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.
Discover the fascinating history of Christchurch on a half day city sightseeing tour. Take in the sights of the central city and its surrounds and see how this beautiful city is recovering from the devastating 2011 earthquake.
Step on board a classic open top double decker for a one-hour bus tour around central Christchurch. Your guide will tell you about the history of the city from its pioneering days to the present day. You will view some of the areas affected by the earthquakes, see how Christchurch is preserving some of its iconic heritage buildings and learn about the latest plans for restoration of the inner city.
Experience the natural beauty of Hagley Park, the Avon River and Botanic Gardens, as well as the recently reopened New Regent Street with its distinctive Spanish Mission style architecture, and the Re:START mall, an innovative development created entirely out of shipping containers!
Following your Christchurch city tour, we head towards the picturesque seaside village of Sumner where there is time to explore the beach and its interesting rock formations. From there we travel up the Port Hills to the historic Sign of the Takahe, a listed heritage building where you will enjoy panoramic views overlooking Christchurch City, the port of Lyttelton, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps.
On the return journey we visit Mona Vale, one of Christchurch's most spectacular gardens. Take a leisurely stroll around the park and see why Christchurch is known as 'the Garden City'.
Useful tips: The first hour of this tour is by open top double decker bus with covered seating available downstairs. The last two hours of the tour are in a closed top double decker vehicle.
Tour details
Half day tour
Operates daily
Departs and returns: Rolleston Avenue
Tour includes
Hagley Park, Avon River and Botanic Gardens
Christchurch Cathedral and new Cardboard Cathedral
Bridge of Remembrance
Canterbury Museum and Arts Centre
Re: START shipping container mall
