Premium · No. Northern Explorer
Northern Explorer train timings
Northern Explorer timetable
4 stops · scheduled times| # | Station | Arrives | Departs | Halt | Km |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auckland Strand Station | — | 07:45 | 0 | |
| 2 | Hamilton Train Station | 09:38 | 09:43 | 5 min | 126 |
| 3 | Palmerston North Station | 15:58 | 16:03 | 5 min | 491 |
| 4 | Wellington Railway Station | 19:15 | — | 681 |
Published timetable, local time. “+1d” means the next day. Delays and platform changes are announced by KiwiRail Great Journeys on the day.
Northern Explorer: Auckland to Wellington
Northern Explorer is a premium train run by KiwiRail Great Journeys between Auckland Strand Station and Wellington Railway Station. The full journey covers 681 km and takes 11h 30m, with 2 intermediate stops.
It leaves Auckland Strand Station at 07:45 and reaches Wellington Railway Station at 19:15. It runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On the way it stops at Hamilton Train Station and Palmerston North Station.
Northern Explorer is KiwiRail's scenic tourist train from Auckland Strand to Wellington, covering 681 km in approximately 11 hours through the volcanic plateau and Tongariro National Park (home of Mount Ruapehu). Running only on weekends and public holidays, it is New Zealand's premier long-distance passenger train, with panoramic windows and an open-air heritage car.
How to book Northern Explorer tickets
Tickets are sold by KiwiRail Great Journeys on greatjourneysnz.com and at staffed stations. Advance fares are usually cheaper than buying on the day.
Book on greatjourneysnz.comNorthern Explorer: common questions
- What time does Northern Explorer leave Auckland?
- Northern Explorer departs Auckland Strand Station at 07:45 and arrives at Wellington Railway Station at 19:15. Times are the published timetable in local time.
- How long does Northern Explorer take from Auckland to Wellington?
- The scheduled journey time is 11h 30m for 681 km.
- Which stations does Northern Explorer stop at?
- Northern Explorer calls at Auckland Strand Station, Hamilton Train Station, Palmerston North Station and Wellington Railway Station.
- Does Northern Explorer run every day?
- No. It runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Where can I book Northern Explorer tickets?
- On KiwiRail Great Journeys's own site, greatjourneysnz.com. TrainsTracking does not sell tickets.