Service Announcement: Northern Explorer Bus Replacements – Auckland to Hamilton/ Hamilton to Auckland

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.


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
 
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Rail Bus Passes

Railbus Passes are a combination of Scenic Rail Passes and Intercity bus passes.

Valid for travel from 27 September 2023 - 30 June 2025. 

A New Zealand Travel Team RailBus Pass is a flexible ‘Book As You Go’ travel pass that allows you to travel on New Zealand’s 3 long-distance passenger train services between Auckland and Wellington, Picton to Christchurch, Christchurch to Greymouth, your choice of an Intercity Flexi Bus Pass and ferry sailing/s between the North and South Islands by purchasing the number of ‘Travel’ days you want to use and travel whenever it suits, for up to 2 months from the date of your first journey.

New Zealand RailBus Passes are suited for independent travellers, families or small groups, who are travelling together on the same routes, to the same destinations.

Reservations for train, bus & 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 to secure a seat.  Reservations are subject to availability and can be made by contacting our New Zealand Travel Team.

Please note each traveller needs his or her own pass.

Rail Bus Passes