The complete “Super 6” rail journeys
TranzAlpine, Kingston Flyer steam, The Mainlander, Taieri Gorge, Coastal Pacific and Weka Pass Railway are all part of the itinerary, not optional add-ons.
Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer
14-Day Spring / Summer Tour 2026/27
Follow a South Island journey inspired by Sir Edmund Hillary's spirit of exploration, combining the complete Super 6 rail adventures with Milford Sound, Aoraki Mt Cook, Queenstown and the Coastal Pacific across fourteen carefully paced days.
Starts and ends in Christchurch
World Travel AwardsNZ's Leading Tour Operator 2025
RouteChristchurch returnFull South Island loop
Duration14 days13 nights
DeparturesNov 2026 to Apr 2027Multiple spring and summer dates
Payment20% depositHold your departure
The Hillary connection
More than a name on the tour.
Aoraki Mt Cook is part of Sir Edmund Hillary's own climbing story. This journey spends two nights there and brings that connection into the experience rather than leaving it as background history.
- Aoraki Mt Cook, where Hillary developed his climbing skills
- Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
- Hear from a Hillary family representative
What sets this tour apart
The “Super 6” rail adventures are at the heart of this signature tour.
Six memorable rail journeys are woven through fourteen carefully paced days, connecting the Southern Alps, deep south, Otago, Kaikōura coast and Canterbury heritage rail country.
The Super 6Six rail journeys included in one South Island tour.
TranzAlpineKingston FlyerThe MainlanderTaieri GorgeCoastal PacificWeka Pass
4-Star+ hotels for 13 nights
Hand-picked accommodation including The Hermitage at Aoraki Mt Cook and the Mercure overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
Milford Sound and Aoraki Mt Cook
A full-day Milford Sound excursion and two nights beneath Aoraki Mt Cook give the biggest landscapes room to breathe.
Hillary family guest speaker
At Aoraki Mt Cook, the journey connects back to Sir Edmund Hillary through the Alpine Centre and a Hillary family representative.
Only 20% deposit to secure
Reserve your preferred departure with a 20% deposit, with the balance staged closer to travel.
The Super 6
Six rail journeys. Six very different views of the South Island.
The signature rail experiences sit at the heart of the tour, from alpine passes and wild coastlines to heritage railways, rural towns and remote gorge country.
Day 2
TranzAlpine
Christchurch to Greymouth across the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass.
Day 5
Kingston Flyer
A heritage steam experience between Kingston and Fairlight.
Days 7 & 9
The Mainlander
Two southern rail sectors, exclusive to the Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer.
Day 8
Taieri Gorge
River gorges, historic tunnels and the Wingatui Viaduct.
Days 12 & 13
Coastal Pacific
The Pacific coast route between Christchurch, Kaikoura and Blenheim.
Day 14
Weka Pass Railway
Heritage carriages through the unique limestone landscape of Weka Pass.
Free tour brochure
Take the full 14-day tour away with you.
View the full itinerary, inclusions, season pricing and details of all six rail adventures before deciding which departure suits you.
- Complete 14-day itinerary
- Tour inclusions and meal details
- Super 6 rail journey overview
- 2026/27 season information
Live availability
Choose your 14-Day departure.
Browse the current 14-Day Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer departures below. Availability, pricing and booking are shown live from the secure Pounamu Tourism Group booking system.
From NZ$8,995 twin share
Single supplement NZ$1,495
Christchurch return
What's included
The important details are already taken care of.
From the rail journeys to the hotels and sightseeing, the core experience is arranged before you arrive.
Luxury coach transfers
Two coaches support the journey between rail sectors, hotels and included experiences.
Expert tour leaders
Experienced Kiwi tour leaders accompany the journey from start to finish.
Meals included
12 cooked breakfasts, 9 dinners and 9 lunches, including the Walter Peak BBQ.
Included experiences
TSS Earnslaw, Walter Peak Farm, Pounamu Pathway, Takahē Sanctuary and more.
Optional extras
Add selected experiences before travel, such as glacier flights, whale watching or Doubtful Sound.
Tour itinerary
14 days, carefully paced.
Most days have one main transfer, with time built in to enjoy the South Island's standout stops.
Day 01Christchurch, welcome and tour briefing
Meet your fellow explorers and tour guides, then join the welcome dinner and tour briefing at the hotel restaurant.
Tonight: Sudima Airport Hotel, Christchurch.
Day 02Christchurch, Greymouth and Franz Josef
Travel aboard the TranzAlpine across the Southern Alps to Greymouth, then continue by luxury coach to Franz Josef after exploring the Pounamu Pathway.
Tonight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef.
Day 03Franz Josef, Haast Pass and Queenstown
Follow the West Coast through rainforest, waterfalls and Haast Pass before continuing past Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan to Queenstown.
Tonight: Mercure Queenstown Resort.
Day 04Queenstown, TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak
Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet BBQ lunch.
Tonight: Mercure Queenstown Resort.
Day 05Queenstown, Kingston and Te Anau
Ride the Kingston Flyer between Kingston and Fairlight, then enter Fiordland and visit the Takahē Bird Sanctuary.
Tonight: Distinction Hotel Luxmore, Te Anau.
Day 06Te Anau, Milford Sound and Te Anau
Travel the Milford Road through alpine scenery and rainforest before cruising Milford Sound, with the option to upgrade to Doubtful Sound.
Tonight: Distinction Hotel Luxmore, Te Anau.
Day 07Te Anau, Invercargill and Dunedin
Travel to Invercargill before boarding The Mainlander through the rolling landscapes of the deep south to Dunedin.
