Our Northern Explorer Auckland station
Today, Auckland Strand Railway Station is used for all Northern Explorer train services. But the platform dates back to the grand 1930s Auckland Station, which served the city until the Waitematā (formerly Britomart) Station opened in 2003. Auckland Station was then converted into apartments and 70 years of New Zealand rail history came to a close - until Platform 7 was revived in preparation for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Auckland Strand Station came to life in 2015 using the refurbished Platform 7, adding a novel ticket office manufactured from shipping containers. Years later in 2023, the historic signal building designed in 1908 by the renowned George Troup, known as ‘Gingerbread George', was given a transformative revival. The renovation blended its historic essence with modern functionality. This repurposed the old 'box' into a fine station building - a key piece of Auckland's railway heritage, now used exclusively used for the Northern Explorer Auckland to Wellington train.
But, with "Platform 7" stranded across the tracks from the original Auckland Railway Station on Beach Road, access to the new station had to be provided via The Strand - which is why the new station is named Auckland Strand Station.
Auckland Strand Station Map
66 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland, 1010 (Accessed via Ngaoho Place)
Northern Explorer Auckland to Wellington train
Northern Explorer Auckland to Wellington trains depart from Auckland Strand at 7:45am on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Wellington to Auckland trains arrive in the evenings on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
You can enquire at the Check-in desk on the day of travel if tickets are available. However, we strongly encourage you to book online in advance.
Northern Explorer Check-In
- Check-in desk opens at 6:45am inside the station office
- All wheeled cabin bags, large bags, backpacks and suitcases must be checked-in
- Pack a small bag with valuables and medicines to bring aboard for the journey
- Check-in closes 20 minutes before departure
Auckland to Wellington train timetable
Our Northern Explorer Auckland to Wellington train departs Auckland Strand southbound on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Our Northern Explorer Wellington to Auckland train arrives on Friday, Sunday, and Wednesday.
