Christchurch
to
Greymouth
to
Greymouth
We wish to inform our valued passengers of an upcoming service change on the Northern Explorer train due to scheduled network maintenance.
Affected Dates:
27 June – 12 July 2025
19 – 30 September 2025
3 – 4 October 2025
Impact on Travel:
During these dates, the tracks between Auckland Strand Railway Station and Hamilton will be closed due to essential rail maintenance.
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 Papakura or Auckland Strand Station.
Scenic Routes Unaffected:
Rest assured, you will not miss a significant portion of the scenic route. The most picturesque parts of the journey are located south of Hamilton, and the train journey between Hamilton and Wellington will operate as usual.
Flexibility for Travelers:
To accommodate your plans, you may:
Reschedule your travel to a different date.
Request a 100% refund if you prefer not to travel during this period.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by this disruption and remain committed to providing a safe and comfortable journey.
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.
