The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Pinnacle Tour is a 15 day luxury rail and coach journey through New Zealand’s South Island and departing via flight from Blenheim to Auckland. Hosted by Peter Hillary, this small group journey max 23 guests offers premium hotels, panoramic rail routes, excursions into wild landscapes, and deep cultural connection. Among the included experiences are the “Big 5” rail routes, glacier flights, Milford Sound, heritage steam journeys, coastal train lines, Kaikōura whale watching, Akaroa cruise and botanical reserve visits. This tour is the ultimate expression of rail travel and landscape immersion.
Tour registration runs from 2:30pm to 5:00pm. In the evening meet your group and host Peter Hillary at a welcome dinner and briefing at your hotel restaurant.
Overnight at Distinction Hotel, Christchurch
Your journey begins with transport from your hotel by luxury coach to the Christchurch Railway Station, where the iconic TranzAlpine awaits. You will be seated in “Scenic Plus” seats which is a premium onboard dining experience. 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, traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, and cross the Southern Alps, via Arthur’s Pass. A luxury coach awaits in Greymouth to escort you to the village of Punakaiki – home to the “Pancake Rocks” and blowholes, along an absolutely spectacular coastline.
Overnight at Scenic Hotel, Punakaiki
Wake up to travel south to experience the “Pounamu Pathway”., an immersive and unique Māori cultural experience created by world-renowned “Weta Workshops” following which enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Tree Top Walkway, an exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants, then journey to the beautiful glacial township of Franz Josef.
Enjoy an afternoon visit to the historic and picturesque goldmining town, Arrowtown, with a visit to the Lakes District Museum.
Overnight at Scenic Hotel Te Waonui, Franz Josef.
Leaving Franz Josef, and travelling down the spectacular West Coast, we encounter the mighty Haast River on a Jetboat Safari and journey into the heart of Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area to experience a clos -up encounter with this untouched landscape and its remarkable natural features. We then we travel over 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 and Lake Hawea. The journey pauses for a night in beautiful Wanaka.
Overnight at Edgewater Hotel, Wanaka
Enjoy a unique and intimate experience at an iconic high-country farm at Mt Aspiring Station homestead with the Aspinalls, family friends of The Hillarys. The adventure playground of Queenstown then awaits! Cap off a special day as we take in 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 dinner.
Overnight at Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
A Queenstown highlight is a return flight to the nearby attraction of Milford to enjoy a premium cruise of the “eighth wonder of the world” The Milford Sound where we take in some of the most spectacular natural scenery to be viewed anywhere in the world. The cruise around the fiord enables you to 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.
A one day itinerary with return flights is enough to see all the beautiful views along the way, and get back to Queenstown in time for dinner with a well known local guest speaker.
Overnight at Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
Unwind during a well-deserved day of leisure in Queenstown followed by an evening Gondola ride all the way up to Stratosfare Restaurant for dinner, taking in majestic panoramic views of The Remarkables Mountain Range and Lake Wakatipu below.
Overnight at Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
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 journey between Kingston & Fairlight. Then southward to Invercargill, where we board the recently re-established train from Invercargill to Dunedin. This is a rail experience that is exclusive to our tours – “The Mainlander” which weaves it way through rolling hills and lush scenic rural landscapes that the deep south is renowned for.
Overnight at Distinction Hotel, Dunedin
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. That afternoon we take in a visit to the Taiaroa Head Albatross Colony, the hidden underground Fort Taiaroa and the worlds’ only Armstrong Disappearing Gun. Later we enjoy the company of a well-known local historian at dinner.
Overnight at Distinction Hotel, Dunedin
Departing from Dunedin by rail on The Mainlander, 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, where Sir Edmund Hillary developed his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of Mt Everest. Recognised as part of the Te Wāhipounamu 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 The Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook
During your stay enjoy 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. Morning activities include the awe-inspiring Tasman Glacier by helicopter and ski plane, 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. The afternoon adventures continue with glacier explorer cruise and then our nightly cocktail hour briefing and storytelling by Peter Hillary.
Overnight at The Hermitage Hotel, Mt Cook
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 we visit The International Antarctic Centre and experience a taste of this unique and breathtaking continent – just like the explorers before you.
Overnight at Distinction Hotel, Christchurch
Highlights of the day include Akaroa Nature Cruise (and dolphins) and a special visit to Hinewai Private Nature Reserve with well-respected New Zealand botanist Hugh Wilson as your host.
Overnight at Distinction Hotel, 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. We join the Kaikōura Whale Watch Cruise in the morning. 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. Discover an abundance of extraordinary seabirds often seen close up including encounters with many species of majestic Albatross including 3.5 metre wing span Royal Albatross and other pelagic birds. This is an unforgettable experience in one of New Zealand’s most breath-taking destinations.
Overnight at Sudima Hotel, Kaikōura
This morning, we board the Coastal Pacific train again, departing Kaikōura’s dramatic mountain backdrops onwards to the Marlborough 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 to Blenheim. Explore the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre on arrival, which features a world class exhibition of WW1 & WW2 aircraft. We conclude the day with a wine tasting and farewell dinner at one of Marlborough’s finest estates, Allan Scott winery.
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.