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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Coastal Pacific Day Excursion- Christchurch-Picton-Christchurch

THE NEXT COASTAL PACIFIC SEASON IS SCHEDULED TO RUN FROM 29 SEPTEMBER 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023 AND WILL OPERATE THURSDAY TO SUNDAY EXCEPT CHRISTMAS DAY.

The Christchurch to Picton  day excursion is a scenic rail journey between Christchurch - the South Island's largest city to Picton.

Your journey takes you north through some of New Zealand's finest horticultural and farmland areas of the Canterbury Plains before travelling along the narrow Pacific Ocean coastline with views of marine wildlife such as seals and penguins to the town of Picton.

The Coastal Pacific carriages have advanced air bag suspension system for quieter and smoother travel, un-tinted, non-reflective, panoramic side and roof windows to capture the dramatic coastal and mountain views of the South Island, GPS triggered journey commentary in five languages at your seat via passenger headphones, plus overhead information displays.

All carriages are centrally heated, air-conditioned with on board washroom/toilet facilities, forward facing or 'Table' (4 people around a table) seating allowing you to share experiences through large panoramic windows.

There is an open air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh, sea air and a Café Carriage with a selection of alcoholic and hot/cold drinks, snacks and light meals.


Coastal Pacific Day Excursion - Christchurch-Picton-Christchurch
Fri 05 Sep Sat 06 Sep Sun 07 Sep
Mon 08 Sep
Tue 09 Sep Wed 10 Sep Thu 11 Sep
Departure City Arrival City Departure Time Arrival Time
Fares
Fare Type Adults Price Child Price
 
Christchurch Picton 07:00 AM 07:30 PM

Day Excursions :-

The Christchurch to Picton  day excursion is a scenic rail journey between Christchurch - the South Island's largest city to Picton and back again in the same day.

Depart Christchurch at 7.00am Arrive Picton 12.40pm / Depart Picton 1.40pm Arrive Christchurch 7.30 pm

Tour TRAVEL FROM Christchurch TO Picton ONLY

THE NEXT COASTAL PACIFIC SEASON IS SCHEDULED TO RUN FROM 29 SEPTEMBER 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2023 AND WILL OPERATE THURSDAY TO SUNDAY EXCEPT CHRISTMAS DAY.

The Christchurch to Picton  day excursion is a scenic rail journey between Christchurch - the South Island's largest city to Picton.

Your journey takes you north through some of New Zealand's finest horticultural and farmland areas of the Canterbury Plains before travelling along the narrow Pacific Ocean coastline with views of marine wildlife such as seals and penguins to the town of Picton.

The Coastal Pacific carriages have advanced air bag suspension system for quieter and smoother travel, un-tinted, non-reflective, panoramic side and roof windows to capture the dramatic coastal and mountain views of the South Island, GPS triggered journey commentary in five languages at your seat via passenger headphones, plus overhead information displays.

All carriages are centrally heated, air-conditioned with on board washroom/toilet facilities, forward facing or 'Table' (4 people around a table) seating allowing you to share experiences through large panoramic windows.

There is an open air viewing carriage where all your senses are awakened with the clean, fresh, sea air and a Café Carriage with a selection of alcoholic and hot/cold drinks, snacks and light meals.


Timing Information

Depart Christchurch Railway Station, Christchurch at 07:00 am / Arrive Picton Railway Station, Picton at 12:40 pm
Depart Picton Railway Station, Picton at 01:40 pm / Arrive Christchurch Railway Station, Christchurch at 07:30 pm
Departure : Troup Drive, Christchurch
Arrival : Auckland Street, Picton