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.
Experience New Zealand's rich cultural heritage and the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, plus a trip through the famous glowworm caves at Waitomo, on this full day sightseeing tour.
Leaving Auckland in the morning, journey through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions while listening to entertaining commentary from your driver guide. Hear about the history of the region as you pass sites of interest including Rangiriri, the location of a major battle in the Maori Land Wars in 1863.
Your first stop is in the small town of Waitomo, where you'll enjoy a 45-minute guided tour through the world famous Waitomo Caves. Travel through these underground limestone caverns, discovered in 1887, and hear how the amazing stalactites, stalagmites, and other weird and wonderful rock formations were formed over a period of 30 million years. Your tour finishes with a short but magical boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto – a subterranean cavern illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms.
Enjoy a delicious picnic-style lunch (vegetarian and other dietary options available on request) as we make our way to Rotorua, in the heart of the Central North Island. On the outskirts of the city, we stop at the Agrodome, an organic working farm where you can learn all about farming in New Zealand. Take a tour of the Agrodome farm in an all-terrain vehicle, see how sheep are shorn and watch a live sheep dog trial.
Leaving the Agrodome, we make our way to Te Puia, one of New Zealand's foremost cultural venues. At Te Puia's marae (meeting house) you will receive a traditional welcome and be invited to experience a Maori cultural performance, in which ancient and modern stories are told through song, dance, poi and stick games. You'll gain an understanding of this unique culture and its history and be thoroughly entertained by the talented and charismatic performers.
Next to Te Puia is the famous Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Take a guided tour of its active geysers and boiling mudpools. See the world-famous Pohutu geyser unleash vapour jets up to 30 metres high. Your tour also includes entry to Te Puia's woodcarving and weaving schools, where you can see apprentices being trained in these traditional skills.The tour concludes in Rotorua, where you can also experience everything from adrenaline rushes like luging and jet boating to nature encounters and relaxing spa treatments. Hotel drop-offs are available.
Useful info: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and taking a warm jacket for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour.
Tour details
Full day tour
Operates daily
Departs Auckland, arrives Rotorua
Tour details
Luxury coach travel Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
Guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Agrodome organic farm tour and show
Te Puia Maori cultural performance
Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley tour
Free WiFi available on board
