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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Milford Sound Nature Cruise (Te Anau-Te Anau)

Join our Milford Sound day tour from tranquil Te Anau and enjoy a scenic cruise on the world-famous fiord.

Board our luxury coach in Te Anau and enter the native beech forest of Fiordland National Park. 

Venture through glacier-carved valleys and cross the Main Divide of the Southern Alps, enjoying stunning views from the comfort of your glass roof coach.

Cruise the fiord aboard our purpose-built catamaran and see iconic Mitre Peak, glacier-scarred rock walls, dense rainforests and tumbling waterfalls. Enjoy compelling commentary from the skipper (translation sheets available in Japanese, Mandarin, German, Spanish, French & Korean).

After the 1 hour 45-minute cruise, return to Te Anau by coach. 

Tour details

  • Full day tour
  • Operates daily
  • Departs and returns: Kiwi Country (2 Miro Street, Te Anau)

Tour includes

  • Luxury glass roof coach with commentary
  • Milford Sound scenic stops like Mirror Lakes & Homer Tunnel
  • Fiordland National Park
  • Milford Sound cruise (Translation sheets available in Japanese, Mandarin, German, Spanish, French and Korean.)
  • Free WiFi on board coaches
Milford Sound Nature Cruise (Te Anau-Te Anau)
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.