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.
You’ll zip across Foveaux Strait between Bluff and Stewart Island in just one hour aboard comfortable catamarans.
Daily coach connections are available from Invercargill.
It’s an interesting stretch of water, home to several islands including Dog Island (spot the lighthouse), Ruapuke Island and the Titi Islands, and a considerable fishing industry.
During your trip, keep an eye out along the way for wildlife – particularly seabirds such as the Mollymawk and Titi. Friendly staff provide informative commentary and point out highlights.
An all-year daily scheduled ferry service is available with complimentary tea and coffee served aboard.
