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.
Take a scenic half-day tour from Christchurch to the spectacular Mount Cook.
Our tour departs Christchurch in the morning and travels through the lush farmland of the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo, where you can see the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd as it stands in solitude next to the vibrant blue waters. Leaving Tekapo, we continue into the Southern Alps towards Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's tallest mountain. Along the way, your driver guide will keep you entertained and informed with commentary on the area's history and sites of interest.
The tour concludes on arrival at Mount Cook Village, where you can choose to enjoy lunch (optional extra) at the famous Hermitage Hotel. Explore the village and soak up the views of Aoraki / Mount Cook as it towers above. You'll also have the chance to take a scenic flight over this breathtaking alpine region (additional cost, weather permitting – this flight can be arranged with your driver guide on the day). You have the rest of the day at leisure.
Free WiFi available on board
