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.
Bluebrige offers a ferry service between Wellington and Picton and vice versa. The passenger terminals in Wellington and Picton are centrally located and easy to get to. While there is no long term parking on-site, there are plenty of parking options nearby. On board, there is heaps of stuff to help make your journey awesome.
Walking on
Foot passengers should check in at the terminal at least 45 minutes before their sailing time. Remember to ensure any luggage is properly labelled and packed securely. In Wellington our team will guide you from the terminal building to our ship on-foot. We can arrange a transfer with our passenger van if you would prefer a little assistance. We also like to use our passenger van when the weather isn't too flash to keep you all as comfortable as possible. In Picton foot passengers are transported via shuttle bus from the terminal building to the ship (short journey).
Cyclists
Cyclists should check in at the terminal at least 45 minutes before their sailing time. In Wellington our team will guide you from the terminal building to our ship. In Picton cyclists are asked to follow the passenger shuttle bus from the terminal to the ship. PLEASE NOTE: You are permitted to ride to the stern ramp but you must walk across the ramp and there is no riding allowed inside the ship itself.
Your bicycle will be stored beneath the decks inside and out of the weather. We supply lashings to secure bicycles to ship rails/brackets and rags for padding but we do encourage owners to bring their own. A member of our staff will be on hand to provide you with assistance or advice if required.
Driving on
Luckily, getting your vehicle onto our ferry is easier than it looks, and minimal preparation is required to make sure you have a safe and easy journey. Our awesome crew is also there to help you every step of the way so please don’t be afraid to ask for assistance.
If you’re travelling in a vehicle, you need to be at the terminal at least an hour before departure and should check in at the vehicle booth – not inside the terminal. As you won’t have access to your vehicle during sailing, make sure you have everything you need for your trip in your hand luggage. You’ll be expected to drive your vehicle safely onboard, although our crew are there to help if you need it. When boarding at night, remember to turn your lights off before you approach the ship's ramp so as not to blind our crew. Double-check your handbrake is on, put it in gear, turn-off your alarm and lock your vehicle.
Children's age is 1 - 14 Years Inclusive.
