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An unforgettable coach and rail journey tracing the path of New Zealand’s legendary mountaineer and humanitarian, Sir Edmund Hillary.
13 Day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer
Christchurch to Wellington | 13 days | from AU$ 8,325pp (twin share) | AU$ 9,790pp (single)
Inspired by one of the greatest and most iconic adventurers of our time, the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer invites you on an epic journey by rail and luxury coach throughout the majestic South Island of Aotearoa.
Accommodation & Meals
12 nights in quality 4–5 star accommodation
12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 9 dinners
Transport & Touring
Travel aboard a luxury coach with an experienced Tour Director
Iconic rail experiences including:
TranzAlpine train journey
Coastal Pacific train (two-day journey)
Taieri Gorge train
Dunedin Railways train to Oamaru
Kingston Flyer heritage steam train
Waimea Plains Railway featuring Rogers K92
Rail Highlights
Travel aboard the iconic TranzAlpine, crossing the Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass
Ride the historic Kingston Flyer steam train and cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
Visit Waimea Plains Railway to see the heritage Rogers K92 steam locomotive in action
Enjoy a dramatic journey through the Taieri Gorge with Dunedin Railways
Board the scenic Coastal Pacific Train, travelling between Christchurch, Kaikōura and Marlborough
Cruises & Excursions
Milford Sound full-day tour and cruise
TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak Station
Scenic Interislander ferry crossing
Attractions & Experiences
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, Mt Cook
Arrowtown Lakes District Museum
Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Takahe Sanctuary
International Antarctic Centre or Christchurch Tram Tour
Key Highlights
Journey through New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes in luxury
Experience the iconic “Big Five” scenic rail adventures
Stay in handpicked 4-star+ accommodations for 12 unforgettable nights
Travel in style with luxury coaches and expert local guides
Explore world-famous destinations like Milford Sound & Mt. Cook
Departs October 2025 - April 2026.
*Advertised price is per person, based on twin share. Valid for departures from October 2025 until April 2026.
15 Day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Pinnacle Tour Hosted by Peter Hillary
Christchurch to Auckland | 15 days | from AU$ 24,495pp (twin share) | AU$ 34,245pp (single)
This exceptional 5-star, Small Group Tour is inspired by one of the greatest and most iconic adventurers of our time. The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer invites you on an epic journey by rail and luxury coach throughout the majestic South Island of New Zealand, hosted by Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary.
Exclusive Highlights
Personally hosted by Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary, with captivating stories and insights shared throughout the journey
Small group luxury touring – maximum of 23 guests
Expertly guided and fully escorted for a seamless experience
15 nights in handpicked 5-star accommodation
Travel in comfort by luxury business-class coach with leather seats and panoramic windows
Multiple scenic train journeys and internal flights for a comprehensive and relaxed travel experience
Accommodation & Dining
15 nights in luxury 5-star hotels
15 cooked breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 13 gourmet dinners
Regular cocktail hours hosted by Peter Hillary
Farewell function and wine tasting at Allan Scott Winery
Luxury Travel & Rail Journeys
TranzAlpine Train
The Mainlander Train (Invercargill–Dunedin & Dunedin–Oamaru)
Coastal Pacific Scenic Train (2 days in Premier Scenic Plus Class)
Taieri Gorge Railway
Kingston Flyer Historic Steam Train
Scenic Flights & Cruises
Milford Sound return scenic flights and premium cruise
Tasman Glacier scenic flight & Glacier Explorer Cruise
TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak Homestead
Akaroa Nature Cruise
Kaikōura Whale Watching Cruise
Jetboat Safari on the Haast River
Cultural & Nature Experiences
Guided tour of Christchurch on the historic tram
Pounamu Pathway Cultural Experience
West Coast Treetop Walk
Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Experience
Mt Aspiring Station Homestead visit
Queenstown Gondola ride
Albatross Colony & Fort Taiaroa
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at Mt Cook
International Antarctic Centre
Hinewai Nature Reserve presentation with botanist Hugh Wilson
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Bill Richardson Transport World
Two guest speaker dinners in Queenstown and Dunedin
Additional Experiences
Hosted briefings and storytelling sessions by Peter Hillary
Flight to Auckland (end of tour)
Departs January & March 2026
*Advertised price is per person, based on twin share. Valid for select departures on 26 January and 26 March 2026.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
