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
Rangitoto Island sits majestically just off the Auckland coast, a short 25 minute cruise from downtown Auckland. Visible from Mission Bay to Cheltenham Beach, this 600 year old volcano boasts a unique landscape of rugged lava crops, lush native bush and sandy coves. Walk to the top for spectacular 360 degree views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf islands, or hop on board our Volcanic Explorer road train tour for a guided island experience.
Maori know Rangitoto Island as ‘Te Rangi i totongia a Tamatekapua’ – the day the blood of Tamatekapua was shed, in reference to a major eruption that formed the volcanic peak, as well as a battle that occurred between warring tribes fought on the Island. Walking to the summit takes about an hour at an easy pace. Lookouts along the way provide some stunning views as you climb, and you can do a detour to explore the lava caves only 200 meters from the summit on the eastern side. Other tracks that skirt the coastline are sign posted from the wharf and vary in length and difficulty, so plan your visit in advance and make sure you leave enough time to return to the ferry wharf.
Ferries depart regularly throughout the day. Bookings are essential and valid for travel on depature time and date indicated on ticket. Ticket is open for the return journey:
Return times
Weekdays - 12.30 pm / 2.30pm / 3.30pm
Weekends and Public Holidays - 12.30pm / 2.30 pm / 4.00pm
Journey time is approximately 25 minutes from downtown Auckland.
All guest must have a valid ticket to travel on the ferry.
IMPORTANT BIOSECURITY INFORMATION
This island is pest-free and provides a sanctuary for our native wildlife. Please help to ensure the island stays pest-free. Our vessels are licensed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Auckland Council to visit islands in the Hauraki Gulf. We run a biosecurity system on all our vessels which meet the criteria to hold a ‘Pest-Free Warrant’ for the Hauraki Gulf.
What you need to do to prepare for your trip to pest-free Rangitoto Island:
Please check your bags for stowaways such as: mice, rats, Argentine Ants and Rainbow Skinks to name a few.
Ensure your footwear, clothing and bags are clean and free of soil and seeds.
Your lunch must be packed in a rodent-proof/ sealed container e.g. hard plastic.
No open bags or boxes will be allowed on-board. Everything you bring must be sealed or zipped closed.
PLEASE REMEMBER...
From time to time, adverse weather conditions require us to sail into Islington Bay Wharf instead of Rangitoto Wharf. This means there are some changes to your walking time on the island.
It may take up to an extra hour to walk to and from the summit from Islington Bay, and the track is shared by vehicles including our 4WD road train. We recommend you plan your walk accordingly and note the time of the last ferry off the island.
If you are unsure of which wharf we will be sailing to, please call our customer service team on 09 367 9111 on the morning of your departure.
DON’T GET STRANDED!
Please check the time of the last ferry at the start of your trip – a clock on the wharf will indicate the last departure.
| Tour Date | From-To | Fare Type | Adult | Child | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Oct 2022 to 30 Sep 2023 | 09:15 AM Auckland - 09:40 AM Rangitoto Island | Tour | NZ$43.00 | NZ$22.00 | |
| 01 Oct 2023 to 30 Sep 2024 | 09:15 AM Auckland - 09:40 AM Rangitoto Island | Tour | NZ$57.00 | NZ$25.00 | |
| 01 Oct 2024 to 30 Sep 2025 | 09:15 AM Auckland - 09:40 AM Rangitoto Island | Tour | NZ$60.00 | NZ$27.00 |
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