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.
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
Take an unforgettable journey from Te Anau through the stunning Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, New Zealand's most famous tourist destination.
Travel along the shores of Lake Te Anau and into Fiordland National Park, emerging from native beech forest into the picturesque Eglinton Valley, one of only a few road-accessible glacier valleys in New Zealand. Enjoy panoramic views of its ancient forests and gushing waterfalls from the comfort of your glass-roof coach. Take advantage of the photo opportunities on offer at the stunning Mirror Lakes, where on a calm day the surrounding mountain ranges are perfectly reflected in the still waters. After passing through the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km passageway drilled into solid rock, experience The Chasm – a short walk over footbridges spanning a series of powerful, swirling waterfalls and rapids.
After arriving at Milford Sound, you'll board a purpose-built catamaran for a 1 3/4 hour Southern Discoveries Scenic Cruise, exploring the region that Rudyard Kipling called the eighth wonder of the world. Cruise the length of the fiord and out to the Tasman Sea, enjoying the view and lively commentary from large outdoor decks or the warmth of the indoor seating. See iconic Mitre Peak rising dramatically from the depths to a height of 1,692 metres above sea level, glide past glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble through valleys and crash into the sea far below. Lush native forest clings to steep cliffs, while seals, penguins and dolphins are regular visitors to the icy waters.
After your cruise, return to Te Anau by coach.
Useful info: Milford Road stops including Mirror Lakes, Knobs Flat and the Chasm are dependent on weather and road conditions. Please note this tour originates in Queenstown and seating options may be limited during peak season.
Tour Details
Full day tour
Operates daily
Departs and returns: Kiwi Country, Te Anau
Free WiFi available on board the coach
