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:
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.
While a replacement bus service will be provided for passengers booked prior to the service disruption announcement, those who book tickets after this announcement will need to make their own arrangements for the portion of the journey:
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:
Flexibility for Travelers: To accommodate your needs, we offer the following options:
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
Two of New Zealand's most popular attractions can be found in the Central North Island: the Hobbiton Movie Set and the amazing Waitomo Caves. Now you can see both of them in one day on one great value InterCity day tour from Auckland!
Sit back and enjoy the lush rural scenery as you head south from Auckland central to a magical Middle-earth location: the private farm outside Matamata which has become famous worldwide as the filming location for Hobbiton in Sir Peter Jackson's award-winning Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies.
Take a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set and learn about how this breathtaking film set was created in impressive detail. You'll see Hobbit Holes (including Bilbo's house at Bag End), the Party Tree, the Green Dragon Inn, and hear behind-the-scenes secrets from filming.
After your tour, sit down to lunch at the Green Dragon Inn (included in your tour) and enjoy a feast worthy of Bilbo's birthday party!
Then cross the countryside to the township of Waitomo and head underground into a world of stalactites, stalagmites and twinkling lights: the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
During your 45-minute tour of this natural wonder, you'll travel through underground tunnels and see vast caverns made from incredible limestone formations. Learn about how the caves were created over millions of years, and experience the magic of an underground boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - gliding silently through the darkness while glowworms twinkle overhead.
After your Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves day tour, return to Auckland, arriving in the early evening.
Please note that bus travel is onboard our scheduled InterCity services and does not include commentary.
