We wish to inform our valued passengers of an important update for those planning to travel on the Northern Explorer train during the upcoming scheduled network upgrade periods.
Affected Dates:
15 January 2025 to 27 January 2025
12 April 2025 to 28 April 2025
Impact on Travel: During these periods, the tracks between Auckland Strand Railway Station and Hamilton will be closed for train travel due to essential upgrade work to prepare for the City Rail Link's opening in 2026.
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 either Papakura or Auckland Strand Station.
Important Update for All Bookings Until 27 January 2025:
All bookings made up to and including 27 January 2025 (both old and new) will automatically receive a replacement bus service for the affected section of the route.
For April 2025 travel, we are currently accepting bookings to and from Hamilton only, and passengers should consider alternative transport to and from Auckland.
Scenic Routes Unaffected:
Rest assured, you will not miss a significant portion of the scenic route, as the most picturesque parts of the journey are located south of Hamilton. The train journey between Hamilton and Wellington will operate as usual, allowing you to experience the breathtaking landscapes and highlights that make this journey unforgettable.
Alternative Travel Options: For travelers not included in the transfer bus:
Consider arranging private transportation between Auckland and Hamilton.
Local bus or coach services may be available as an alternative.
If you need assistance identifying suitable travel options, don't hesitate to get in touch with our New Zealand Travel Team for guidance.
Flexibility for Travelers: To accommodate your needs, we offer the following options:
Reschedule your travel to a future date.
Request a 100% refund if you prefer not to travel.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this disruption and remain committed to providing as much assistance as possible.
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
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
