About

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 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.

At Aoraki Mt Cook, a visit to the museum dedicated to Edmund’s adventurous spirit and his achievements is a must. A guest speaker from the Hillary family will also give you an insight into growing up as part of this famous family and find out about how they continue to keep their father’s memory alive. In Christchurch, learn more about his team’s expedition crossing Antarctica using converted farm tractors at the International Antarctic Centre. You will also 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.

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Learn more about the Himalayan Trust.

SPRING/SUMMER TOURS INCLUDES "THE BIG 5" RAIL ADVENTURES OF THE SOUTH ISLAND

Your guided journey begins in The Garden City, Christchurch, where you board one of the world’s great train journeys, The TranzAlpine and traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass.

We then track inland to experience the wonders of Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford Sound. Cruise on the steamship TSS Earnslaw and ride the iconic steam train, The Kingston Flyer, the icing on the cake for railfans and historians.

A special journey is made to Waimea Plains Railway, which is home of the historic Rogers K92 Steam Locomotive. Built in 1878 in New Jersey, USA, the Rogers Locomotive arrived in New Zealand the following year and was deployed into passenger service as the original "Kingston Flyer."

Onward to Dunedin where we enjoy another iconic rail journey with Dunedin Railways through the remote and rugged landscape of the world-famous Taieri Gorge, an epic rail journey over white water rapids, towering viaducts and historic tunnels.

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 and then onto Marlborough the following day.