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.
Spend a morning exploring Queenstown on a guided tour, taking in some of the region's best sights and activities.
Travel up the Queenstown Hill and enjoy spectacular bird's-eye views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Your friendly local driver guide will provide entertaining and informative commentary throughout your tour.
Discover the secrets of bungy-jumping with a behind-the-scenes tour of AJ Hackett's world famous Bungy Bridge and watch the jumpers from the viewing deck. Visit the award-winning Gibbston Valley Winery, founded by a pioneer of the Central Otago wine industry, and sample a selection of wines produced on site. You can also browse the winery's well-stocked gift shop and the region's only cheesery.
Have your camera at the ready as you are transported into Middle-earth at the Kawarau Gorge, film location for the 'Pillars of the Kings' in The Lord of the Rings. Then discover beautiful Arrowtown's captivating history and colonial architecture. Highlights are the Lakes District Museum and the Chinese miners' settlement, as well as plus boutique shopping, great cafés and restaurants.
We recommend bringing a camera on this tour. In the winter months a warm jacket is advised, and in the summer months bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a sunhat.
