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.
Starting in Auckland, travel north on one of GreatSights' comfortable and air-conditioned deluxe coaches on this Bay of Islands day tour. Sit back, relax and enjoy the informative commentary as you cross the iconic Harbour Bridge, and soak up New Zealand's spectacular scenery of rural countryside and sub-tropical bush en route to the beautiful Bay of Islands.
After arriving in Paihia, visit Waitangi for a guided tour of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds where in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Maori and the British Crown. Explore the original Treaty House, one of New Zealand's oldest and most visited historic homes and the Te Whare Runanga, a fully carved Maori meeting house, which is representative of all iwi (regional tribes) in New Zealand. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds offer a truly unique insight into New Zealand's early history.
Back in Paihia, you'll board the Dolphin Seeker, our purpose built catamaran licensed by the Department of Conservation for dolphin and whale viewing. Enjoy the large outdoor viewing decks as we cruise past the islands of the Bay. Keep a look out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life as our experienced local skippers get you up close to the action.
Cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the majestic Hole in the Rock. Admire the rock walls towering above you as the skipper navigates right through the narrow space (conditions permitting) before heading back into the inner islands of the Bay.
Tour Details
Full day tour
Operates daily
Departs and returns: Sky City Coach Terminal
Tour Includes
Return coach travel from Auckland
Guided tour of Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Bay of Islands dolphin watching cruise
Travel to the famous 'Hole in the Rock'
Free WiFi available on board the coach
Please note: this tour operates on Christmas Day (25th Dec) and Waitangi Day (6th Feb) but does not include the visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds on those days.
