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
 
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North Island

Auckland
The Strand Station
Address: Ngaoho Place, The Strand
The Strand is approximately 15-20 minutes walking distance from Britomart.
Set down/pick up and long-term paid parking is available
Optional taxi/shuttle bus services are available

Hamilton
Frankton Railway Station
Address: Fraser Street, Frankton
The railway station is not located in the city centre
Located 15-20 minutes walk from city centre
Set down/pick up parking available only
Medium or long parking is not available
Optional taxi/shuttle bus service is available

Otorohanga
Otorohanga Railway Station
Address: Waihanui Crescent
Railway Station is located in the town centre
Set down/pick up parking available 

Taumarunui
Taumarunui Railway Station
Address: Hakiaha Street
Railway Station is located in the town centre
Set down/pick up parking available 

National Park (Tongariro National Park)
National Park Railway Station
Address: Ruapehu Street
15-minute walk to National Park village
Set down/pick up parking only.
Shuttle bus services to National Park or Whakapapa Village are available for an additional fare


Ohakune
Ohakune Railway Station
Address: Thames Street
The railway station is not located in the town centre
Set down/pick up parking only
20 minutes walk to the town centre

Palmerston North
Palmerston North Railway Station
Address: Matthew Avenue
The railway station is not located in the city centre
Set down/pick up parking only
No medium or long-term parking is available
Optional taxi/shuttle bus service is available

Wellington
Wellington Railway Station
Address: Bunny Street, City Centre
Located in the city centre.
Set down/pick up parking only
No medium or long-term parking is available
Interchange for suburban train and bus services
Bluebridge Ferry Terminal opposite Station
The departure point for Cook Strait ferries courtesy shuttle
Optional taxi/shuttle bus services are available

South Island

Picton
Picton Railway Station
Address: Auckland Street
10 minutes walk to Picton ferry terminal or town centre
Set down/pick up parking only
Optional taxi service is available

Blenheim
Blenheim Railway Station
Address: Sinclair Street
Located 10-15 minutes walk from the town centre
Set down/pick up parking only is available
Optional taxi/shuttle bus service is available
Interchange for bus services to Picton, Nelson, Motueka and Takaka (Able Tasman National Park)

Kaikoura
Kaikoura Railway Station
Address: Whaleway Station Road
15-minute walk to the town centre
Set down/pick up parking only
Optional taxi service is available
The departure point for Whale Watching tours

Christchurch
Christchurch Railway Station
Address: Troup Drive off Clarence St, Addington
The railway station is not located in the town centre
Set down/pick up parking only
Limited unsecure all-day parking at owners/hirers' risk
Optional taxi/shuttle bus services are available
10 minutes to the city centre by taxi or shuttle bus

Arthurs Pass
Arthurs Pass Railway Station
Address: Main Road (State Hwy 73)
Located 10 minutes walk from the village
Set down/pick up parking only
Gateway to Arthurs Pass National Park
Park Headquarters located in the village

Greymouth
Greymouth Railway Station
Address: Mackay Street
10-15 minutes walk to the town centre
Set down/pick up parking only
No medium or long-term parking is available
Rental car pick up/drop off available
Departure for all bus services for the Glaciers and Nelson
Optional taxi service is available