Christchurch
to
Greymouth
to
Greymouth
We wish to inform our valued passengers of an important update for those planning to travel on the Northern Explorer train during the upcoming scheduled network upgrade periods.
Affected Dates:
15 January 2025 to 27 January 2025
12 April 2025 to 28 April 2025
Impact on Travel: During these periods, the tracks between Auckland Strand Railway Station and Hamilton will be closed for train travel due to essential upgrade work to prepare for the City Rail Link's opening in 2026.
From Auckland to Hamilton: Passengers will transfer by bus from Auckland Strand or Papakura Station to Hamilton Station.
From Hamilton to Auckland: Passengers will transfer by bus from Hamilton Station to either Papakura or Auckland Strand Station.
Important Update for All Bookings Until 27 January 2025:
All bookings made up to and including 27 January 2025 (both old and new) will automatically receive a replacement bus service for the affected section of the route.
For April 2025 travel, we are currently accepting bookings to and from Hamilton only, and passengers should consider alternative transport to and from Auckland.
Scenic Routes Unaffected:
Rest assured, you will not miss a significant portion of the scenic route, as the most picturesque parts of the journey are located south of Hamilton. The train journey between Hamilton and Wellington will operate as usual, allowing you to experience the breathtaking landscapes and highlights that make this journey unforgettable.
Alternative Travel Options: For travelers not included in the transfer bus:
Consider arranging private transportation between Auckland and Hamilton.
Local bus or coach services may be available as an alternative.
If you need assistance identifying suitable travel options, don't hesitate to get in touch with our New Zealand Travel Team for guidance.
Flexibility for Travelers: To accommodate your needs, we offer the following options:
Reschedule your travel to a future date.
Request a 100% refund if you prefer not to travel.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this disruption and remain committed to providing as much assistance as possible.
For further inquiries or assistance with your travel plans, please contact our New Zealand Travel Team.
Our friendly New Zealand Travel Team is available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (New Zealand Time) Monday - Sunday, excluding public holidays.
For assistance and reservations during our opening hours contact our New Zealand Travel Team by email or phone. To cancel a reservation, please email us at info@newzealandtravelteam.com before 72hrs or 3 days from the travel date.
Phone
You can call one of our English-speaking Consultants at +64 7 575 5049
Current New Zealand time:
Within New Zealand:
Reservations only with payment - 0800-143-669
Travel planning and all other inquiries - +64 7 575 5049
Outside New Zealand:
+61 1800 359 729 Australia Toll-free
+1 855 413 3019 USA Toll-free
+1 866 554 0304 Canada Toll-free
+44 800 0148106 United Kingdom Toll-free
Each of the three scenic passenger rail journeys in New Zealand are unique, with views from the Northern Explorer train showing you the diverse countryside of the North Island - towering viaducts, spectacular gorges, hidden valleys, to the rugged coastline of the South Island, seen from the Coastal Pacific train to the mountain alpine scenery from the TranzAlpine train.
Travel in air-conditioned, centrally heated, carpeted carriages that have an advanced air bag suspension system for quieter and smoother travel, un-tinted, non-reflective, panoramic side and roof windows to capture the dramatic coastal and mountain views, GPS triggered journey commentary in two languages (English and Mandarin) at your seat via headphones, plus information displays, overhead HD video and onboard washroom facilities.
Enjoy the Scenic Class experience onboard all services with a range of fresh food and beverages available from the café car. Seating is comfortable '2 Seat-Aisle-2 Seat' reclining seats with head rests or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating - great for families, small groups or meeting new friends.
Scenic Plus class is now available on the TranzAlpine train and will return to the Coastal Pacific train from 14 December 2023 and the Northern Explorer train from 15 May 2024. Take your seat in the exclusive carriage and enjoy an enhanced dining experience where both hot and cold dishes are freshly made in the kitchen carriage. The locally inspired, seasonal dishes are served at your seat while you sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery, The complimentary drinks menu including world famous New Zealand wines are carefully selected to match the sumptuous lunch and afternoon tea. Dedicated hosts are on hand to answer questions, add local knowledge and to ensure the best journey possible.
For mobility-impaired passengers, there are spaces for wheel chairs and a disabled public toilet. Wheelchair hoists provide access to the cafe carriage from track level. For hearing-impaired passengers - a hearing loop covers all of the cafe carriage saloon and serving area.
All long distance passenger trains have a cafe carriage serving a range of snacks, light meals and non-alcoholic/alcoholic drinks and open air viewing carriage.
Your friendly onboard train crew are there to provide assistance to make your travel a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
With connecting scenic coach services, you can travel south from either Greymouth or Christchurch to the West Coast Glaciers, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Invercargill, Mt Cook/Aoraki, Invercargill (for ferry services to Stewart Island), Dunedin or from Auckland to Paihia in the Bay of Islands and the thermal wonderland of Rotorua.
