Service Announcement: Northern Explorer Bus Replacements – Auckland to Hamilton/ Hamilton to Auckland

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.


For further inquiries or assistance with your travel plans, please contact our New Zealand Travel Team.
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
 
Show Notification Close Notification
Itinerary Details

Day 1 - Auckland -

Hotel Address :- Auckland

Hotel Name :- 3-star Auckland hotel or apartment

Hotel Check In :- Day 1

Hotel Check Out :- Day 5

Day 2 GreatSights - Auckland City Sights & Sky Tower AKL AKL GS1S (0945 1245) Day Tour - Auckland to Auckland 0945 - 1243

Service : Day Tour

Depart City : Auckland

Arrive City : Auckland

Depart Time : 09:45:00

Arrive Time : 12:43:00

Day 3 GreatSights - Waitomo & Rotorua Experience AKL AKL GS16AL (0730 2010) Day Tour - Auckland to Auckland 0730 - 2010

Service : Day Tour

Depart City : Auckland

Arrive City : Auckland

Depart Time : 07:30:00

Arrive Time : 20:10:00

Day 4 KiwiRail Great Journeys of New Zealand - Northern Explorer Auckland to Wellington Train Service - Auckland to Wellington 0745 - 1825

Service : Train Service

Depart City : Auckland

Arrive City : Wellington

Depart Time : 07:45:00

Arrive Time : 18:25:00


Hotel Address :- Wellington

Hotel Name :- 3-star Wellington hotel or apartment

Hotel Check In :- Day 4

Hotel Check Out :- Day 8

Day 5 GreatSights - Wellington City and Bays Tour (morning) WLG WLG GSWW1 (0900 1200) Day Tour - Wellington to Wellington 1000 - 1230

Service : Day Tour

Depart City : Wellington

Arrive City : Wellington

Depart Time : 10:00:00

Arrive Time : 12:30:00

Day 6 GreatSights - Weta Workshop There and Back Again 10.30am Tour WLG WLG GSWEW2 (1030 1300) Day Tour - Wellington to Wellington 1030 - 1300

Service : Day Tour

Depart City : Wellington

Arrive City : Wellington

Depart Time : 10:30:00

Arrive Time : 13:00:00