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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Milford Sound Scenic Cruise (Queenstown-Te Anau) GL79 (0720 - 1915)

Discover the natural beauty of Milford Sound with a scenic coach ride from Queenstown and an unforgettable cruise on the fiord.

Depart Queenstown, travel by coach past glacier lakes and into Fiordland National Park.

Capture some memorable shots of the Mirror Lakes or the ancient alpine forests at photo stops along the way. Our glass-roof coach will give you sensational views of the Southern Alps.

Next, board the most luxurious catamaran in Milford Sound to explore the spectacular fiord. Venture out to the Tasman Sea while cruising past tumbling waterfalls, glacier-scarred rock walls, and lush rainforests.

After your Milford Sound cruise, board your coach for the return journey to Te Anau.

 

Useful Tip: A complimentary pick-up and drop-off service is provided from various inner city hotels.

 

Tour details

  • Full day tour
  • Operates daily
  • Departs and returns: Athol Street, Queenstown
  • Complimentary Hotel pick-up/drop-off available

Tour includes

  • Luxury glass roof coach with commentary
  • Milford Sound scenic stops like Mirror Lakes & Homer Tunnel
  • Fiordland National Park
  • Milford Sound cruise
  • Picnic Lunch add on available
  • Free WiFi on board coaches

free wifi iconFree WiFi available on board

Milford Sound Scenic Cruise (Queenstown-Te Anau) GL79 (0720 - 1915)
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.