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.
Hop On and Hop Off at a range of attractions around Auckland within a 24 hour period. Operates every day.
Auckland Explorer Buses have become an icon of Auckland in their own right. The fleet has expanded considerably over time and now includes seven brand new glass roof double deckers, allowing visitors to explore Auckland in comfort no matter the weather.
Buses are equipped with free onboard wifi and multilingual commentary, including a kids’ channel.
Stop 1 - Viaduct Harbour
Our main city stop is conveniently located on the waterfront, across the road from Princes Wharf and the Maritime Museum. Just around the corner is the vibrant Viaduct Harbour precinct, while the exciting redeveloped areas of Wynyard Quarter and Silo Park are just a short stroll away over Te Wero Bridge.
This area is also the entrance to Princes Wharf and cruise ship terminals. If you’re returning to a cruise ship, Stop One is the closest stop to your ship.
Bus Timetable
First bus 9am, last bus 3pm, terminating at 4pm
Location
Viaduct Harbour entrance, Quay Street
Access
Full access, including wheelchairs
Toilets
Available on either side of Te Wero Bridge
Stop 2 - Bastion Point
Bastion Point offers magnificent views out over the Hauraki Gulf and Waitemat? Harbour, as well as back to central Auckland. It’s one of the best places in Auckland to take photos of the skyline and harbour. As the name suggests, its position overlooking the harbour makes it an ideal defence point for the city. The M?ori name for this area is Takaparawh?.
This scenic area includes the Savage Memorial, which commemorates Michael Joseph Savage, one of New Zealand’s most beloved prime ministers. It has beautifully kept gardens and a reflecting pool, with a delightful Art Deco memorial and obelisk.
Bus Timetable
First bus 9.20am, last bus 3.20pm
Location
Hapimana St (off Tamaki Drive), Orakei
Admission
Free Entry
Access
Full access, including wheelchairs
Toilets
Available by the carpark
Stop 3 - Sea Life Kelly Tarltons
Set on Auckland’s waterfront just moments from the famous Mission Bay, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium is one of Auckland’s top visitor attractions!
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s showcases over 30 live animal exhibits, from over 80 different species in spectacular habitat displays, including the world’s largest Antarctic penguin colony exhibit and amazing underwater viewing tunnels.
Bus Timetable
First bus 9.25am, last bus 3.25pm
Location
23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei
Opening Hours
9:30am - 5pm daily (Last entry 4pm)
Access
Full access, including wheelchairs
Toilets
Toilet facilities available inside
Stop 4 - Auckland Museum
The Auckland War Memorial Museum is a must-see for all visitors to Auckland. Three expansive levels tell New Zealand’s story, from our emergence as a nation through the loss and suffering of war, to our unique natural history and our fascinating M?ori and Pacific treasures.
Our Red and Blue Tours meet at this stop so you can continue exploring Auckland with us.
Bus Timetable
First bus 9.25am, last bus 3.35pm
Location
Corner St Stephens Ave & Parnell Road, Parnell
Opening Hours
Open: 10:00am - 4:00pm daily
Admission
Free entry
Access
Fully accessible including wheelchairs
Toilets
Toilet facilities available inside
Stop 5 - Newmarket Shopping
The main street of the suburb of Newmarket features a wonderful selection of shops including the fabulous Westfield Shopping Centre with it's elegant cafes and restaurants.
There are many New Zealand-made treasures to be found here, from designer jewellery and clothing to gifts, paintings and sculptures.
Bus Timetable
First bus 9.40am, last bus 3.40pm
Location
Broadway
Access
Not fully accessible by wheelchair
Toilets
Public toilets are located at Westfield Shopping Centre.
Stop 6 - Aotea Square/Auckland Art Gallery/Civic Theatre
This stop is the perfect place to start exploring midtown Auckland. We stop outside 227 Queen St.
From here you can explore Queen Street, known as Auckland’s ‘Golden Mile’ for its range of shopping and entertainment offerings. The Auckland Art Gallery and Albert Park are also nearby, and it’s an easy ten to fifteen minute walk down Queen Street to the waterfront.
Bus Timetable
First bus 9.50am, last bus 3.50pm
Location
Aotea Square
Access
Full access, including wheelchairs
Toilets
Public toilets are right by our stop. Ask your driver to show you
Stop 7 - Sky City / Sky Tower
A truly captivating experience awaits visitors to Auckland’s Sky Tower. At 328 metres, it is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand and offers breathtaking views for up to 80 kilometres in every direction.
Travel up in the glass-fronted lifts to one of the three spectacular viewing platforms and get the ultimate introduction to Auckland city.
Bus Timetable
First bus 9.55am, last bus 4.00pm
Location
Corner Federal & Victoria Streets, Auckland
Opening Hours
Sky Tower: 8.30am until late; SKYCITY: Open 24 hours
Access
Full access, including wheelchairs
Toilets
Toilet facilities available inside
