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.
Auckland suburban train services
For fare and timetable information please phone Auckland Transport on 0800-103-080 tollfree in the Auckland region only or click for online train timetables and fares on the Western, Southern, Eastern, Onehunga and Manukau lines only.
For timetable and fare information for the Wailkato Connection - Te Huia ( Auckland/Hamilton ) - please phone Auckland Transport on 0800-103-080 tollfree in New Zealand
Wellington suburban train services
For fare and timetable information please phone Metlink on 0800-801-700 tollfree in New Zealand for train timetables and fares on the Capital Connection and the Wairarapa Connection operating from Wellington. The Capital Connection and the Wairarapa Connection are commuter train services, so reservations are not required.
Tickets for these trains are available from the Tranz Metro ticket office - Wellington Railway Station, Masterton Railway Station, Featherston Railway Station and Palmerston North Railway Station or from the respective Train Manager's on the day of travel.
For timetable and fare information for the Capital Connection (Wellington/Otaki/Levin/Palmerston North) - please phone KiwiRail on 0800 872-467 tollfree in New Zealand.
For timetable and fare information for the Wairarapa Connection (Wellington/Featherston/Masterton) train services - please phone Metlink on 0800-801-700 tollfree in New Zealand.
