-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative of similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.
Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.
Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.
Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.
Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).
Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 65 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 60 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.
Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.