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.
Discover Waikato's picturesque farmland and experience guided tours of the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Travel from Rotorua to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the world-famous film location.
See Hobbit Holes, stroll through the lush gardens and learn how this private farm became Middle-earth on a private tour.
Head towards the famous Waitomo Glow-worm Caves after a tasty lunch. On your guided 45-minute tour through this underground wonder you'll learn about stalactites, stalagmites and how the caves were formed over 30 million years.
Your tour ends with a magical boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto.
Finish off the tour with a coach ride back to Auckland.
Useful Tip: A complimentary pick-up and drop-off service is provided from various inner city hotels.
