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.
Experience Auckland's history, culture and scenic highlights with a half-day morning tour, followed by a trip to Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium.
Travel through the city centre, along notorious Karangahape Road and fashionable Ponsonby, and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, enjoying views of the Hauraki Gulf and city skyline. See the Viaduct Harbour and Auckland's famous Queen Street before continuing to the Auckland Domain. The city's oldest park, the Domain is situated on a 62,000 year-old volcano and is home to tropical gardens, duck ponds and the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Take a short morning tea break (own expense) in Parnell Village, where historic buildings have been transformed into trendy boutiques and specialty shops, then continue your tour of Auckland along the scenic waterfront route of Tamaki Drive to Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, high above Mission Bay. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and harbour from this tranquil spot, a monument to one of New Zealand's most beloved Prime Ministers.
Following the city tour we visit Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium. This underground visitor attraction enables you to experience something truly unique. Come face to face with New Zealand's rich marine environment, including sharks, stingrays, seahorses and other incredible sea creatures. Enjoy an informative encounter with your favourite animals, and journey through the underwater viewing tunnel, the first of its kind in the world.
The Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Ice Adventure gives you a rare opportunity to get close to New Zealand's only colony of Antarctic penguins. Come within arm's length of the 80-plus colony of King and Gentoo penguins as they waddle on the ice and play underwater. Or journey back in time to Captain Robert Falcon Scott's Antarctic hut and see authentic artefacts from Scott's expeditions. Learn about their discoveries and find out what it was like living in Antarctica, the coldest place on earth!
Free WiFi available on board
