The entire tour of 16-30 March 2026 was fantastic: from the guides to the drivers, to the faultless attention to detail and attending to our every need, to the impeccable rearrangement for two cancelled tours due to inclement weather, and Wayne's medical episode requiring a new driver, from hotel and food arrangements (and there was plenty of beautiful food!), everything went like a well-oiled machine. A little sickness onboard the train and coach trips was a concern, which took the shine off them, and required most of the ill passengers to do the right thing and wear a mask. I must say, the tour with Pounamu was epic and a highlight of our travelling over the years. Well done to all involved: Kirsty, guides Ted, Alan (the hugger), Jacob, driver Wayne and his replacement (Graham?) and anyone else I may have missed, you all need a pat on the back. Thanx, Nick Penn (aka Stolen Biro) and Wendy Penn.
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The "Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer" Tour is an epic journey by rail and luxury coach throughout the majestic South Island of New Zealand.
Experience the postcard perfect vistas and dramatic alpine scenery that this part of the world is renowned for.
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. Luxury coaches await in
Greymouth to escort you to the glacial beauty of
Franz Josef.
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.
Onward to Dunedin where we enjoy the remote and rugged landscape of the world-famous Taieri Gorge by rail.
Detour inland to majestic Aoraki Mount Cook, staying at the prestigious Hermitage Hotel and back to Christchurch to join The Coastal Pacific
Scenic Train. 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 onto Marlborough.
Your journey of a lifetime ends in Wellington.See more
