Important travel update regarding the Northern Explorer train

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.  

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Major Railway Stations

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