Service Announcement: Northern Explorer Bus Replacements – Auckland to Hamilton/ Hamilton to Auckland

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.


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
 
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Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Full Day Tour PIH-PIH ICPCRP (0710-1830)
You can't say you've seen New Zealand until you've travelled all the way to the top! Take this action-packed full day tour to Cape Reinga and discover the beauty of the Far North.

Set off from Paihia in the Bay of Islands and travel north through spectacular scenery. Your driver guide will keep you entertained with stories from Northland's history, from the arrival of the M?ori, through to the coming of European settlers and gumdiggers, to the present day.

During your tour you'll visit the Puketi Kauri Forest and meet a 2,000 year-old kauri tree, drive along through sand and surf on legendary Ninety Mile Beach, and speed down massive sand dunes on a boogie board at Te Paki Stream.

According to M?ori legend, the headland at Cape Reinga is the place where spirits leave New Zealand on their way to the underworld. Walk down to the lighthouse and see the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide below you, and soak up the amazing atmosphere of this unique part of New Zealand.

Your tour also includes a traditional Kiwi lunch of fish n' chips - the perfect accompaniment to your Cape Reinga experience. A vegetarian option is also available.

Tour highlights

  • Cape Reinga
  • Ninety Mile Beach
  • Sand boarding at Te Paki Stream
  • Puketi Kauri Forest
  • Includes lunch of fish and chips
7:10 am, Maritime Building, Adjacent Wharf
6:30 pm, Maritime Building, Adjacent Wharf
Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach Full Day Tour
Tue 19 Oct
Wed 20 Oct
Thu 21 Oct
Fri 22 Oct
Sat 23 Oct
Sun 24 Oct
Mon 25 Oct
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.