Our Northern Explorer Auckland train station
Today, Auckland Strand Railway Station is used exclusively for Northern Explorer train services. But the platform dates back to the grand 1930s Auckland Station, which served the city until 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 and adding a novel ticket office manufactured from shipping containers. The new station was built exclusively for the Northern Explorer Auckland to Wellington train - the only New Zealand long-distance passenger train operating in the North Island.
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
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 Taumarunui to Wellington train departs Taumarunui station southbound on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Our Northern Explorer Taumarunui to Auckland train departs on Friday, Sunday, and Wednesday.
