The Northern Explorer train service is a scenic rail journey through the five unique geographical regions of the North Island - travelling between Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city - home of the Sky Tower,  through the central heartland of the North Island to Wellington - New Zealand’s harbour capital and arts, culture centre. 

Along the way, you will see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland, rugged bush landscapes before ascending up the world famous Raurimu Spiral to the volcanic plateau passing the majestic volcanoes of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu - the home of the North Island Skifields, descending through stunning river gorges to the farming landscapes and rocky sea scapes of the lower North Island - all from panoramic windows or the open air viewing carriage of the Northern Explorer train.

The Northern Explorer carriages have advanced air bag suspension system for quieter and smoother travel, un-tinted, non-reflective, panoramic side and roof windows to capture the dramatic coastal and mountain views of the magnificent North Island, GPS triggered journey commentary in five languages at your seat via headphones, plus information displays and overhead HD video and are centrally heated/air conditioned for passenger comfort.

Each carriage has onboard washroom/toilet facilities, with '2 Seat-Aisle-2 Seat' seating either as reclining  forward facing seats with head and foot rests or 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating allowing to experience the amazing views of the magnificent North Island, through panoramic side and roof windows, while enjoying the company of other passengers.

The Northern Explorer train has a café carriage offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals and a viewing carriage for sweeping views of the North Island. 

For mobility-impaired passengers, there are spaces for wheel chairs and a disabled public toilet. Wheelchair hoists provide access to the café carriage from track level.

For hearing-impaired passengers - a hearing loop covers all of the café carriage saloon and serving area.

The Northern Explorer train is a reserved seating 'One Class'  non-smoking service.

The Northern Explorer train operates -

*  Auckland to Wellington - Monday, Thursday and Saturday

*  Wellington to Auckland - Tuesday, Friday and Sunday

The Northern Explorer train does not operate on Christmas Day - 25 December.

From Hamilton, there are connecting bus and coach services to and from Rotorua and Tauranga and from Auckland, Palmerston North or Wellington to other North Island destinations.

You can travel on the Northern Explorer train on RailBus New Zealand's Auckland to Queenstown or Queenstown to Auckland scenic travel services.

From Auckland you can explore the beautiful Bay of Islands or the thermal wonderland of Rotorua with a range of suggested 'Hop On/Hop Off' bus pass travel options.

So, sit back and enjoy a genuine kiwi rail experience on the Northern Explorer train travelling through 5 unique regions of the North Island with its unique scenic beauty.

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