Northern Explorer

The Northern Explorer is a train of long-distance passenger traffic between Auckland and Wellington on the North Island of New Zealand. The line is operated since October 1, 2008 by the Division Kiwi Rail Scenic Journeys of KiwiRail and is about back to 100 % state-owned.

By 2012, this train was called Overlander and replaced from December 1991, the previously operated under the name Silver Fern pair of trains on the North Iceland Main Trunk Railway route. Since the adjustment of operating under the name Northerner night connection he is the only person on this route between Pukekohe and Palmerston North.

Threatened suspension of operations

In July 2006, the suspension of operations was announced with effect from September 30, 2006 by the former operator company, Toll Rail. This step was justified by the fact that the passenger would enter on this line only loss.

Due to massive protests from the public, the compound was further operated, but with a thinned schedule. So the trains run only in the summer and on Easter day, in winter only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

2012 Overlander has been replaced by the new train Northern Explorer in the face of declining passenger numbers. This train now with new rolling stock, but only 3 times per week in each direction.

Holding

For the 680 km long distance trains currently require about 12 hours.

In Taumarunui formerly a locomotive change took place, and there was a train station restaurant. In National Park is a 45-minute stop will be at this time there is an opportunity for lunch in the restaurant. Here also meet the trains. Porirua is operated only on the journey south.

With the Umbezeichung the train to Northern Explorer numerous stops were abandoned: Middlemore, Papakura, Pukekohe, Otorohanga, Te Kuiti, Taumarunui, Taihape, Marton, Feilding, Levin, Paraparaumu and Porirua.

Discontinued holding

Between Pukekohe and Hamilton

  • Te Kauwhata (Discontinued April 2005)
  • Huntly (Discontinued April 2005)

Between Hamilton and Otorohanga

  • Te Awamutu (Discontinued April 2005)

Between Tamarunui and National Park (predecessor trains before 1980 )

  • Manunui
  • Piriaka
  • Kakahi ( in the days of the steam locomotive change operation )
  • Owhango
  • Oio
  • Raurimu

Between Ohakune and Marton

  • Waiouru - the highest railway station on the ( abandoned April 2005)
  • Taihape - (Discontinued April 2005, again in operation since October 2009)

Between Levin and Paraparaumu

  • Otaki (Discontinued April 2005)
  • Waikanae (Discontinued April 2005)

Swell

  • Churchman, Geoffrey B.; Hurst, Tony: The Railways Of New Zealand - A Journey Through History, HarperCollins Publishers ( New Zealand ) (for 1st edition 1990), transpress New Zealand Wellington ( 2nd edition 2000), ISBN 0-908876-20-3.
New Zealand Railways Corporation Northerner (train) Toll NZ Hamilton, New Zealand National Park, New Zealand Wellington Railway Station Kakahi, New Zealand
608790
de