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
5 DAY ITINERARY - AUCKLAND TO AUCKLAND
Travel Day 1: Auckland to Wellington
Depart: 7.45am – Arrive: 6.25pm
Travel by the Northern Explorer train from Auckland heading south through the farming landscape of the Waikato region to rugged bush country before ascending to the Volcanic Plateau via the famous Raurimu Spiral, passing the Volcano’s of Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro for a stop at Tongariro National Park.
From Tongariro National Park 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 and onto Wellington – the Harbour Capital for 1 or more nights stay.
The Auckland to Wellington train service operates Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Travel Day 2: Wellington to Christchurch
Depart: 8.25am – Arrive: 6.21pm
Travel on a day time Cook Strait ferry from Wellington, with it’s picturesque harbour. Crossing Cook Strait which separates the North to South Islands, before entering the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. The 3 hour (92 kilometers) ferry journey is aboard the ferry “Kaitaki’, a modern ship with a range of on board facilities from eateries, a shop, two movie theaters, a games arcade, a large bar with live entertainment, numerous passenger lounges, 3 open air decks and a friendly on board crew to assist you. Your Cook Strait ferry journey ends at Picton located in a sheltered marine harbour where you will have time to experience this charming small town. From Picton travel on the Coastal Pacific train south along the eastern coast of the South Island, passing through the Marlborough vineyards, Lake Grassmere Salt Ponds and stopping at Kaikoura – famous for viewing whales and dolphins. From Kaikoura you travel south following the stunning coastline and the northern Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch for 1 or more nights stay.
Travel Day 3: Christchurch to Greymouth Day Excursion
Depart: 8.15am – Return: 6.05pm
Travel between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other and return on the TranzAlpine train. 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 descend through the Otira Tunnel to the lush beech rain forests of the West Coast and onto Greymouth. After a hour stopover in Greymouth, The TranzAlpine train departs Greymouth heading east heading east to the Southern Alps ascending through the Otira Tunnel to the alpine village of Arthurs Pass before slowly descending to the Canterbury plains through the river valleys of the Waimakariri River, and onto Christchurch for 1 or more nights stay.
Travel Day 4: Christchurch to Wellington
Depart: 7.00am – Arrive: 4.35pm
This morning you board the Coastal Pacific train travelling north travelling through the north Canterbury plains before heading east to the coast and north along the rugged coastline the separates the majestic Kaikoura Ranges from the sea to Kaikoura, famous for viewing whales and dolphins. From Kaikoura your journey takes you north along the coastline before turning inland passing Lake Grassmere Salt Ponds and the wineries of Blenheim and onto Picton – the gate way to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. At Picton, you board your Interislander ferry for your 3 hour (92 kilometre) journey on board the ferry “Kaitaki’, a modern ship with a range of on board facilities from eateries, a shop, two movie theatres, a games arcade, a large bar with live entertainment, numerous passenger lounges, 3 open air decks and a friendly on board crew to assist you. through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds and onto Cook Strait before enteringthe picturesque harbour of Wellington – The Harbour Capital and New Zealand’s capital city, for 1 or more nights stay.
Travel Day 5: Wellington to Auckland
Depart: 7.55am – Arrive: 6.50pm
This morning you board the Northern Explorer train heading along the west coast to the rolling farming landscapes of the Palmerston North region before ascending through stunning river gorges of the central North Island to the volcanic plateau passing Mt Ruapehu to National Park, for a short stop. From National Park your journey takes you along the volcanic plateau passing the Volcano’s of Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro before descending the famous Raurimu Spiral to rugged bush country and then the rolling farm landscapes of the Waikato region and onto Auckland – the city of sails.
This service operates Tuesday, Friday and Sunday only.'
Please note: You must purchase a Scenic Rail Fixed 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.
