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.
Experience Auckland's spectacular West Coast beaches and native bush on this half day afternoon eco tour.
Just 30 kilometres from downtown Auckland is the city's largest regional park, Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Travel to the Arataki Centre, perched high in the Waitakere Ranges, where sweeping decks offer breathtaking panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Hear about the stories and secrets of the Waitakere Ranges and admire the traditional M?ori carvings that stand guard over the centre.
Experience the power of the wild West Coast as your day tour continues. Auckland's black sand beaches – Muriwai, Bethells, Karekare and Piha – are renowned for their rugged and awe-inspiring beauty. Feel the black sand beneath your feet and marvel at the forces of nature at play as the surf crashes down on the shore.
Accompanied by knowledgeable and experienced guides, immerse yourself in the lush native rainforest and listen out for birdsong as you walk the easy bush tracks amongst New Zealand's famous kauri trees and giant tree ferns.
Following your West Coast experience, return to the hustle and bustle of central Auckland.
