Northern Explorer Stations
Our nine Northern Explorer stations enable you to explore the very heart of our North Island.
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Auckland Strand
Auckland Strand Railway Station
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 Railway Station, Ngaoho Place, , Parnell , Auckland , 1010
Northern Explorer Auckland to Wellington train
Northern Explorer Auckland to Wellington trains departs 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 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 Strand Railway Station
Northern Explorer Timetable
Auckland Strand Facilities
Parking
There is NO long-term parking at Auckland Strand station and we recommend using one of the following nearby public car parks:
- Shipwright Lane Car Park: 2/16 Shipwright Lane, Parnell, Auckland (view)
- Parnell Rise Car Park: 6 Carlaw Park Avenue, Auckland (view)
Details for both car parks can be found on https://www.wilsonparking.co.nz/parkmate. You can also download the ParkMate app on your phone to pay on the day.
There is a drop-off and pick-up zone directly outside the station office.
Check-in Counter
Our Check-in Counter opens at 6:45am and closes 20 minutes before departure (7:25am).
For bookings on the day of travel, please enquire at the Check-in desk. If space is available, they will advise you on how to buy a ticket.
We recommend booking online at least 24 hrs in advance.
Accessibility
There is step-free access to the station office and platform and a drop-off zone immediately outside the station.
Toilet
Toilet facilities are available in the station office
Travel Connections
There are no local buses or metro rail services connecting between Auckland Strand Station and central business district (CBD).
Walking: The city centre is a 10-15 minute walk with no hills (although most hotels are located on Auckland's many hills!).
AT Metro: For Metro train services, you can either connect on foot (approx. 15 mins) or board/disembark at Auckland Papakura Station. Please notify us well in advance (at least 24hr in advance) if you wish to change your booking from Auckland Strand to Auckland Papakura otherwise the train may not stop!
Taxi
Taxis are usually available outside the station, but booking in advance is recommended.
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Baggage
To keep our carriages spacious and clutter free, we operate separate luggage carriages. Visit this page to view our luggage policy.
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