Important travel update regarding the Northern Explorer train

 

We wish to inform our valued passengers of an important update for those planning to travel on the Northern Explorer train during the upcoming scheduled network upgrade periods.

Affected Dates:

15 January 2025 to 27 January 2025

12 April 2025 to 28 April 2025

 

Impact on Travel: During these periods, the tracks between Auckland Strand Railway Station and Hamilton will be closed for train travel due to essential upgrade work to prepare for the City Rail Link's opening in 2026.

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 either Papakura or Auckland Strand Station.

 

Important Update for All Bookings Until 27 January 2025:

All bookings made up to and including 27 January 2025 (both old and new) will automatically receive a replacement bus service for the affected section of the route.

For April 2025 travel, we are currently accepting bookings to and from Hamilton only, and passengers should consider alternative transport to and from Auckland.

 

Scenic Routes Unaffected: 
Rest assured, you will not miss a significant portion of the scenic route, as the most picturesque parts of the journey are located south of Hamilton. The train journey between Hamilton and Wellington will operate as usual, allowing you to experience the breathtaking landscapes and highlights that make this journey unforgettable.

 

Alternative Travel Options: For travelers not included in the transfer bus:

Consider arranging private transportation between Auckland and Hamilton.

Local bus or coach services may be available as an alternative.

If you need assistance identifying suitable travel options, don't hesitate to get in touch with our New Zealand Travel Team for guidance.

 

Flexibility for Travelers: To accommodate your needs, we offer the following options:

Reschedule your travel to a future date.

Request a 100% refund if you prefer not to travel.

 

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this disruption and remain committed to providing as much assistance as possible.

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
Te Pa Tu Tamaki Maori Village Cultural Experience & Hangi Dinner - 6.15pm Show (Formally Tamaki )

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.

Tamaki Maori Village Cultural Experience & Hangi Dinner
Sun 23 Feb
Mon 24 Feb
Tue 25 Feb
Wed 26 Feb
Thu 27 Feb
Fri 28 Feb
Sat 01 Mar
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.