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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Mount Cook Day Tour: Queenstown to Christchurch GL83 (0745 - 1900)

Take an adventure into the majestic Southern Alps and get up close to New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook..

Depart on a luxury coach and drive through some spectacular scenery towards Mount Cook. Start with a drive through the rugged Kawerau Gorge that leads into the Cromwell region and its fruit orchards. Then, cross the Lindis Pass and experience the tawny tussock of the Mackenzie Country. Arrive at Mount Cook Village(lunch not included) and explore the village and its majestic views. The village is nestled in Mount Cook National Park. Afterwards, board the bus to Christchurch and drive past Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. Enjoy the views of the crystal clear lakes and the Church of Good Shepherd, which sits in solitude on the foreshore of Lake Tekapo. Continue through the Canterbury Plains before arriving at Christchurch..

Tour Details

  • Half day tour
  • Operates daily
  • Departs Queenstown, arrives Christchurch

Tour Includes

  • Lake Dunstan
  • Kawarau River Gorge
  • Mackenzie Basin
  • Aoraki / Mount Cook national Park
  • Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo
  • Mount Cook Village

free wifi iconFree WiFi available on board the coach

Mount Cook Day Tour: Queenstown to Christchurch GL83 (0745 - 1900)
Thu 19 Jun
Fri 20 Jun
Sat 21 Jun
Sun 22 Jun
Mon 23 Jun Tue 24 Jun Wed 25 Jun
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.