Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour Summer 2026

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 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 tour 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.

LOCO has a wide range of Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tours available that cater for different times of year and interests. Reach out to our team to get expert information and guarantee the best possible experience for your upcoming holiday.

“Adventure for the sake of a dream, for the pleasure of searching”

Sir Edmund Hillary

Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour by Rail & Luxury Coach.

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.

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BOOK YOUR TOUR WITH LOCO JOURNEYS & RECEIVE A FREE WELLINGTON CABLE CAR EXPERIENCE!

The first week of your journeys leads you on a circuit of the South Island’s highlights, enjoying experiences such as the TranzAlpine train, the West Coast Glaciers, and the wonders of Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford Sound. You will cruise on the steamship TSS Earnslaw and ride on the Kingston Flyer. Onward to Dunedin where you will enjoy another iconic rail journey, The Tiaeri Gorge, an epic rail trip over white water rapids, towering viaducts and tunnels.

Mountain country then beckons and you will enjoy a two night stay at the prestigious Hermitage Hotel overlooking Aoraki/Mount Cook and a visit to the excellent Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

We return back to Christchurch to join The Coastal Pacific Scenic Train, one of the most picturesque journeys on New Zealand’s railways. Throughout this scenic experience, you will meander along the Pacific coast across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breath-taking beauty to Kaikoura.

From Kaikoura through to Marlborough, we board the Coastal Pacific again departing Kaikoura’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 to Blenheim and on to Picton before connecting with the inter-island ferry to Wellington.

Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour Highlights

• TranzAlpine Rail Journey – A world-renowned train ride through alpine peaks and deep valleys.
• Taieri Gorge Railway – Traverse spectacular canyons and viaducts on this historic rail line.
• Franz Josef Hot Pools – Relax in soothing thermal waters beneath rainforest canopy.
• TSS Earnslaw & Walter Peak Homestead – Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard a vintage steamship to a historic high-country estate.
• Arrowtown Lakes District Museum – Discover gold-rush heritage in a charming historic village.
• Kingston Flyer – Ride a lovingly restored steam locomotive from a bygone era.
• Milford Sound Cruise – Sail beneath soaring cliffs and cascading waterfalls in Fiordland.
• Takahe Sanctuary – Encounter New Zealand’s rare and iconic native bird.
• Croydon Aviation Museum – Explore vintage aircraft and pioneering aviation stories.
• Waimea Plains Railway – Step back in time as you view the historic Rogers K92.
• Guest Speaker from the Hillary Family – Hear personal stories of Sir Edmund Hillary’s remarkable legacy.
• Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre – Celebrate adventure at the foot of Aoraki/Mt Cook.
• International Antarctic Centre – Experience the thrill of Antarctic life in interactive style.
• Coastal Pacific Scenic Train – Glide along a dazzling coastline where mountains meet the sea.
• Interislander Ferry – Cruise through the stunning bays and headlands of Marlborough Sounds.

Check out our post to learn more about each of the Sir Edmund Hillary Tour highlights

Finish your Journey in style aboard the Northern Explorer. Your Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour will delight you as you circumnavigate New Zealand’s South Island from Christchurch to Wellington. Why not complete your New Zealand rail tour and journey to Auckland in style aboard the Northern Explorer – exclusive to LOCO Journeys. See details below.

Heritage Rail Highlights & the ‘Big Five’ of the South Island

New Zealand’s South Island is home to some of the world’s most remarkable rail experiences — journeys that combine breathtaking scenery, rich history, and timeless charm. From iconic alpine crossings to lovingly restored steam locomotives, these five railways capture the very essence of luxury travel and heritage adventure and are included visits for your Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer tour.

The TranzAlpine

The fabled TranzAlpine passenger train offers an unforgettable journey from Christchurch to Greymouth, widely celebrated as one of the world’s most spectacular rail experiences. Travel in comfort through the patchwork fields of the Canterbury Plains, cross soaring viaducts, and wind through the dramatic Southern Alps before descending into lush West Coast rainforest. This is the ultimate showcase of New Zealand’s alpine landscapes, all from the comfort of your panoramic carriage.

The Kingston Flyer

Step back into the golden age of rail aboard the historic Kingston Flyer steam train. Lovingly restored, this vintage locomotive captures the romance of 19th-century travel as it journeys through rolling farmland and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The experience includes a chance to admire the beautifully maintained carriages and the atmospheric puff of steam that makes this iconic train a living piece of New Zealand heritage.

