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.
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
Take a full-day tour to the fascinating Waitomo Glowworm Caves in the Central North Island.
Leaving Auckland in the morning, we travel through rolling farmland into the Waikato and King Country regions. Your local driver guide will point out highlights of the region, like Rangiriri, where a major battle was fought between British forces and those loyal to the Maori King movement in 1863.
After arriving in the small town of Waitomo, you'll be taken on a 45-minute guided tour through the world famous Glowworm Caves. Formed from limestone over 30 million years ago, the caves were first discovered in 1887 and are now one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations. Wander through subterranean caverns and learn about stalagmites, stalactites, helictites and other spectacular rock formations. Finish off your tour on a short but enchanting boat ride travelling through the Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of glowworms light up the darkness like tiny stars.
After your Glowworm Caves tour you'll have leisure time at the Waitomo visitor complex, where you can enjoy the stunning views and learn more about the region. Restaurant and cafe style meals are available (own expense), or a buffet lunch can be pre-booked. After your Waitomo experience draws to a close, board the coach for the return trip to Auckland, arriving in the afternoon.
Useful info: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and taking a warm jacket for your Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour.
Tour Details
Full day tour
Operates daily
Departs Auckland, returns Auckland
Tour Includes:
Luxury coach travel Auckland - Waitomo Caves and return
Guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Informative driver commentary
Waikato and King Country scenery
Free WiFi available on board
