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.
An unforgettable 4 hour Maori Culture experience starting at 6.15pm
Journey to an authentic Maori village nestled in Rotorua forest and be formally welcomed into the sacred grounds, where amidst crackling village fires you will discover Maori art forms, ancient rituals and Maori traditions.
Share in thrilling song and dance, and then enjoy a 3 course Maori-fusion feast with your Maori hosts.
Prices include:
4 hour Maori Cultural Experience - New Zealand’s best and most award-winning!
Buffet dinner feast
Free transport to and from your Rotorua accommodation
TRADITIONAL
Your Te Pa Tu coach will pick you up from your Rotorua Accommodation. As you make your way to the village you will learn of the Maori migration, protocols when entering another village and a chief is selected to represent your tribe. Share in the Powhiri; our ancient ceremony of welcome before you are invited into a pre-European Maori Village nestled within a native Tawa forest.
INTERACTIVE
Enter a living village, as it comes alive with the sights, sounds and activity of days gone by.
See, touch, take time and talk to our people as you wander through our village- you will be invited to participate in stick games, warrior training, learn the poi and we will also teach you how to perform the fearsome haka!
At the heart of the village, enter ancestral Meeting House and relax as our family entertains you with a powerful cultural performance including action songs, short and long poi, weaponry displays, stick games and the world famous "haka" - Maori War Dance.
FEASTING
The sharing of food is an important part of the Maori custom - so we now invite you to join the Maori-fusion feast, followed by our New Zealand dessert.
The evening draws to an end with the Poroporoaki - the official closing ceremony.
There will be waiata (songs) and whaikorero (speeches), before you are safely transferred back to your Rotorua accommodation.
Children aged 5-15 years.
