Important travel update regarding the Northern Explorer train

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

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Waitomo Glowworm Express AKL-ROT GS11AN (0730 - 1330)

Enjoy a scenic tour from Auckland to Rotorua, including a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

Leaving Auckland in the morning we travel through the Waikato and King Country regions, passing by flourishing farmland and picturesque countryside. Your experienced local driver guide will provide entertaining commentary and point out highlights along the way, such as Rangiriri, where in 1863 a major battle was fought between colonial forces and those loyal to the Maori King.

On arrival in the small town of Waitomo, take a trip underground with a 45-minute guided tour through the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a series of limestone caves formed over 30 million years ago. Learn all about stalagmites, stalactites and other intriguing rock formations as you walk through the caverns, and finish the tour with an enchanting boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms.

Your journey to Rotorua continues, passing through the beautiful Fitzgerald Glade where trees arch over the road to form a tunnel of natural greenery. The tour concludes in Rotorua, a city where you can view geothermal activity, Maori culture, spectacular scenery and more.

Tour details
    Full day tour
    Operates daily
    Departs Auckland, arrives Rotorua

Tour highlights
    Luxury coach travel Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
    Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour
    Waikato and King Country scenery

Free WiFi available on board

Waitomo Glowworm Express - Auckland to Rotorua
Mon 17 Feb
Tue 18 Feb
Wed 19 Feb
Thu 20 Feb
Fri 21 Feb
Sat 22 Feb
Sun 23 Feb
Service is unavailable today, please select further day.