- Overview
- Trip Itinerary
- Trip Includes
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SIR EDMUND HILLARY EXPLORER – HOSTED BY PETER HILLARY
Package from:
- From NZ$26,995 per person twin share*
Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights
Starts: Christchurch
Ends: Auckland
Destinations: Christchurch, Arthurs Pass, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Oamaru, Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, Kaikōura and Blenheim
Overview:
Inspired by one of New Zealand's greatest adventurers, this exceptional luxury small-group journey showcases the very best of the South Island by scenic rail and luxury coach. Hosted by Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary, guests will enjoy unforgettable landscapes, exclusive experiences, luxury accommodation and fascinating storytelling throughout the journey.
Exclusive Highlights:
- Hosted by Peter Hillary throughout the journey
- Luxury small group tour with a maximum of 23 guests
- Carefully selected luxury accommodation
- Travel by scenic rail and luxury business-class coach
- Regular cocktail hours with Peter Hillary
- Personal stories and insights from the Hillary family legacy
Tour Inclusions:
- Hosted by Peter Hillary and experienced tour guides
- 15 nights luxury accommodation
- 15 cooked breakfasts
- 11 lunches
- 13 dinners
- Luxury business-class coach travel
- Regular cocktail hours with Peter Hillary
Rail & Scenic Journey Highlights:
- TranzAlpine Scenic Rail Journey
- Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Journey in Scenic Plus Class
- The Mainlander Train Journey – Invercargill to Dunedin
- The Mainlander Train Journey – Dunedin to Oamaru
- Taieri Gorge Train Journey
- Kingston Flyer Historic Train Excursion
Signature Experiences:
- Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight
- Milford Sound Return Flights
- Milford Sound Premium Cruise
- Tasman Glacier Flight Experience
- Tasman Glacier Explorer Cruise
- Haast Jetboat River Safari
- West Coast Treetop Walk
- Kaikōura Whale Watch Cruise
- Akaroa Nature Cruise
Cultural & Heritage Experiences:
- Pounamu Pathway Cultural Immersion Tour
- International Antarctic Centre
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at Aoraki / Mt Cook
- Bill Richardson Transport World
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
- Albatross Colony & Fort Taiaroa Tour
- Hinewai Private Nature Reserve presentation with Hugh Wilson
Special Guest Speakers:
- Former Mayor of Queenstown at a special dinner event
- Dunedin history professor at a hosted dinner
- Peter Hillary storytelling and presentations throughout the tour
Why You'll Love This Journey:
- Travel with Peter Hillary on an exclusive hosted adventure
- Experience New Zealand's most scenic rail journeys
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Small-group touring with a maximum of 23 guests
- Outstanding glacier, wildlife and Milford Sound experiences
- Premium dining and sightseeing included
- A truly once-in-a-lifetime New Zealand journey
Departure Dates:
- 14 January 2027 – 28 January 2027
- 15 April 2027 – 29 April 2027
Pricing:
- From NZ$26,995 per person twin share
*Price is per person twin share and subject to availability at the time of booking. Includes luxury accommodation, meals as specified, luxury coach travel, scenic rail journeys, sightseeing, cruises, flights and experiences as listed.
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Itineraries
Day 1
Christchurch
Registration to meet your host Peter Hillary, your fellow “explorers” and your tour guides is from 2:30pm – 5:00pm at Distinction Hotel followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Christchurch - Greymouth - Punakaiki
Your journey begins with transport from your hotel by luxury coach to the Christchurch Railway Station, where the iconic TranzAlpine awaits. You will be seated in “Scenic Plus” seats which is a premium onboard dining experience. Often regarded to be one of the world’s great train journeys for the scenery through which it passes. The journey is 223 kilometres one-way, taking almost five hours. You will see epic vistas, traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, and cross the Southern Alps, via Arthur’s Pass. A luxury coach awaits in Greymouth to escort you to the village of Punakaiki – home to the “Pancake Rocks” and blowholes, along an absolutely spectacular coastline.
Day 3
Punakaiki - Ross - Franz Josef
Wake up to travel south to experience the “Pounamu Pathway” – an immersive and unique Māori cultural experience created by world-renowned “Weta Workshops” following which enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Tree Top Walkway – an exhilarating treetop adventure among temperate rainforest giants then journey to the beautiful glacial township of Franz Josef to explore the glacier via helicopter.
