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.
Journey deep into the Southern Alps on a half-day sightseeing tour from Queenstown to Mount Cook
Set off from Queenstown in a luxury coach, enjoying the commentary from your local driver guide as you travel north. Pass through the historic gold mining district of the rugged Kawarau River Gorge and the famous fruit-growing region of Cromwell. Skirting the shores of Lake Dunstan, your tour crosses the Lindis Pass into Omarama for morning tea (own expense).
Continue through the rugged high country landscape of the Mackenzie Basin to arrive at Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, home to Australasia's highest mountain at 3,754 meters. Sit down for a delicious lunch (optional extra) at the Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook Village, where you can enjoy stunning uninterrupted views of Mount Cook and the other high peaks that make up the Southern Alps. You can also take the chance to see this alpine region from above with a scenic flight (own expense – this flight can be arranged with your driver/guide on the day).
Your tour concludes in Mount Cook Village.
Free WiFi is available on board the coach
