Catching the Northern Explorer train
Northern Explorer Auckland to Wellington trains depart southbound on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Northern Explorer Wellington to Auckland trains depart northbound on Friday, Sunday, and Wednesday.
Northern Explorer does not run between 25 December 2026 through to the 11th January 2027.
Checking in
If you are already booked, then please ensure you view the relevant station page for your departure. There you will find directions and check-in information. Please note that check-in times and procedures vary from station to station.
Checking arrivals
If you are meeting someone who is on the train, then you can call 0800 ARRIVALS to check the latest arrival times.
We recommend allowing for minor delays, as our railways travel through rugged terrain with unpredictable weather and heat affecting travel times.