Duration: 13, 12, 10 & 6 Days
Price: From $2,990 NZD
Departure From: Wellington, Blenheim, Christhchurch & Dunedin
Departure Date: October 2022 & April 2023
Tour Type: Escorted Tour
Meal Plan: B+B and selected meals
Physical Grading: 2
ENQUIRE NOWInspired 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.
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.
“Adventure for the sake of a dream, for the pleasure of searching”
Sir Edmund Hillary
You will travel 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. A special dinner is hosted by Edmund’s son, Peter Hillary – also a keen mountaineer and adventurer – and find out about how he continues to keep his father’s memory alive. At Aoraki/Mt Cook, a visit to the museum dedicated to Edmund’s adventurous spirit and his achievements is a must.
You will spend the first week travelling the entire length of the South Island by heritage rail, in the comfort of vintage carriages, staying in Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Aoraki/Mount Cook (detour inland by luxury coach) and Dunedin.
Heritage rail highlights include hauled by steam locomotive Ab608 Passchendaele. South of Kaikoura from Marlborough to Kaikoura, your rail journey continues with two magnificent heritage 1950’s diesel locomotives. A return journey between Kingston & Fairlight on the iconic Kingston Flyer steam train will the icing on the cake for all rail fans.
Once we reach Invercargill at the bottom of the mainland, we begin the traverse inland on luxury coaches to experience the wonders of Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown and Franz Josef, then to cap it all off, experience one of the world’s famous rail journeys on board the TranzAlpine traversing the Southern Alps, between Greymouth and Christchurch.
A journey of a lifetime from Wellington via Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Dunedin, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown & Franz Josef, before the home stretch to Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass, using a combination of Heritage Train & Luxury Coach.
From Marlborough to Kaikoura, 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. South of Kaikoura, your rail journey continues with two magnificent heritage 1950’s DA locomotives in an impressive & powerful double-header formation. Further in the tour, a return journey between Kingston & Fairlight on the iconic Kingston Flyer steam train will be the icing on the cake for our rail fans.
Please note, prices are based on per person sharing. Single supplements apply to all tour prices, rates shown below.
October 2022 Departures
Please register your interest with us for our scheduled tours departing in October 2023
Please see below for itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions.
Itinerary and inclusions will change depending on departure city.
For a detailed brochure dedicated to the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Tour Contact Us and we are happy to email to you.
LOCO Journeys can offer pre and post departure activities, flights and accommodation. Just let us know what you would like to do!
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