Between 15 January 2025 and 27 January 2025 and Between 12 April 2025 and 28 April 2025.
Essential upgrade work will be taking place on the Auckland network to prepare for the City Rail Link to open in 2026. The tracks between Auckland Strand Railway Station and Hamilton are closed for train travel for this portion of the line while the Rail Network Rebuild work takes place.
We are very pleased to advise that the Northern Explorer service will go ahead as planned however the first 2.5 hours portion of your journey will be replaced by bus.
The bus will follow the standard timetable:
· Auckland departure at 7.45am
· Papakura departure at 8.35am
· Hamilton arrival at 10.10am
The transfer bus will meet the Northern Explorer train at Hamilton Railway Station. The train will depart Hamilton at 10.15am and continue travelling to Wellington following the standard train timetable.
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
Begin your day with a tour of Auckland's scenic city highlights, followed by an afternoon tasting world-class wines amid the beautiful surroundings of Waiheke Island. Starting in the central city, travel over the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, enjoying views of the harbour and city skyline. Visit the Viaduct Harbour and bustling Queen Street, and explore the Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park.
Take a break for morning tea (own expense) in charming Parnell Village, where historic buildings have been transformed into a chic shopping area with a range of boutiques, craft and specialty stores. Our tour will then take you along the scenic waterfront route of Tamaki Drive to Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, above Mission Bay. Named after one of New Zealand's most revered Prime Ministers, the park offers spectacular views of Eastern Bays, Auckland city and the Hauraki Gulf.
Following your morning city tour, enjoy a 40-minute ferry ride across the Waitemata Harbour to Waiheke Island, a haven of beaches, eateries and boutique vineyards. Upon arrival you'll be picked up by luxury coach and whisked away on a guided tour of three of Waiheke's premier wineries: Mudbrick Estate, The Goldie Room and Te Whau.
Take in outstanding panoramic views as you taste the wine varieties on offer at award-winning Mudbrick Estate. Take a tour of The Goldie Room, Waiheke's first and most well-established vineyard, before experiencing their range of fine wines, accompanied by a mouth-watering plate of nibbles. Te Whau Vineyard is the last stop on your Waiheke wine tour – marvel at the 360-degree views and stunning architecture while you sample their critically acclaimed wines.
The tour concludes at Waiheke's Matiatia Wharf for a picturesque afternoon cruise back to Auckland city.
Useful info: This tour is only available for passengers aged 18 years and over. Please note Hotel drop-offs are not available on this tour.
Free WiFi available on board coach
