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.
Take a day trip from Queenstown to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain.
Leaving Queenstown, we travel north through the historic gold mining region of the rugged Kawarau River Gorge and past Cromwell, famed for its fruit-growing. Skirting the shores of Lake Dunstan, we cross the Lindis Pass to Omarama for morning tea (own expense). Continue through the rugged high country landscape of the Mackenzie Basin to arrive at Mount Cook Village, where you can gaze up at the 3,754 metre-high mountain Aoraki / Mount Cook, an important landmark in Maori mythology .
Enjoy the views from the iconic Hermitage Hotel as you eat a delicious lunch (optional extra), or explore the village and its scenic surrounds. There is also the chance to take off on a scenic flight over the park with its snowcapped mountains and ancient glaciers (additional cost, weather permitting – this flight can be arranged with your driver/guide on the day).
Following our lunch stop, we depart Mount Cook Village and retrace our journey to Queenstown, arriving in the early evening.
Tour Details
Half day tour
Operates daily
Departs and returns: Athol Street, Queenstown
Tour Includes
Kawarau River Gorge
Lake Dunstan
Mackenzie Basin
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook Village
Free WiFi available on board the coach