The Taieri Gorge Railway

Departing from the resplendent Dunedin Railway Station — a masterpiece of Edwardian architecture — the Taieri Gorge Railway is Otago’s most scenic rail journey. Traversing spectacular viaducts, narrow tunnels, and steep ravines, this route offers breathtaking views of rugged, untouched landscapes that are otherwise inaccessible. The journey blends engineering marvels with natural splendour, making it a highlight of South Island rail travel.

Waimea Plains Railway

At the Waimea Plains Railway, you’ll encounter the remarkable Rogers K92, a historic steam locomotive restored to full working order. This hands-on heritage experience brings New Zealand’s early rail history vividly to life, with the chance to explore the lovingly recreated rural line and witness the locomotive in steam. It’s a rare opportunity to see a true pioneer of the nation’s railway story up close.

The Coastal Pacific

The Coastal Pacific offers one of the most scenic rail journeys in the Southern Hemisphere, travelling from Christchurch to Picton along a breathtaking stretch of coastline. On one side, the Kaikōura Ranges rise sharply from the land, while on the other, the Pacific Ocean sparkles just metres from the tracks. The journey includes panoramic viewing from spacious carriages, and often the chance to spot dolphins or seals basking along the rugged shore. This is rail travel at its most picturesque and serene.

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 for all the additional Sir Edmund Hillary Tour activities you can include.

Exclusive FREE Wellington Cable Car Journey – This LOCO Journeys exclusive offer is available to those travellers booking post-tour accommodation in Wellington. Opened in 1902, the historic Wellington Cable Car takes passengers from the heart of the city up through the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn, to the lookout perched high above the city. Your return cable car journey must be confirmed at the time of booking. Ask for more details at the time of booking. This offer is valid for tours departing throughout 2025 only.

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.

Northern Explorer Train – once your 13-Day tour is over, extend your journey and take the chance to ride on New Zealand’s epic Northern Explorer taking you from Wellington to Auckland in one day. Let us know at the time of booking.

Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour Dates

Prices are based on per person sharing. Single supplements apply to all tour prices, rates shown below.

Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour Summer 2026 Departures

This tour departs Christchurch and travels to Wellington across 13 days and 12 nights. It includes 12 cooked breakfasts, 9 sumptuous dinners, 8 picnic lunches including a Gourmet BBQ lunch at Walter Peak Homestead.

Please note, the 31 March 2026 tour follows a slightly different itinerary, starting and finishing in Christchurch. Please ask for more details.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer rail tour series was recently voted as a World Travel Award Winner. Click Here for the full range of Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tours

If you would like to travel on this tour but the departure dates are not available, consider instead the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour – “Winter Edition”, operating throughout Winter 2026.

Northern Explorer – Wellington to Auckland Optional Add-On

For those with a little more time available and have the urge to tick the box on all of New Zealand’s scenic rail journeys, complete the Great Rail Journeys of New Zealand set and let LOCO Journeys extend your Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer tour to Auckland. Travelling on Scenic Class Plus you will enjoy a premium finale befitting the romance of rail travel. LOCO can include:

• Additional nights at your Wellington as required depending on the North Explorer timetable
• Free Wellington Cable Car ride
• A journey on the Northern Explorer in Scenic Plus, New Zealand’s most epic train journey traversing 681km from Wellington to Auckland.
• Auckland accommodation of your choice
• Time-allowing, LOCO Journeys can add day excursions from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves or Rotorua.
• Airport Transfers from down-town Auckland to the airport.

Please see below for a detailed itinerary and booking conditions.

For a detailed brochure dedicated to the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour contact us and we are happy to email this to you. LOCO Journeys can offer you pre-tour and post-tour departure activities, flights and accommodation.

Important: To enjoy LOCO Journeys exclusive FREE historic return Wellington Cable Car journey, you must book post-tour accommodation in Wellington to ensure you have enough time to enjoy this . This offer is valid for new bookings on tours departing through 2025. Guests wishing to continue their journey to Auckland on the Northern Explorer or return to Christchurch should advise at the time of booking and this can be arranged and booked on your behalf.

If you would like to travel on this tour but the departure dates are not available, consider instead the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour – Winter Edition, operating throughout Winter 2025 or visit the full range of Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tours.

LOCO Journeys offers the most extensive choice of New Zealand rail tours suited to every budget, travel style and duration. Click here for alternate New Zealand scenic train and railfan tours.