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 to Queenstown Day Tour: One Way

We depart Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park in the afternoon and head south through the tawny tussock of the Mackenzie Country. En route enjoy afternoon tea (own expense) in the quaint village of Omarama and a visit to the Jones Family Orchard (time permitting) near Cromwell.

Our tour concludes this evening in the world-famous Queenstown.

Tour includes:

  • Coach travel from Mount Cook Village to Queenstown
  • Entertaining commentary
  • Complimentary hotel pickup and drop off

Tour highlights:

  • Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
  • Mackenzie Country scenery
  • Omarama

free wifi iconFree WiFi available on board

Mount Cook to Queenstown Day Tour: One Way
Tue 27 May
Wed 28 May
Thu 29 May
Fri 30 May
Sat 31 May Sun 01 Jun Mon 02 Jun
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.