Between 15 January 2025 and 27 January 2025 and Between 12 April 2025 and 28 April 2025.
Essential upgrade work will be taking place on the Auckland network to prepare for the City Rail Link to open in 2026. The tracks between Auckland Strand Railway Station and Hamilton are closed for train travel for this portion of the line while the Rail Network Rebuild work takes place.
We are very pleased to advise that the Northern Explorer service will go ahead as planned however the first 2.5 hours portion of your journey will be replaced by bus.
The bus will follow the standard timetable:
· Auckland departure at 7.45am
· Papakura departure at 8.35am
· Hamilton arrival at 10.10am
The transfer bus will meet the Northern Explorer train at Hamilton Railway Station. The train will depart Hamilton at 10.15am and continue travelling to Wellington following the standard train timetable.
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
Scenic Flexi Pass consists of a 7-Day Scenic Rail Pass in 2 Months and a 60-Hour Intercity Bus/Coach/Ferry Pass. Includes Ferry between North and South Islands
Scenic Explorer Pass can be used to travel north to south or south to north.
Scenic Explorer Pass is suited for independent travellers, families or small groups, who are travelling together on the same routes, to the same destinations.
If you run out of bus/coach travel ‘Hours’, you can top up your coach travel pass with additional travel ‘Hours’ which are available in 3 or 10 ‘Hour’ lots. Includes Ferry between North and South Islands
Reservations for train, bus/coach & ferry services are compulsory and should be made as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and no later than 72 Hours prior to the travel date.
Reservations can be made by contacting the New Zealand Travel Team
RailBus Scenic Passes are valid for travel until 30 June 2025
All prices are per person as each traveller needs his or her own pass
| Fare Type | Adult | Child | Pass Validity | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RailBus Pass | NZ$1876.00 | NZ$1567.00 | 30 Sep 2022 to 30 Jun 2025 |