Tonight: Distinction Hotel Dunedin.
Day 08Dunedin, Taieri Gorge and an afternoon at leisure
Explore Taieri Gorge by Dunedin Rail through remote river country, historic tunnels and the remarkable Wingatui Viaduct. The afternoon is free, with optional local excursions available.
Tonight: Distinction Hotel Dunedin.
Day 09Dunedin, Oamaru and Aoraki Mt Cook
Follow the coast by The Mainlander towards Oamaru, then cross the Waitaki Valley and Omarama by coach to the spectacular Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.
Tonight: The Hermitage Hotel.
Day 10Aoraki Mt Cook, Hillary Centre and Mueller Lake
Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, enjoy the mountain landscape and hear from a Hillary family representative before dinner.
Tonight: The Hermitage Hotel.
Day 11Aoraki Mt Cook, Tekapo, Geraldine and Christchurch
Return by coach through Tekapo, Geraldine and the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, with a choice of a private tram journey or the International Antarctic Centre.
Tonight: Distinction Hotel Christchurch.
Day 12Christchurch and Kaikōura
Take the Coastal Pacific to Kaikōura, where the mountains meet the sea. Optional whale watching is available during your stay.
Tonight: Sudima Hotel Kaikōura.
Day 13Kaikōura, Blenheim and Kaikōura
Continue along the Coastal Pacific to Blenheim, then enjoy a wine tasting at Allan Scott Winery or visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre before returning to Kaikōura.
Tonight: Sudima Hotel Kaikōura.
Day 14Kaikōura, Weka Pass and Christchurch
Travel via Greta Valley to the Weka Pass Railway, then continue through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch where the tour ends around lunchtime.
Optional: Post-tour accommodation in Christchurch can be arranged.
Watch the journey
The Sir Edmund Hillary
Explorer Experience
A short introduction to our award-winning rail and coach journeys through the heart of New Zealand’s South Island.
The route
The South Island, by rail and coach.
A complete South Island loop, coast to coast, across the Southern Alps, through Fiordland, Otago, Aoraki Mt Cook, Kaikōura and Marlborough.
ChristchurchFranz JosefQueenstownTe AnauDunedinAoraki Mt CookKaikōuraBlenheim
Check departure dates
Photo gallery
What the journey feels like.
From the Southern Alps and West Coast to Aoraki Mt Cook and the Kaikōura coast, these are the moments that stay with you.
Common questions
Things worth knowing before you book.
Still weighing it up? These are the practical details people usually want to know first.
Ask a questionWhat does the tour price include?
The tour includes the complete Super 6 rail adventures, Milford Sound day trip and cruise, high-quality coach travel, 13 nights of accommodation, professional tour leaders, prepaid sightseeing and excursions listed in the itinerary, plus 12 cooked breakfasts, 9 dinners and 9 lunches.
Is the entire tour by train?
No. New Zealand's most spectacular hidden places often need to be reached by road, so luxury coach travel is an important part of the itinerary. The tour includes regular comfort stops and combines as much rail travel as possible.
Can I join if I have mobility issues?
For your enjoyment and safety, you need to be able to climb and descend two flights of stairs, walk unassisted for around 500 metres over uneven surfaces, manage your own bags at times and look after yourself during the journey. Please discuss any mobility requirements before booking.
Can I travel solo?
Absolutely. Solo travellers are welcomed throughout the tour. A single supplement of NZ$1,495 applies when you request your own private room, and availability may be limited on some departures.
What are the payment terms?
A 20% deposit secures your booking, 40% is due six months before departure and the balance is due the month before departure. Direct bank payment is available without a card fee.
What is the cancellation policy?
More than six months before departure, a full refund applies with no cancellation fee. From 60 days or more, 20% of the tour package price applies; 30 to 59 days, 50%; less than 30 days, 100%. If Pounamu Tourism Group cancels a tour, a 100% refund applies.
Compare the signature tours
Still deciding how you want to see the South Island?
Compare the shorter highlights tour, the complete 14-day journey and the small-group Pinnacle experience.
Spring / Summer 2026/27
11-Day Tour
Best for: Travellers wanting the major highlights in a shorter stay.
Duration11 days
FromNZ$7,495
- Big 5 rail adventures
- Milford Sound
- Queenstown and Aoraki Mt Cook
Spring / Summer 2026/27
14-Day Tour
Best for: Travellers wanting the complete South Island rail journey.
Duration14 days
FromNZ$8,995
- Complete Super 6
- Milford Sound and Kaikōura
- Two nights at Aoraki Mt Cook
Small group · 5-star luxury
The Pinnacle Tour 2027
Best for: A once-in-a-lifetime small-group experience hosted by Peter Hillary.
Duration15 days
FromNZ$25,995
- Hosted by Peter Hillary
- Premium accommodation
- Signature air, rail and wilderness experiences
The story behind the journey
Inspired by one of the greatest adventures of our time.
Sir Edmund Hillary epitomised New Zealand's spirit of adventure. The tour carries that connection through the landscapes that helped shape his story, especially Aoraki Mt Cook, where he developed the climbing skills that later took him to Everest.
For guests, that history becomes part of the journey through time at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and a presentation from a Hillary family representative.
2 nightsat Aoraki Mt Cook
Alpine Centreincluded in the itinerary
Family speakerHillary connection brought to life
Your South Island journey starts here
Choose your departure and start planning the rail journey of a lifetime.
Secure your place with a 20% deposit, or talk with the Leisure Tours team before you book.