Pounamu Tourism Group

17/02/2024

The Journey - Departing from Addington Station, take in the pastural landscapes of the Canterbury Plains as you travel through the golden tussock of the high country towards the Southern Alps.

26/12/2023

Experience one of the most spectacular stretches of rail in the world from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass (return), in beautifully restored heritage carriages, powered by a retro, red and white, 1950’s classic DA locomotive onboard The Mountaineer. Departures are available from both Addington and Rolleston Stations - first trip on 27th January!

Scenic heritage train trip from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass in South Island of New Zealand. The Mountaineer Train Tour a truly remarkable heritage rail journey deep into the heart of the majestic Southern Alps of New Zealand.

19/12/2023

The Whale Train journeys between the small port town of Picton, known as “the gateway” to the South Island, and the mainland’s hub, Christchurch. Your heritage train is powered by the famous WW1 Memorial “Passchendaele” Steam Locomotive between Picton-Kaikoura and then powered by our retro, red and white, 1950’s classic DA locomotive between Kaikoura-Christchurch.

13/12/2023

Have you experienced Arthurs Pass by heritage train? The Mountaineer Train Tour is coming to Christchurch!

All aboard The Mountaineer! Travel along one of the most spectacular stretches of rail in the world, powered by our retro, red and white, 1950’s classic DA locomotive to Arthurs Pass. Take in stunning vistas of the Canterbury Plains, then climb through untouched mountain landscapes, across turquoise blue rivers, gorges, bridges, and viaducts, to Arthur’s Pass Village, the highest railway station in New Zealand at 2400 ft above sea level. For bookings in January 2024 and beyond, go to www.themountaineer.co.nz/journey

05/11/2023

Blenheim-Seddon (Return) Trip

31/10/2023

22/10/2023

We are proud to release our new season dates for the epic Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Rail & Coach Tours departing in 2024/2025 - join us on your "journey of a lifetime!" To view new tour dates >> www.siredmundhillaryexplorer.com/2023/2024/2025-season

13/10/2023

Turning back time 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃

“Turning Back Time”
Great article about the recent Kaikoura turntable restoration, on the front page of the Kaikōura Star. Work is now complete and the first “turn of the table” is scheduled for 26th October. Bookings now open between Blenheim and Kaikoura on www.marlboroughflyer.co.nz/train-trips/kaikoura

10/10/2023

Safety is always our priority 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃

27/09/2023

We are going to Kaikoura! For bookings and more details, visit www.marlboroughflyer.co.nz/train-trips/kaikoura

13/09/2023

Back on track! It’s hard to believe that it’s that time of year again - The Marlborough Flyer returns soon for the new season. The first “Super Sunday” of the year for locals is taking place on 12th November, for a return journey from Blenheim to Seddon, traversing the Dashwood pass and Awatere Valley.

Limited “locals days”, so book now >> www.marlboroughflyer.co.nz/train-trips/blenheim-seddon

Photo credit: Bobby Boulton of NZ Rail Action

07/09/2023

The Marlborough Flyer Steam Train is looking for hosts to work alongside our passionate hospitality team on board the steam train. The role would suit an energetic, customer focused person, with a passion for Marlborough. Ideally with some hospitality experience, however full training is provided. This is a seasonal casual position that runs from October until April 2024.

Please email your CV to Operations Manager [email protected] by 15th September 2023.

11/08/2023

Great news, Explorers! As our current tours for this coming season have now sold out, we have added a 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 for explorers that prefer not to wait until the following season. The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Rail & Coach Tour will now also depart from Christchurch on 𝟮𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰. The wait is over, book now! >>> For more bookings & further details, please visit our website below.

Journey with us from Christchurch into the deep south of New Zealand for a journey of a lifetime and experience the postcard perfect vistas and dramatic alpine scenery that this part of the world is renowned for using a combination of Train & Luxury Coach.

18/04/2023

10/04/2023

Our team is counting down the days until the next group of “explorers” embark on the April 2023 “Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer” Rail & Coach Tour – a journey of a lifetime!

Photo Credit: Karen Rankin

09/11/2022

Wait for it....wait for it.....Toot Toot! Yesterday's glorious afternoon coastal approach on The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer to Kekerengu for a picnic lunch.

28/10/2022

Our 2022 tour group is southward bound! What a magnificent welcome yesterday into Kaikoura with a dusting of snow on the Kaikoura ranges.

Photo credit: Tommy Secker

24/10/2022

3-2-1…we are on the final countdown until the first group of “explorers” embark on the October 2022 Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer Heritage Rail & Coach Tour.

Our team is busy finessing detailed preparations in anticipation for the journey of a lifetime!

25/04/2022

Lest we forget.

ANZAC Day 2022 - Lest we forget. Between Marlborough & Kaikoura, The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer is hauled by a historic World War I Memorial locomotive Ab608, “Passchendaele” built in 1915. Pictured here is the memorial plaque on the locomotive.

10/01/2022

The mountaineering legend's son hopes a classic train expedition along the length of the South Island will help local businesses survive the wait for international tourists to return.

24/11/2021

Calling all passengers! Introducing a 10-day return tour option that departs from Christchurch on 28th March 2022 (returning back to Christchurch).
For bookings and other details, go to www.siredmundhillaryexplorer.com/10-day-tour-from-christchurch

10/11/2021

SPONSORED: Explore New Zealand’s iconic alpine and volcanic landscapes on a multi-day train ride.

16/09/2021

We are looking forward to sharing these incredible alpine views with you from the comfort of our heritage train. After only two months on the market, the upcoming March 2022 tour is already 55% sold, so book now to avoid disappointment and to secure your position on the 'Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer'!

20/08/2021

Peter Hillary, the son of mountaineer and Everest conqueror Sir Edmund Hillary, accompanies a rail journey around NZ's South Island

16/07/2021

We are proud to launch the "Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer" - an epic 13-day heritage rail & coach tour around the South Island, inspired by a global icon who epitomised the New Zealand spirit of adventure!

A new train tour is set to take passengers through the Kiwi legend’s backyard in a bid to boost domestic tourism.