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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Hukafalls Jetboat AM Tour TUO-TUO ICTHJT (1015-1130)

Enjoy thrills, fun and excitement as the Hukafalls Jet takes you on the ride of your life along a stunning river environment, lined with native bush and natural hot springs.

The exhilarating power of the jet boat will get your heart pumping as you zoom past trees and sheer rock cliffs with just centimetres to spare. This is a must-do Taupo experience!

You'll be safe in the hands of expert drivers as the boat travels at an incredible 80 kilometres per hour and executes 360° spins, making this trip an experience you'll never forget. Pass by the Huka Prawn Park, Wairakei Geothermal Power Station and the Aratiatia Dam, and see clouds of steam as the river is joined by thermal streams.

Hukafalls Jet is the only jet boat company permitted to take you right up to the base of the legendary Huka Falls. Enjoy the unique vantage point from water level and marvel at the awe-inspiring majesty of one of New Zealand's most visited natural attractions, before getting up close to the mighty white water.

Your Hukafalls Jet experience includes complimentary return transfers from our Taupo coach stop.

Tour highlights

  • Thrilling jet boat ride
  • Huka Falls
  • Scenic highlights
10:15 am, Taupo i-SITE 30 Tongariro Street Taupo
11:30 am, Taupo i-SITE 30 Tongariro Street Taupo
Hukafalls Jetboat AM Tour
Sun 28 Aug
Mon 29 Aug
Tue 30 Aug
Wed 31 Aug
Thu 01 Sep
Fri 02 Sep
Sat 03 Sep
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.