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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Mount Cook to Christchurch Day Tour: One Way GL72 (1400 - 1900)

Travel from Mount Cook Village to Christchurch in the afternoon on this half-day sightseeing tour. 

Board the luxurious coach and drive past Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo through the Southern Alps. Compelling commentary from the driver will keep you entertained on board. Take the opportunity to take some pictures of the crystal clear lakes and the Church of the Good Shepherd, which stands in solitude on the Lake Tekapo foreshore. Exit the Southern Alps and travel along the lush farmlands of the Canterbury Plains before arriving at Christchurch in the evening. Hotel drop-offs are also available.

Tour includes:

  • Coach travel from Mount Cook Village to Christchurch
  • Entertaining commentary
  • Complimentary hotel pickup and drop off

Tour highlights:

  • Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
  • Lake Pukaki
  • Lake Tekapo
  • Church of the Good Shepherd
  • Geraldine
  • Canterbury Plains

free wifi iconFree WiFi available on board

Mount Cook to Christchurch Day Tour: One Way GL72 (1400 - 1900)
Departure City Arrival City Departure Time Arrival Time
Fares
Fare Type Adults Price Child Price
 
Mt Cook Christchurch 02:00 PM 07:00 PM

Day Excursions :-

Tour TRAVEL FROM Mt Cook TO Christchurch ONLY - GL72

Travel from Mount Cook Village to Christchurch in the afternoon on this half-day sightseeing tour. 

Board the luxurious coach and drive past Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo through the Southern Alps. Compelling commentary from the driver will keep you entertained on board. Take the opportunity to take some pictures of the crystal clear lakes and the Church of the Good Shepherd, which stands in solitude on the Lake Tekapo foreshore. Exit the Southern Alps and travel along the lush farmlands of the Canterbury Plains before arriving at Christchurch in the evening. Hotel drop-offs are also available.

Tour includes:

  • Coach travel from Mount Cook Village to Christchurch
  • Entertaining commentary
  • Complimentary hotel pickup and drop off

Tour highlights:

  • Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
  • Lake Pukaki
  • Lake Tekapo
  • Church of the Good Shepherd
  • Geraldine
  • Canterbury Plains

free wifi iconFree WiFi available on board

Departure : Aoraki Lobby, Hermitage Hotel, Level 2 Rear of Building Coach Park
Arrival : Outside Bus Interchange on Lichfield Street, near Colombo Street