The Northern Explorer train is a rail journey through the heart of the North Island travelling between Hamilton to Auckland - New Zealand’s largest city and home of the Sky Tower or from Hamilton to Wellington - New Zealand’s arts and culture capital. 

You will see fantastic views of the North Island's heartland flat farmland, rugged native bush,  the volcanic plateau with its majestic volcanoes of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu - the home of the North Island skifields, the world famous Raurimu rail spiral and stunning river gorges – all from panoramic windows or open air viewing deck.

All carriages on the Northern Explorer train are centrally heated/air conditioned, with 'Airline' style forward facing seats with head rests and 'Table Group' (4 people around a table) seating, large panoramic windows of the magnificent North Island. 

The Northern Explorer train has a café carriage, offering a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and light meals and viewing platform.

The Northerner Explorer train is a reserved seating 'One Class/Non-smoking' service.

The Northern Explorer train operates Monday, Thursday and Saturday between Hamilton and Wellington and Tuesday, Friday and Sunday between Hamilton and Auckland.

The Northerner Explorer train does not operate of Christmas Day - 25 December.

Please click for timetable information and online reservations.

There is no overnight passenger rail or train service between Hamilton, Palmerston North, Ohakune, National Park, Auckland and Wellington.