Day 4
Franz Josef - Haast - Wanaka
Leaving Franz Josef, and travelling down the spectacular West Coast, we encounter the mighty Haast River on a Jetboat Safari and journey into the heart of Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area to experience a close-up encounter with this untouched landscape and its remarkable natural features. We then travel over the Haast Pass, journeying through large tracts of native rain forest and over the Southern Alps. This remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. Continuing through Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, we pass by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. The journey pauses for a night in beautiful Wanaka.
Day 5
Wanaka - Queenstown
Enjoy a unique and intimate experience at an iconic high-country farm at Mt Aspiring Station homestead with the Aspinalls, family friends of The Hillarys. The adventure playground of Queenstown then awaits! Cap off a special day as we take in a lake cruise on board the historic TSS Earnslaw, the 1912 Edwardian steamboat, which takes us across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet BBQ dinner.
Day 6
Queenstown
A Queenstown highlight is a return flight to the nearby attraction of Milford to enjoy a premium cruise of the “eighth wonder of the world” The Milford Sound where we take in some of the most spectacular natural scenery to be viewed anywhere in the world. The cruise around the fiord enables you to experience its wonders up close and see landmarks like Mitre Peak and amazing wildlife, such as dolphins and seals. Cruise the inner most reaches of Milford Sound to the open Tasman Sea and back. A one-day itinerary with return flights is enough to see all the beautiful views along the way, and get back to Queenstown in time for dinner with a well known local guest speaker.
Day 7
Queenstown
Unwind during a well-deserved day of leisure in Queenstown followed by an evening Gondola ride all the way up to Stratosfare Restaurant for dinner, taking in majestic panoramic views of The Remarkables Mountain Range and Lake Wakatipu below.
Day 8
Queenstown - Invercargill - Dunedin
Departing Queenstown, we continue to the village of Kingston which is nestled on the southernmost end of Lake Wakatipu. Here, the iconic Kingston Flyer Steam Train awaits to take you on a memorable journey between Kingston & Fairlight. Then southward to Invercargill and the Bill Richardson Transport World in Invercargill which features over 300 classic vehicles and then we board the recently re-established train from Invercargill to Dunedin. This is a rail experience that is exclusive to our tours – “The Mainlander” which weaves it way through rolling hills and lush scenic rural landscapes that the deep south is renowned for.
Day 9
Dunedin
In the morning, we explore the remote Taieri Gorge by Dunedin Rail over river gorges, weaving our way through a myriad of historic tunnels and guide you to the historic Wingatui Viaduct, a marvel of 1880s construction that remains the largest wrought iron structure in New Zealand. That afternoon we take in a visit to the Taiaroa Head Albatross Colony, the hidden underground Fort Taiaroa and the worlds’ only Armstrong Disappearing Gun. Later we enjoy the company of a well-known local historian at dinner.
Day 10
Dunedin - Oamaru - Aoraki Mt Cook
Departing from Dunedin by rail on The Mainlander, we continue to hug the coast towards Oamaru. We then detour inland via Waitaki Valley & Omarama by coach and onwards towards the spectacular Aoraki Mt Cook. Here, we find the home of the tallest mountain in New Zealand, where Sir Edmund Hillary developed his climbing skills in preparation for the conquest of Mt Everest. Recognised as part of the Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage Area, the National Park is a breath-taking environment of glaciers, terminal lakes, turbulent rivers and Australasia’s tallest peak, the mighty Aoraki Mt Cook soaring above at 3,724 metres.
Day 11
Aoraki Mt Cook
During your stay enjoy a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, which is a tribute to New Zealand’s global icon as well as discovering New Zealand’s colourful transport, climbing and hotel history. Morning activities include the awe-inspiring Tasman Glacier by helicopter and ski plane, with expert pilots navigating their way over the glacial lake, passing soaring mountain tops over NZ’s longest glacier – the 600-metre thick, Tasman Glacier. The afternoon adventures continue with glacier explorer cruise and then our nightly cocktail hour briefing and storytelling by Peter Hillary.
Day 12
Aoraki Mt Cook - Christchurch
A morning departure from the hotel leaving Aoraki Mt Cook by coach, we journey back to the coast via Tekapo, Geraldine and Rakaia on the way to Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch we visit The International Antarctic Centre and experience a taste of this unique and breathtaking continent – just like the explorers before you.
