10 Day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer

Your journey begins in Christchurch, where you’ll board the iconic TranzAlpine train—often regarded as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys for the breathtaking scenery it traverses. Spanning 223 kilometres and taking nearly five hours, the journey showcases sweeping vistas as you skirt the ice-fed Waimakariri River, cross the expansive Canterbury Plains, ascend through the Southern Alps, and pass through ancient beech forests. Upon arrival in Greymouth, immerse yourself in The Pounamu Pathway—a newly opened experience crafted by Wētā Workshop, celebrating Māori culture, local legends, and West Coast heritage. Then continue by luxury coach to the ruggedly beautiful Franz Josef, where your alpine adventure continues.

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 rainforest and over the Southern Alps. This remote area features a ruggedly beautiful landscape of lush forests, gushing waterfalls, and dramatic mountain terrain. Continuing through Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, we pass 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.

Wake up to join a lake cruise on board the historic TSS Earnslaw, a 1912 Edwardian steamboat, which carries us across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet BBQ lunch.

Departing Queenstown, we continue to the village of Kingston, nestled at the southernmost end of Lake Wakatipu. Here, the iconic Kingston Flyer Steam Train awaits to take you on a memorable return journey between Kingston and Fairlight.

We then enter the Fiordland National Park district, continuing along the Southern Scenic Route. Our journey includes a visit to the Takahe Bird Sanctuary—home to the rare and charismatic takahē. Meeting these prehistoric-looking birds is a ‘must do’ for Fiordland visitors, and the sanctuary plays a key role in the Takahe Recovery Programme.

Take in the breathtaking landscapes, and for those seeking something extra, join a guided glowworm cave tour—an enchanting and unforgettable experience.

Travelling along the Milford Road between Te Anau and Milford is one of the world’s finest alpine drives. The scenery is truly exceptional—ranging from broad grassy flats and dense rainforest to glacial lakes, alpine herb fields, and towering mountains.

Today’s day tour to Milford Sound offers some of the most spectacular natural beauty anywhere in the world. Board the coach and travel through the heart of Fiordland, where your cruise boat awaits. The tour includes a scenic cruise through the fiord, where you’ll get up close to iconic landmarks like Mitre Peak and encounter wildlife such as dolphins and seals. Cruise the innermost reaches of Milford Sound to the open Tasman Sea and back—or choose an optional upgrade to explore the more remote Doubtful Sound.

A full-day itinerary allows you to enjoy the breathtaking views, experience the fiord by boat, and return to Te Anau in time for dinner.

Departing Te Anau, we travel to Invercargill where we board a recently re-established train—The Mainlander—a rail experience exclusive to our tours. This memorable journey weaves its way through rolling hills and lush rural landscapes of New Zealand’s deep south, arriving in Dunedin.

In the morning, we explore the remote Taieri Gorge aboard Dunedin Rail, crossing dramatic river gorges and weaving through a series of historic tunnels. A highlight of the journey is the impressive Wingatui Viaduct—a marvel of 1880s engineering and the largest wrought iron structure in New Zealand.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, or choose from optional excursions: visit Larnach Castle for a garden tour and high tea, or explore the hidden underground Fort Taiaroa, located beneath the Royal Albatross breeding colony at Taiaroa Head.

Departing from Dunedin by rail, we travel along the coastline toward Oamaru. From there, we detour inland by coach via the Waitaki Valley and Omarama, continuing toward the spectacular Aoraki Mt Cook.

Home to New Zealand’s tallest mountain, this region played a pivotal role in Sir Edmund Hillary’s mountaineering development as he prepared for his ascent of Mt Everest. Recognised as part of the Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area, the National Park is a breathtaking landscape of glaciers, terminal lakes, fast-flowing rivers, and the towering presence of Aoraki Mt Cook, soaring 3,724 metres above sea level.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before visiting the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre—a tribute to one of New Zealand’s greatest icons. Discover the country’s rich history of transport, climbing, and hospitality.

In the afternoon, take a scenic drive through the breathtaking Hooker Valley, surrounded by the silent splendour of the Southern Alps within the National Park.

Optional morning activities include a Glacier Explorer Cruise or a scenic ski plane flight, with expert pilots flying over soaring mountain peaks and across the glacial lake to view the 600-metre-thick Tasman Glacier—New Zealand’s longest.

Before dinner, enjoy a special guest presentation by a Hillary family representative in the Alpine Centre Theatre. An optional Planetarium Show follows in the same venue.

Departing in the morning by coach, we leave Aoraki Mt Cook and journey back to the coast via Tekapo, Geraldine, and Rakaia en route to Christchurch.

On arrival in Christchurch, your unforgettable South Island adventure comes to an end.

There is an option for post-tour accommodation at the Distinction Hotel in Christchurch.