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"When you are ready to book your trip you can do it here"
Experience the North Island’s extraordinary range of scenery in one journey as the Northern Explorer takes you through rolling green farmland and virgin bush, past quaint country towns and along rocky coasts. Witness the Raurimu Spiral and many other iconic engineering solutions required to complete the trunk line that stretches the length of New Zealand's rugged North Island terrain through the five unique geographical regions of the North Island; between Auckland, through the central heartland of the North Island to Wellington. Tongariro National Park, with its three spectacular volcanic mountains, snow-blanketed fields, ancient lava flows and dense beech forests before descending through stunning river gorges to the farming landscapes and rocky seascapes of the lower North Island - all from large panoramic windows and the open air viewing deck of the Northern Explorer train.
If you have any accessibility requirements, please select the type of accessibility assistance required at the time of booking. Service dogs are welcomed on board the train. There is a drop off/pick up zone which is well signed. Parking is available just outside the station which is free at this date.
There are no kerbs on the accessible route, with a gradient ramp to the temporary station building at Strand. The building is light and spacious with no hazards, and a wide accessible route to the train. There are a number of KiwiRail personnel around to call for assistance if required.
The floors are smooth concrete with no hazards. The train is waiting on the platform with the doors ajar waiting for passengers to alight.
Departs & Arrives at Wellington from platform 9, Wellington Railway Station, 2 Bunny Street
Accessible car parks are available adjacent to the train platform. The Northern Explorer platform is in close proximity to the main entrance, with the ideal accessible entrance from Waterloo Quay. There are entrance hinged doorways including gates and turnstiles on the route. There is an elevator if arriving by metro bus service. An accessible counter is available at customer service and ticketing. There is an accessible toilet available on the station.
An accessibility hoist is available on all scenic train services and provides access from the platform to the Café carriage. Each Café carriage has an allocation of two spaces for either wheel or power chair customers or storage of power chair or mobility scooters. The Café carriage also provides a range of food and beverages that can be purchased as well as an accessibility toilet. All carriages are fitted with hearing loops to boost the PA sound levels.
Hoist restrictions:
Access to Booking Office
Hoist to enter train
Signage for hearing aid
Accessible Toilets
Carriages are carpeted, centrally heated and air-conditioned, and provide exceptional views from non-reflective panoramic side & roof windows .
Users of wheelchairs or power-chairs have a dedicated seating area in the Cafe carriage, with full access to the cafe and accessible bathroom. Customers with reduced mobility are advised to inform KiwiRail at booking so they can be allocated a seat within the Cafe Carriage. The main carriages are carpeted, each seat has a handgrip on the centre walkway to provide support whilst the train is moving. The width of passageway between the seats in the main carriages is approximately 600 mm.
There are signs informing passengers with haring aids to use the "R" switch on their aid for better reception of speaker announcements. A hearing loop is present in the carriages. Headphones are available on the train for announcements and information.
The Accessible toilet facility is adjacent to the Cafe Carriage and has an exceptionally wide sliding doorway entrance. Buttons have braille to assist people with vision impairment. An emergency call button is located within reach of the toilet. The toilet seat lid can be used as a back rest, the washbasin is reachable from the toilet seat.
It is possible to pre-order food and drinks and get them brought to your seats. Which is excellent service and ideal for elderly, parents and disabled. Great that we were able to charge devices onboard as there are power points and take advantage of the interesting commentary via the headphones.
Barbarba S July 2015