Day 13
Christchurch - Akaroa - Christchurch
Highlights of the day include Akaroa Nature Cruise (and dolphins) and a special visit to Hinewai Private Nature Reserve with well-respected New Zealand botanist Hugh Wilson as your host.
Day 14
Christchurch - Kaikoura
Departing Christchurch on the Coastal Pacific Scenic Train, our destination is Kaikōura, home of resident whales, where the guardians of the seas – the mountains of the Southern Alps – rise majestically from the deep trenches of the Pacific Ocean. We join the Kaikōura Whale Watch Cruise in the morning. Several different species of whale can be seen off the coast of Kaikōura at different times of the year, and most of the time, the huge resident Sperm Whales can be sighted. The ocean trench just off the coast means sperm whales are often seen close to shore. Discover an abundance of extraordinary seabirds often seen close up including encounters with many species of majestic Albatross including 3.5 metre wing span Royal Albatross and other pelagic birds. This is an unforgettable experience in one of New Zealand’s most breath-taking destinations.
Day 15
Kaikoura - Blenheim
This morning, we board the Coastal Pacific train again, departing Kaikōura’s dramatic mountain backdrops onwards to the Marlborough 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. Explore the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre on arrival, which features a world class exhibition of WW1 & WW2 aircraft. We conclude the day with a wine tasting and farewell dinner at one of Marlborough’s finest estates, Allan Scott winery.
Day 16
Blenheim - Auckland
The final day travel by Air New Zealand to the national hub of Auckland to transfer to your post tour activity or to your homeward bound connection.
Exclusive Highlights:
- Hosted by Peter Hillary throughout the journey
- Luxury small group tour with a maximum of 23 guests
- Carefully selected luxury accommodation
- Travel by scenic rail and luxury business-class coach
- Regular cocktail hours with Peter Hillary
- Personal stories and insights from the Hillary family legacy
Tour Inclusions:
- Hosted by Peter Hillary and experienced tour guides
- 15 nights luxury accommodation
- 15 cooked breakfasts
- 11 lunches
- 13 dinners
- Luxury business-class coach travel
- Regular cocktail hours with Peter Hillary
Rail & Scenic Journey Highlights:
- TranzAlpine Scenic Rail Journey
- Coastal Pacific Scenic Train Journey in Scenic Plus Class
- The Mainlander Train Journey – Invercargill to Dunedin
- The Mainlander Train Journey – Dunedin to Oamaru
- Taieri Gorge Train Journey
- Kingston Flyer Historic Train Excursion
Signature Experiences:
- Franz Josef Glacier Helicopter Flight
- Milford Sound Return Flights
- Milford Sound Premium Cruise
- Tasman Glacier Flight Experience
- Tasman Glacier Explorer Cruise
- Haast Jetboat River Safari
- West Coast Treetop Walk
- Kaikōura Whale Watch Cruise
- Akaroa Nature Cruise
Cultural & Heritage Experiences:
- Pounamu Pathway Cultural Immersion Tour
- International Antarctic Centre
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre at Aoraki / Mt Cook
- Bill Richardson Transport World
- Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
- Albatross Colony & Fort Taiaroa Tour
- Hinewai Private Nature Reserve presentation with Hugh Wilson
Special Guest Speakers:
- Former Mayor of Queenstown at a special dinner event
- Dunedin history professor at a hosted dinner
- Peter Hillary storytelling and presentations throughout the tour
Why You'll Love This Journey:
- Travel with Peter Hillary on an exclusive hosted adventure
- Experience New Zealand's most scenic rail journeys
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Small-group touring with a maximum of 23 guests
- Outstanding glacier, wildlife and Milford Sound experiences
- Premium dining and sightseeing included
- A truly once-in-a-lifetime New Zealand journey
Departure Dates:
- 14 January 2027 – 28 January 2027
- 15 April 2027 – 29 April 2027
Pricing:
- From NZ$26,995 per person twin share
- Travel Insurance – your North Travel consultant can provide you with a quote. Get a quote now.
- Tourism visa or transit visa if required
- Upgrades to Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class available and to be quote at the time of booking.
- Itinerary deviations (e.g. extensions or specific airline requests). This will be quoted by a North Travel consultant at the time of booking.
- Professional service fee's (if any)
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