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.
Take a sightseeing day tour from Rotorua to Auckland, including a guided tour of the fascinating Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Leaving the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua in the morning, we travel through lush farmland into the King Country region. Along the way, enjoy your driver guide's commentary on the area's history and highlights, and enjoy spectacular sights like Fitzgerald Glade, where the trees arch overhead to form a tunnel of natural greenery.
After arriving in the small town of Waitomo, you'll be taken on a 45-minute guided tour through the world famous Glowworm Caves, which were discovered in 1887 and are now one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations. Wander through subterranean caverns and learn how the stalagmites, stalactites and other spectacular limestone rock formations were formed over millions of years. To end your tour, travel through the Glowworm Grotto on a magical boat ride, surrounded by the twinkling lights of thousands of glowworms.
After your Glowworm Caves tour you'll have leisure time at the Waitomo visitor complex. Restaurant and cafe-style meals are available (own cost). Enjoy the stunning views and learn more about the region in the discovery centre. We journey on through the beautiful Waikato region, the dairy farming capital of New Zealand, and northward to Auckland, where your tour concludes on arrival in the afternoon.
Tour details
Full day tour
Operates daily
Departs Rotorua, arrives Auckland
Tour includes
Luxury coach travel Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland
Waitomo Caves guided tour
Fitzgerald Glade
Waikato and King Country scenery
Free WiFi available on board
