12-Day Sir Edmund Hillary Winter Explorer
The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer – Winter Edition is a 12-day journey through New Zealand’s spectacular South Island, beginning and ending in Christchurch. Inspired by Sir Edmund Hillary’s adventurous spirit, the itinerary combines dramatic alpine landscapes, rugged coastlines, historic cities and rich cultural experiences.
Discover the remote beauty of Doubtful Sound, explore Dunedin and Invercargill, and experience the tranquil lakes of Te Anau. Travel through breathtaking scenery to Franz Josef Glacier and Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak and a place closely connected to Hillary’s climbing legacy.
With scenic rail and road journeys, comfortable accommodation and fewer winter crowds, this journey offers an unforgettable and more intimate way to experience the South Island.
Multiple Dates Available from 10 July 2027 to 28 August 2027
- Twin share from $8,390 per person*
- Solo Traveller from $9,969 per person*
* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch
Arrive in Christchurch and enjoy a leisurely tram tour of the city. Meet your fellow travellers at the welcome dinner and tour briefing.
Day 2: Christchurch – Greymouth – Franz Josef
Board the iconic TranzAlpine train and travel through the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps. Continue by coach to the stunning Franz Josef.
Day 3: Franz Josef – Haast – Queenstown
Travel through the West Coast and Haast Pass, surrounded by rainforest, waterfalls and mountains. Continue past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to Queenstown.
Day 4: Queenstown
Cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet BBQ lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring Queenstown at leisure.
Day 5: Queenstown – Te Anau
Ride the Queenstown Gondola and enjoy lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant. Continue by coach to Te Anau, with an optional glowworm cave experience.
Day 6: Te Anau – Doubtful Sound – Te Anau
Journey through Fiordland to Doubtful Sound, travelling across Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass. Enjoy a scenic fjord cruise with opportunities to spot dolphins, seals and waterfalls.
Day 7: Te Anau – Tuatapere – Invercargill
Visit the Takahe Bird Sanctuary before travelling through Tuatapere. Explore Te Hikoi Museum and continue to Invercargill.
Day 8: Invercargill – Dunedin
Discover over 300 classic vehicles at Bill Richardson Transport World. Travel through the scenic Catlins, with opportunities to see rainforest, waterfalls and wildlife, before arriving in Dunedin.
Day 9: Dunedin
Take a scenic rail journey through the Taieri Gorge, passing historic tunnels and the Wingatui Viaduct. Enjoy a free afternoon or join an optional visit to Larnach Castle.
Day 10: Dunedin – Oamaru – Aoraki Mount Cook
Travel by rail to Oamaru before continuing through the Waitaki Valley to Aoraki Mount Cook. Discover the landscapes that helped inspire Sir Edmund Hillary’s climbing career.
Day 11: Aoraki Mount Cook
Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and explore the stunning national park. Optional scenic flights offer incredible views of the Southern Alps and Tasman Glacier.
Day 12: Aoraki Mount Cook – Geraldine – Christchurch
Depart Mount Cook and travel via Lake Tekapo, Geraldine and Rakaia to Christchurch, marking the end of your journey.
* Please note that tour itineraries are subject to change at any time by the tour company and are not guaranteed
Highlights
- Experience the South Island in winter.
- Ride the iconic TranzAlpine Railway.
- Discover Doubtful Sound & Aoraki Mt Cook.
The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer – Winter Edition is a 12-day journey through New Zealand’s spectacular South Island, beginning and ending in Christchurch. Inspired by Sir Edmund Hillary’s adventurous spirit, the itinerary combines dramatic alpine landscapes, rugged coastlines, historic cities and rich cultural experiences.
Discover the remote beauty of Doubtful Sound, explore Dunedin and Invercargill, and experience the tranquil lakes of Te Anau. Travel through breathtaking scenery to Franz Josef Glacier and Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak and a place closely connected to Hillary’s climbing legacy.
With scenic rail and road journeys, comfortable accommodation and fewer winter crowds, this journey offers an unforgettable and more intimate way to experience the South Island.
Inclusions
- 11 Nights Accommodation (4-5 Star Hotels)
- 11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches & 8 Dinners
- Luxury Coach with Experienced Tour Director
- Christchurch City Tram Trip
- TranzAlpine Train Journey
- RealNZ Cruise Lake Wakatipu
- Walter Peak Homestead
- Skyline Gondola and Stratosfare lunch
- Doubtful Sound Day trip & cruise
- Takahe Sanctuary
- Te Hikoi Museum
- Bill Richardson Transport Museum
- Taieri Gorge Train Journey
- Dunedin Railways Train Journey to Oamaru
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
- Hillary family guest speaker presentation
Exclusions
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
FAQs
- Distinction Hotel, Christchurch
- Scenic Hotel Franz Josef
- Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 Nights)
- Distinction Hotel Luxmore
- Distinction Hotel Te Anau
- Distinction Hotel Invercargill
- Distinction Hotel Dunedin
- Hermitage Hotel, Aoraki Mt Cook
How long is the tour?
The journey is 12 days and 11 nights.
Where does the tour start and finish?
The tour begins and ends in Christchurch.
What destinations are included?
Visit Franz Josef, Queenstown, Te Anau, Doubtful Sound, Invercargill, Dunedin and Aoraki Mount Cook.
Is the TranzAlpine train included?
Yes, the scenic TranzAlpine journey from Christchurch to Greymouth is included.
What are the tour highlights?
Experience Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, the Catlins, Dunedin and Aoraki Mount Cook.
Are optional activities available?
Yes, optional experiences include scenic flights, glowworm caves, glacier tours and stargazing.
Is the tour suitable for winter travel?
Yes, this itinerary is specifically designed to showcase New Zealand’s South Island during winter.
Provided by: ANZCROFine Print
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