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 an exhilarating journey into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park, experiencing a thrilling jet boat ride amid breathtaking scenery. Walk amongst ancient forest unchanged for 80 million years and view the awe-inspiring locations of many Middle Earth movie scenes.
Leaving Queenstown, travel along one of the world's top 10 scenic drives to the settlement of Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu. Your journey continues with Dart River Jet Safaris, the only jet boat operator allowed on the Dart River.
Navigate the ever-changing shallow channels of the glacier-fed braided river system – complete with jet spins! Your expert driver will stop along the way to highlight the breathtaking scenery and discuss what makes this unique area so significant.
Explore New Zealand's unique vegetation and wildlife on a 30-minute guided bush walk on a rolling trail through ancient native beech forest. Guides will share their knowledge of the area's history, with stories of the greenstone trail and Maori legends.
Travel by four wheel-drive bus along a back-country route, where you'll learn more about this fascinating area and stop to view the spectacular scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international movies, including Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
At the end of your safari, take a break for lunch in Glenorchy before returning to Queenstown by coach.
Highlights:
Dart River jet boating
Guided forest walk
Back-country scenic bus tour
Useful Tip: Life jackets and wet weather gear are supplied for your jet safari; however warm clothing is advised.
