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
 
Show Notification Close Notification
Queenstown to Mount Cook Day Tour: One Way GL82 (0745 - 1215)

Leave the isolated beauty of Franz Josef and head towards Queenstown on a half-day sightseeing tour.

Leave Queenstown in a luxury coach and enjoy compelling commentary from the driver. Travel around the shores of Lake Dunstan and cross the Lindis Pass before arriving at the quaint village of Omarama. Continue through the high country landscape of the Mackenzie Country before arriving at Mount Cook Village. The village is situated in Mount Cook National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mount Cook is New Zealand's tallest mountain at 3,724 meters, and its Maori name, Aoraki, translates as "Cloud Piercer".

Tour Details

  • Half-day tour
  • Operates daily
  • Departs Queenstown, arrives Mount Cook Village
  • Complimentary hotel pick-up available

Tour Includes

  • Kawarau River Gorge
  • Lake Dunstan
  • Mackenzie Basin
  • Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
  • Mount Cook Village

free wifi iconFree WiFi available on board the coach

Queenstown to Mount Cook Day Tour: One Way GL82 (0745 - 1215)
Sun 22 Jun
Mon 23 Jun
Tue 24 Jun
Wed 25 Jun
Thu 26 Jun Fri 27 Jun Sat 28 Jun
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.