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.
Discover the real Middle-earth with a guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies.
Highlights:
Guided tour of The Shire film set at Hobbiton
See Hobbit holes, The Green Dragon Inn, the Mill, the Party Tree and much more
Explore the rural township of Matamata
Travel to Matamata, a quintessentially rural Kiwi town in the Waikato region of the North Island, well-known for its thoroughbred industry and dairy farming. Nearby, hidden in picturesque private farmland with spectacular views of the Kaimai Ranges, is the famous Hobbiton movie set, where Sir Peter Jackson filmed his award-winning 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' movies.
The charming countryside of The Shire, as described in JRR Tolkien's books, was painstakingly recreated on a working sheep and beef farm. The home of plucky little hobbits like Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin has been preserved since filming wrapped, and now draws visitors from around the world.
Visit Hobbiton and see where the movie magic was created with a guided tour. You'll get the chance to see Hobbit holes, the Mill, the Green Dragon Inn and many other structures created for the films, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth.
Please note that coach travel is onboard our scheduled InterCity services and does not include commentary.
