Your Northern Explorer stopover at Paraparaumu
Step off the Northern Explorer train at Paraparaumu and enjoy a boutique Kāpiti Coast experience – fine dining, local stories, and scenic coastal charm – before continuing your journey to Wellington.
Enhance your Great Journeys of New Zealand experience
Travelling on the Northern Explorer train? Instead of going straight through to Wellington, step off at Paraparaumu Station and add an unforgettable coastal experience to your journey. We’ll meet you on the platform, manage your luggage, and return you to Wellington once your tour is complete.
It’s a seamless way to add a Tour Wellington experience to your Great Journeys of New Zealand booking.
How it works
Five simple steps from the train to your table.
- Step 1 Book your tour in advance Secure your place on the Tūī Tour or Kererū Tour before your train journey. Seats are limited and must be reserved ahead of time.
- Step 2 Travel on the Northern Explorer Book your Northern Explorer ticket as usual. On Saturdays, the train arrives at Paraparaumu Station around 5:30 PM.
- Step 3 Step off at Paraparaumu Instead of travelling straight through to Wellington, step off the train at Paraparaumu. Our team will be waiting on the platform to greet you and collect your bags.
- Step 4 Enjoy your tour Begin your chosen Tour Wellington experience – from the Tūī Tour’s elegant evening to the Kererū Tour’s full-day and overnight stay.
- Step 5 Return to Wellington Same evening (Tūī Tour, back by 8:00 PM), or next day (Kererū Tour, with accommodation and tickets included).
Why choose Tour Wellington?
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Effortless connection – step straight off the Northern Explorer at Paraparaumu and into your tour, no transfers or planning required.
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Peace of mind – all tours are pre-booked, reserved, and ready for you. Simply show up and enjoy.
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Luggage handled – we take care of your bags from the platform to your return, so you can travel light and worry‑free.
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All-inclusive transport – every ride, transfer, and return ticket is included in your tour price.
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Tailored timing – choose a same-evening return with the Tūī Tour, or extend your adventure with the Kererū overnight stay.
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More than a train ride – enrich your Great Journeys of New Zealand trip with coastal flavours, live jazz, fine dining, and local storytelling on the Kāpiti Coast.
Choose your stopover
The Tūī Tour for an evening, or the Kererū Tour for the whole weekend. Both meet the Saturday arrival.
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$170 pp all inclusive
Vintage Elegance, Every Saturday
Tūī Tour
An evening of fine dining, live jazz, and coastal storytelling aboard the Blue Train – a rare kind of night out, in a setting unlike anywhere else in New Zealand.
- Start 5:30 PM Saturday · Ends by 8:00 PM
- Northern Explorer’s Saturday arrival
- Three-course fine dining + Live music
- Local Wine Pairing
- Private return coach to Wellington Railway Station
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$595 pp all inclusive
Overnight Escape, Every Saturday
Kererū Tour
Two days of curated delight – the elegance of the Tūī Tour, a seaside sleep, and a full day exploring vintage trams, classic cars, and local wines along the coast.
- Start 5:30 PM Saturday · Ends Sunday afternoon
- Northern Explorer’s Saturday arrival
- Everything from the Tūī Tour
- Sunday lunch & wine tasting
- Boutique seaside accommodation
- Southward Car Museum & Fiducia tram ride
- Private return coach to Wellington Railway Station
FAQs – Northern Explorer connection
For full details on booking conditions, cancellations, and travel policies, please view our Terms & Conditions.
Do I need to book my tour before I travel?
Yes. Tours must be booked in advance as spaces are limited. We cannot take walk-ins from the train.
How does the timing work with the Northern Explorer?
On Saturdays, the Northern Explorer arrives at Paraparaumu Station around 5:30 PM. We’ll be waiting on the platform to meet you and start your tour.
What happens with my luggage?
Our team will collect your bags as you step off the train. They are securely stored while you enjoy your tour. If you’re on the Kererū Tour, we’ll transfer your luggage to your accommodation for the night and return it to you for your transport back into Wellington the next day.
Do I need a return ticket to Wellington?
No. Your tour booking includes transport back to Wellington. For the Tūī Tour, you’ll be returned the same evening. For the Kererū Tour, your package includes both accommodation and tickets back into Wellington the next day.
Can I join these tours if I’m not on the Northern Explorer?
Yes. While designed to connect with the Northern Explorer, both tours are open to all guests. You can simply meet us at Paraparaumu Station at the tour start time.
Will I miss part of the Northern Explorer journey?
You’ll step off just before the final stretch into Wellington. Many guests enjoy this option as it adds a unique coastal stopover before continuing into the capital.
What if my train is delayed?
We monitor the Northern Explorer’s arrival closely. If there are minor delays, we’ll adjust accordingly so you don’t miss the start of your experience.
Is dinner or accommodation included?
Tūī Tour: Includes a full dining experience, drinks, and return transport the same night.
Kererū Tour: Includes dining, a full day of experiences, overnight accommodation, and tickets back to Wellington the following day.
What if I have dietary requirements?
We cater for most dietary needs with advance notice. Please let us know when booking, and we’ll make sure your meal is prepared accordingly.
Enhance your Northern Explorer journey – reserve your tour today
The Northern Explorer is already an incredible experience. With Tour Wellington, you can make it even greater – step off early, discover the charm of the Kāpiti Coast, and arrive in Wellington with more than just a train ride.
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