13-Day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer
Christchurch, New ZealandInspired by one of the most iconic adventurers of our time, the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer invites you on an epic journey by rail through the majestic South Island of New Zealand.
Sir Edmund Hillary epitomised the New Zealand spirit of adventure and he is our inspiration when planning your experience of a lifetime. We pay homage to Sir Edmund Hillary and learn more about his achievements and humanitarian efforts as we explore the South Island of New Zealand and experience the postcard perfect vistas and dramatic alpine scenery that this part of the world is renowned for.
Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer tour includes Hillary’s life highlights including travelling through Marlborough, where Edmund was trained for the air force during the Second World War and where he made some daring ascents of Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku. In Christchurch, learn more about his team’s expedition crossing Antarctica using converted farm tractors at the International Antarctic Centre. At Aoraki/Mt Cook, a visit to the museum dedicated to Edmund’s adventurous spirit and his achievements is a must. A special dinner is hosted there by Edmund’s daughter Sarah Hillary or son Peter Hillary – also a keen mountaineer and adventurer. Find out how they continue to keep their father’s memory alive.
Your 13-day journey begins in Christchurch traversing the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass, to the west coast, down to Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, across to Dunedin, heading back up to Aoraki Mt Cook, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Marlborough across the Cook Straight to Wellington.
Attractions that are included:
- TranzAlpine Rail Journey
- Franz Josef Hot Pools
- Walter Peak Homestead
- Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
- Arrowtown Lakes District Museum
- Kingston Flyer ride
- Milford Sound Day Trip & Cruise
- Takahe Sanctuary
- Croydon Aviation Museum
- Waimea Plains Railway (Rogers K92)
- Taieri Gorge Train Trip
- Guest speaker from the Hillary family
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at Aoraki Mt Cook visit
- International Antarctic Centre
- Coastal Pacific Scenic Train journey
- Marlborough Flyer Steam Train journey
- Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
Tour Includes
- Four star hotel accommodation
- TranzAlpine rail journey.
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities to local guides, drivers, train staff etc.
- Deluxe air-conditioned coach transportation
- Baggage handling of one suitcase per person
- Meals as indicated within the itinerary. Please note; for tours departing after and including 12 November 2024, the tour does NOT include dinner on days 3 & 7 and there is no lunch provided on day 7 either as per shown in the itinerary. On all other departures these meals are included.
- Other meals include, gourmet BBQ lunch at Walter Peak Homestead.
- Services of Tour Leaders
There is an optional pre-tour accommodation at the Sudima Airport Hotel. Registration to meet your fellow explorers and tour guides is from 2:30pm – 5:00pm. Everyone staying at the Sudima Airport Hotel will be transported by coach to the Addington Train Station.
Your Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer tour features the “Big 5” rail journeys of the South Island
The fabled TranzAlpine passenger train service from Christchurch to Greymouth
The historic Kingston Flyer steam railway
The Taieri Gorge Railway, Otago’s finest scenic rail route from Dunedin
The Coastal Pacific from Christchurch to Kaikoura
The glorious Marlborough Flyer from Kaikoura to Picton
Saving the best to last and the icing on the cake for all rail-fans, from Kaikoura to Marlborough, you will be hauled under a full head of steam by the historic WW1 memorial steam locomotive Ab608 Passchendaele, named in honour of our fallen soldiers at The Battle of Passchendaele in 1917.
Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Optional Excursions
Each option on our is highly recommended to make the most of your New Zealand rail highlights tour. Ask at the time of booking.
FREE Christchurch Tramway 1-Day Pass – This LOCO Journeys exclusive offer is available to those travellers booking pre-tour accommodation with LOCO Journeys. The pass must be used prior to the tour starting and will require 2 nights pre-tour accommodation booked for you by LOCO in Christchurch. Ask for more details at the time of booking. This offer is valid for tours departing up to and including the 4 November 2024 – thereafter there is the option to take a tram ride as part of your tour.
Franz Josef Helicopter Flight – Enjoy a sensational helicopter flight over the Southern Alps and famous West Coast Glaciers. A real highlight for the adventurers.
Te Anau Glow Worm Tour – A special experience crossing Lake Te Anau by boat and then enjoy heading underground into glow-worm caves which were only rediscovered in 1948
Doubtful Sounds Cruise (instead of Milford Sound cruise) – An option to view the more expansive but no less impressive Doubtful Sound
Glacier Explorer Cruise – a unique few hours cruising the glacier lake of the Tasman Glacier
Big Sky Stargazing – there’s only a handful of dark-sky reserves across the world. Star-gazing in New Zealand’s South Island viewing the Southern Hemisphere night sky is like nowhere else on earth.
Whale Watch Cruise or Kaikoura Scenic Flight – either experience will offer memories you will cherish as you seek out the mammoths of the sea.
