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
4 DAY SUGGESTED ITINERARY - AUCKLAND TO CHRISTCHURCH
Travel Day 1: Auckland to Wellington
Depart: 7.45am - Arrive: 6.25pm
Travel by the Northern Explorer train at Auckland and head south passing through the farming landscape of the Waikato region to the rugged bush country ascending to the Volcanic Plateau via the famous Raurimu Spiral, passing the the Volcano's of Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro for a stop at Tongariro National Park.
From Tongariro National Park you pass Mt Ruapehu the home of the North Island skifields of Whakapapa and Turoa, the ski town of Ohakune before descending through stunning river gorges to the rolling farming landscape of the Palmerston North region to Wellington - The Harbour Capital for an overnight stay in New Zealand's capital city for 1 or more nights stay.
This service operates Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Travel Day 2: Wellington to Kaikoura
Depart: 9.00am - Arrive 5.10pm
Travel on a Cook Strait ferry from Wellington, with it's picturesque harbour, for a day time sailing, crossing Cook Strait the separates the North to South Islands, before entering the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. The 3 hour (92 kilometers) ferry journey is on a modern ship with a range of on board facilities from eateries, a shop, movie theater, a games arcade, a large bar with live entertainment, numerous passenger lounges, open air decks and a friendly on board crew to assist you. Your Interislander journey ends at Picton located in a sheltered marine harbor where you will have time to experience this charming small town. From Picton you board the Coastal Pacific train traveling south along the eastern coast of the South Island, passing through the local Marlborough vineyards, Lake Grassmere Salt Ponds and stopping at Kaikoura - famous for viewing whales and dolphins, for 1 or more nights stay.
Travel Day 3: Kaikoura to Christchurch
Depart: 5.20pm - Arrive 8.30pm
The next day you board the Coastal Pacific train at Kaikoura Station to travel south following the stunning coastline before heading inland through the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch or a 1 or more nights stay.
Travel Day 4: Christchurch to Greymouth Day Excursion
Depart: 8.15am - Return: 6.31pm
Today travel between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other and return. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, as you ascend through the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass. From Arthurs you descending through the Otira tunnel to the lush beech rain forests to the West Coast to Greymouth. After a hour stopover in Greymouth, The TranzAlpine train departs Greymouth heading east to the Southern Alps ascending up through the Otira tunnel to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass, then slowly descending through river valleys of the Waimakariri River, crossing the Canterbury Plains to Christchurchfor 1 or more nights stay.
Or
Christchurch to Greymouth
Depart: 8.15am - Arrive: 1.05pm
Today travel between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other and return. From your carriage you'll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, as you ascend through the Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass. From Arthurs you descending through the Otira tunnel to the lush beech rain forests to the West Coast to Greymouth. This is a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always popular glaciers. From Greymouth you can head south to the the Glaciers for 1 or 2 night stopover in the townships of Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and onto Wanaka and Queenstown or north to Westport through the Buller Gorge to Nelson.
Please note: You must purchase a New Zealand Travel Team Rail Pass before you can make any travel sector reservations.
Itineraries are a guide only and times / schedules are subject to change. Accommodation is additional and not included with your pass.
| Fare Type | Adult | Child | Pass Validity | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rail Pass | NZ$1089.00 | NZ$758.00 | 30 Sep 2022 to 30 Jun 2025 |
