Important travel update regarding the Northern Explorer train

 

We wish to inform our valued passengers of an important update for those planning to travel on the Northern Explorer train during the upcoming scheduled network upgrade periods.

Affected Dates:

15 January 2025 to 27 January 2025

12 April 2025 to 28 April 2025

 

Impact on Travel: During these periods, the tracks between Auckland Strand Railway Station and Hamilton will be closed for train travel due to essential upgrade work to prepare for the City Rail Link's opening in 2026.

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 either Papakura or Auckland Strand Station.

 

Important Update for All Bookings Until 27 January 2025:

All bookings made up to and including 27 January 2025 (both old and new) will automatically receive a replacement bus service for the affected section of the route.

For April 2025 travel, we are currently accepting bookings to and from Hamilton only, and passengers should consider alternative transport to and from Auckland.

 

Scenic Routes Unaffected: 
Rest assured, you will not miss a significant portion of the scenic route, as the most picturesque parts of the journey are located south of Hamilton. The train journey between Hamilton and Wellington will operate as usual, allowing you to experience the breathtaking landscapes and highlights that make this journey unforgettable.

 

Alternative Travel Options: For travelers not included in the transfer bus:

Consider arranging private transportation between Auckland and Hamilton.

Local bus or coach services may be available as an alternative.

If you need assistance identifying suitable travel options, don't hesitate to get in touch with our New Zealand Travel Team for guidance.

 

Flexibility for Travelers: To accommodate your needs, we offer the following options:

Reschedule your travel to a future date.

Request a 100% refund if you prefer not to travel.

 

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this disruption and remain committed to providing as much assistance as possible.

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
View Cart (0)

 

The Capital Connection
The Capital Connection is a regional passenger commuter train service operating between Palmerston North, Shannon, Levin, Otaki and Wellington featuring air conditioned, centrally heated carriages with large panoramic windows and disable facilities.

As this is a commuter rail service and reservations are not available. Tickets and monthly passes for this train are available from the railway station on the day of travel - Wellington Railway Station, Palmerston North I-Site in the Square or tickets only from the Palmerston North Railway Station or the Train Manager on the day of travel.

The Capital Connection operates one daily service each way - Monday to Friday. There are no services on Saturday, Sunday, or Public Holidays including Christmas Day.

Travel time from Wellington to Palmerston North is 2 hours.

For timetable and fare information concerning The Capital Connection (Wellington/Otaki/Levin/Palmerston North) train service - please phone KiwiRail on 0800 872-467 tollfree in New Zealand.

There are no passenger train services from Palmerston North to Masterton, Napier, Hastings, Wanganui or New Plymouth.

The Wairarapa Connection
The Wairarapa Connection is a regional commuter passenger train service that operates daily between Masterton, Carterton, Featherston and Wellington with air-conditioned, centrally heated carriages with large panaromic windows and disable facilities.

The Wairarapa Connection is a commuter rail service, so reservations are not required. Tickets and monthly passes for this service are available from Tranz Metro ticket office - Wellington Railway Station, Featherston Railway Station or tickets only from the Masterton Railway Station or the Train Manager on the day of travel.

The Wairarapa Connection operates Five daily services each way (Mon - Thu), Six daily services each way (Fri) and two daily services each way (Sat, Sun, Public Holidays).

Travel time from Wellington to Featherston is 1 hour and to Masterton is 1 hour 45 minutes.

The Wairarapa Connection also stops at Woodside (For Greytown), Matarawa, Carterton, Solway and Renall Street. There are connecting local bus services from Woodside for Greytown and Featherston for Martinborough.

For timetable and fare information The Wairarapa Connection (Wellington/Featherston/Woodside/Carterton/Masterton) train service - please phone Metlink on 0800-801-700 tollfree in New Zealand.

 

The Waikato Connection - Te Huia

Te Huia is the passenger rail service which connects Waikato to Auckland ( Strand )

Capable of carrying over 500 passengers per day, connecting Hamilton, Huntly and Auckland.

Te Huia runs return services from Frankton ( Hamilton ) to Auckland twice per day during the week, and once on Saturdays

Journey time is 2 hours 25 minutes between Frankton and Papakura. Connecting with Auckland Transport's Metro network at Puhinui, Papakura and the Strand - please phone AT Metro on 0800-205-305 tollfree in New Zealand