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

  • 14 - 17 January 2026

 

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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Newzealandbyferry

Taste of Waiheke Tour
Taste of Waiheke Tour - TOW

Taste of Waiheke Tour

Experience Waiheke Island’s best-selling all-inclusive culinary adventure!
Indulge in a day of award-winning wines, artisan produce, and breathtaking scenery on this premium food and wine tour. Visit four of Waiheke’s most iconic venues and enjoy a relaxed, guided journey through the island’s finest flavors.

Child is not allowed on this tour.


Tour Highlights

  • Visit four iconic vineyards and artisanal producers in one unforgettable day.

  • Enjoy a glass of wine and a two-course lunch at Batch Winery, the island’s highest-altitude vineyard with spectacular views.

  • Taste award-winning wines at Mudbrick Vineyard during a special cellar door experience.

  • Discover the art of sustainable olive oil production with a tasting at Allpress Olive Groves.

  • Savor premium wines at a top Waiheke vineyard.

  • All-inclusive return ferry travel — enjoy the Waiheke Reserve ferry, a streamlined, queue-free ferry service that takes you directly to the island during the peak season.


Venues

  • Batch Winery – Dine among stunning hilltop views and enjoy a signature two-course lunch.

  • Mudbrick Vineyard – Sample premium varietals and learn about Mudbrick’s award-winning winemaking craft.

  • Allpress Olive Groves – Experience the process of creating world-class olive oils and enjoy a tasting session.

  • Premium Vineyard – Conclude your day with a tasting of exquisite Waiheke wines in a serene setting.


Travel Information

Ferry Journey

  • Approx. 40 minutes from downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island.

Peak Season (1 Dec – 28 Feb)

  • Depart Auckland: 10:15 AM (Waiheke Reserve Ferry)

  • Depart Waiheke: 5:15 PM (Waiheke Reserve Ferry)

Off-Peak Season

  • Depart Auckland: 10:00 AM (Waiheke Walk-Up Ferry)

  • Depart Waiheke: 4:00 PM (Waiheke Walk-Up Ferry)

Departure Points

Peak Season:

  • Auckland: Pier 13/14, Downtown Ferry Terminal

  • Waiheke: Pier 3, Matiatia Ferry Terminal

Off-Peak Season:

  • Auckland: Pier 11, Downtown Ferry Terminal

  • Waiheke: Pier 1, Matiatia Ferry Terminal

Tour Meeting Point

  • The tour departs from Matiatia Ferry Terminal on Waiheke Island and returns to the same location in time for the ferry back to Auckland.


Duration

  • Approx. 6 hours, including ferry travel.


Tour Schedule

  • 1 April – 31 October 2025: Friday – Sunday

  • 1 November – 30 November 2025: Wednesday – Sunday

  • 1 December 2025 – 28 February 2026: Daily

  • 1 March – 31 March 2026: Wednesday – Sunday

Please note: Bookings are essential.
Tours do not operate on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, or ANZAC Day.

Tour Date From-To Fare Type Adult Child Action
06 Nov 2025 to 30 Nov 2025 10:00 AM Auckland - 04:00 PM Auckland Tour NZ$295.00 NZ$0.00
01 Dec 2025 to 28 Feb 2026 10:00 AM Auckland - 04:00 PM Auckland Tour NZ$295.00 NZ$0.00
01 Mar 2026 to 31 Mar 2026 10:00 AM Auckland - 04:00 PM Auckland Tour NZ$295.00 NZ$0.00

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