Sir Edmund Hillary Train Tour Reviews
Discover why the Sir Edmund Hillary train tours are so highly rated. We’ve listed a number of Sir Edmund Hillary train tour reviews to read below.
The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer rail touring series has become one of New Zealand’s most celebrated and talked-about rail touring experiences, and for good reason. Operating regular departures right throughout the year, this extraordinary rail and luxury coach journey showcases the majesty of the South Island in every season. Unlike many other tours, the tour operates right through winter, revealing snow-cloaked landscapes, crisp alpine air, and spectacular light offering guests a truly unforgettable glimpse of Aotearoa at its most dramatic. It’s no wonder travellers return with glowing Sir Edmund Hillary train tour reviews.
A New Zealand Rail Tour through the South Island’s Scenic Heart
At the heart of this series are some of the country’s most iconic rail journeys, including the TranzAlpine train, the Coastal Pacific, and the historic Taieri Gorge Railway. Each train trip reveals a different face of the South Island, from rugged coastlines and alpine passes to inland plains and deep river gorges. Whether you join during spring, summer, or winter, each tour is carefully designed to highlight the season’s best features. For those seeking an extra-special experience, the exclusive Pinnacles Tour offers an elevated itinerary and premium touches that make the journey even more memorable.
A Special Connection to a Legendary Name
What truly sets these tours apart is their connection to one of the world’s most iconic explorers. On select departures, guests have the privilege of hearing from Peter Hillary or another member of the Hillary family, in an intimate and inspiring lecture. These personal stories bring the spirit of Sir Edmund Hillary to life, adding extraordinary meaning to an already remarkable journey.
A Celebration of Traveller Experiences
This article brings together Sir Edmund Hillary train tour reviews from recent travellers who’ve experienced the journey for themselves. Their words capture the scenery, the spirit of adventure, the camaraderie onboard, and the exceptional service that make these tours a true standout.
Sir Edmund Hillary Train Tour Reviews
Carl Thompson, Australia – October 2025 Tour
A grand tour and a holiday of a lifetime. This Tour was highly professional and very well organised. It really could not have been better in catering for the different levels of physical fitness. Lauren and Trevor were the best Tour guides, and I really cannot praise them highly enough for the thoughtfulness, expert knowledge and the way they handled every situation.
Barry & Gay Goss, Australia – March 2025 Tour
Barry and I were lucky to be on the Sir Edmund Hillary tour. What a trip – cannot speak more highly of it and would recommend anyone to take it. I had not been to the South Island and was looking forward to enjoying the scenery and this tour gave me just that. Our guides were amazing and made a fantastic team. The trains made for an interesting inclusion to the itinerary and gave a different perspective to road travel. Highlight for me without a doubt was Mt Cook, it blew me away – could not imagine staying anywhere else but the Hermitage and what a treat having Peter Hillary give us a talk. All in all, a perfect holiday.
Denice Reilly, Arizona, USA – April 2025 Tour
I had longed to go to New Zealand and when this tour showed up on my Facebook page I was intrigued! I loved the tour! The tour guides, all four of them, where wonderful and the itinerary was excellent. It provided a variety of activities and rail excursions that I found to be excellent. Being that I travelled by myself I was hopeful that I would meet some great people and I must tell you that everyone I met was wonderful. I had the privilege to meet three other women who were travelling solo and became good friends. I would recommend this tour to everyone!
Lisa Godwin, New South Wales, Australia – April 2025 Tour
I loved the trip; the guides, the drivers were all kind and could not do enough for us. NZ is beautiful, people are lovely, the trains were great, food was great, it snowed! We could not have experienced this by ourselves. My partner hurt himself and they ensured we were so well looked after. Highly recommended!
Lynn & Debra Willis, Florida, USA – September 2024 Tour
Recommended for anybody… especially for 50+ crowd. The trains and excursions are really excellent. Our trip was truly best of our lives. I would do it all again.
Dorothy Wilson, Lower Hutt, New Zealand – March 2024 Tour
I rate the trip 10 out of 10. The organisation and execution of the trip were excellent along with the top quality transport, accommodation, meals and experiences. Everyone on the team was welcoming, friendly, helpful and really informative. The places we went to and the scenery on the trip were outstanding – even the weather Gods smiled on us! I was initially nervous that my hearing impairment would be a barrier, but soon realised that this was not a problem at all. Everyone made sure that I could hear them or helped out when I missed information. I have already recommended this trip to family, friends & even a stranger on the ferry & will continue to do so!
Les & Lesley Dickenson, NSW, Australia – October 2023 Tour
Thanks again for the great trip and we will be recommending it to others. It was one of the best run tours I have every been on and I have been on quite a few! We have been to NZ several times and visited most of the places before but doing this as a group works really well and gave us a different insight to some of the places.
Helen Bessey, Canberra, Australia – April 2023 Tour
My overall experience was excellent – I enjoyed the trip so much, it certainly was “a trip of a lifetime”. I would like to do it all again and I found that sentiment amongst fellow travellers. I would most certainly recommend the trip to friends and family. The included activities were excellent – every day was a highlight.
Anne Foley, New South Wales, Australia– April 2023 Tour
We thoroughly enjoyed our Sir Edmund Hilary Tour 13th – 22nd April 2023. The tour was very well organized with excellent tour guides and bus drivers. Enjoyed the train trips and watching enthusiastic people taking photos and waving wherever we went. Accommodation and meals were excellent. Loved all the places we visited and seeing how the South Island has changed in fifty years since I have travelled around NZ. We were very jealous of your beautiful country with everywhere so green. Cattle and sheep so healthy plus all the tractors we saw! We rate our holiday 10 out of 10. We would recommend the Sir Edmund Hilary Explorer Tour to our friends and family.
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
Be Part of the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Train Tour
As the Sir Edmund Hillary train tour reviews show, this isn’t just another rail journey, it’s an experience that stays with you long after you return home. From breathtaking alpine scenery to the warmth of shared stories onboard, these tours capture the true spirit of New Zealand. Whether you choose a spring or summer adventure, a snow-dusted winter journey, or the exclusive Pinnacles Tour, you’ll be part of something extraordinary. Seats are in high demand year-round, so secure your place today and make the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Train Tour the highlight of your next New Zealand holiday.
Book the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Train Tour with LOCO Journeys
When you book your Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Rail Tour through LOCO Journeys, you’re choosing a trusted specialist in New Zealand rail travel. Here’s why:
Personalised, Highly Rated Service
As a small, family-owned company, LOCO Journeys offers personal, attentive service from the first enquiry to your return home. Travellers consistently praise our friendly support, clear communication, and expert advice that takes the stress out of organising a rail holiday.
Seamless Travel Planning
LOCO Journeys is made up of dedicated rail travel experts who know how to create a smooth, well-paced itinerary. We handle every detail; from pre- and post-tour activities to premium accommodation, so you can simply relax and enjoy the journey.
Exclusive Extras
Booking with LOCO means access to special inclusions such as a complimentary return journey on the historic Wellington Cable Car for eligible North Island travellers, plus tailored arrangements that enhance your experience.
A Complete Travel Service
With LOCO Journeys, all your travel arrangements are in one place, international and domestic flights, rail tickets, transfers, ferries, and activities. That means one point of contact, one simple booking, and the reassurance that everything fits together perfectly.
If you are ready to make your Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Rail Tour contact LOCO now.
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