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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Hobbiton Movie Set Tour (Rotorua to Auckland) GS48S (1320 - 2010)

Setting out from Rotorua, your Hobbiton Movie Set tour starts with a scenic drive across the Kaimai Ranges to Matamata, a small town in the Waikato region known for its thoroughbred industry and dairy farming. Along the way your local driver guide will provide informative commentary and share stories about the region and its history.

Just outside of Matamata is the private working farm that was transformed into The Shire for the award-winning The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies. The home of Tolkien's beloved hobbits Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin has been preserved since filming wrapped, and now draws visitors from around the world.

Take a two-hour guided tour of the movie set and learn how this picturesque farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. Your guide will show you Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, the Mill and many other structures from the movies.

After your Hobbiton movie set tour, continue to Auckland, arriving in the evening.

Tour details
    Full day tour
    Operates daily
    Departs Rotorua, arrives Auckland

Tour includes
    Luxury coach travel Rotorua - Hobbiton - Auckland
    Hobbiton Movie set guided tour

Free WiFi available on board

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - Rotorua to Auckland
Sun 29 Jun
Mon 30 Jun
Tue 01 Jul
Wed 02 Jul
Thu 03 Jul
Fri 04 Jul
Sat 05 Jul
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.