The 14-day tour is our most comprehensive journey, featuring the "Super 6" rail adventures and covering the full length of the South Island — from Franz Josef and Milford Sound through to Kaikōura and Marlborough. The 11-day tour focuses on the core highlights including Arthur's Pass, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Dunedin and Aoraki Mt Cook, making it ideal if you'd prefer a slightly shorter journey without missing the iconic experiences.

The Winter Edition tours are an entirely different experience. The South Island in winter offers snow-capped mountain scenery, crisp alpine air, and a cosier, more intimate atmosphere with smaller group sizes. The itinerary is tailored to make the most of the season, and it's our most affordable tour option.

The Pinnacle is our most exclusive experience — a small-group luxury journey hosted by Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary. It includes premium accommodations, extended stays at key destinations, and a more personal, unhurried pace. With only one departure and strictly limited numbers, it's designed for travellers who want something truly exceptional.

The 14-day Spring/Summer tour covers the most ground, so it's a wonderful way to experience the full diversity of the South Island in one journey. If you have less time available, the 11-day tour still takes in all the must-see destinations. Both are designed so you don't need to worry about logistics — everything is taken care of.

For your enjoyment and comfort, seating is not pre-allocated. We ask that you rotate seating on a regular basis to allow different viewing opportunities for all passengers. If you wish to be seated with a group of friends, please let us know before the tour so that you will be allocated seating on the same coach.  If you suffer from travel sickness, please ensure that you have appropriate medication with you.

Our tours are limited in size and regularly sell out, particularly during the spring and summer season. We'd recommend booking at least 3–4 months ahead of your preferred departure to secure your place. You can see our recently sold-out departures further up the page — once they're gone, they're gone.

No — only a 20% deposit is required to secure your booking. The remaining balance is due closer to your departure date. Payment is by internet banking; credit card bookings incur a 2% fee.

Absolutely. We regularly welcome solo travellers and many of our guests travel independently. A single supplement applies for your own room, and you'll be joining a friendly group of like-minded travellers — many of our guests tell us the people they meet on tour become lasting friends.

All tours include accommodation at 4-star or above properties, all rail journeys and coach travel, most meals (the exact number varies by tour — check the individual tour page for details), and entry to all scheduled attractions and experiences. Optional excursions such as helicopter flights or whale watching are available at additional cost.