Hamilton Trains
Te Huia
Te Huia, the regional passenger train service, has established a convenient connection between Waikato (Hamilton and Huntly) and Auckland (The Strand) since its commencement on April 6, 2021.
During its journey from Waikato to Auckland, Te Huia makes six stops:
- Frankton (Hamilton)
- Rotokauri (Hamilton)
- Raahui Pookeka (Huntly)
- Papakura
- Puhinui
- Strand (Auckland)
On weekdays (Monday to Friday), there are two return services available, and on Saturdays, there is one return service.
It is important to note that Te Huia is not an Auckland Transport (AT) service but is operated by KiwiRail on behalf of Waikato Regional Council. For further details, please visit the official Te Huia website.
For ticketing options, passengers on Te Huia can choose between purchasing a paper ticket or utilizing a Bee Card, similar to an AT HOP card. Paper tickets can be bought at the onboard café using cash or EFTPOS, while Bee Card payments are processed by the train manager using a mobile card reader. For fare information, visit the Te Huia website.
Bee Cards can be obtained for $10 from AT Papakura and Puhinui Service Centres, where EFTPOS is the accepted payment method. While these service centers can top up Bee Cards, concessions must be addressed through the Bee Card website or by contacting the Te Huia team at 0800 205 305 (available 24/7).
When transferring to Auckland Transport trains in Papakura or Puhinui, Te Huia passengers should be aware that the train will arrive and depart from Platform 1 at Papakura station. This platform is gated to accommodate the distinct ticketing systems used by Te Huia and AT. Passengers transferring to AT Metro Southern Line services will require an AT HOP card to access platforms 2 or 3.
At Puhinui, Te Huia will arrive at Platform 1. Passengers transferring to the Southern or Eastern Line should tag on using an AT HOP fare machine on the platform. Paper tickets can be purchased from the customer service center on the concourse level (accessible via escalator and lift). Southbound passengers should ensure they tag off with their AT HOP card on the fare machine on the platform to be charged the correct fare.
For further information, you may also explore the Auckland train network, timetables for the Auckland region, AT HOP card details, and The Great Journeys of New Zealand website for long-distance train travel outside of Auckland, including Interislander & Scenic Trains.
Weekday Services to Auckland
Frankton | Rotokauri | Huntly | Papakura | Puhinui | Strand |
Depart | Depart | Depart | Arrive | Arrive | Arrive |
6.05am | 6.14am | 6.36am | 7.58am* | 8.16am* | 8.45am* |
2.05pm | 2.14pm | 2.36pm | 3.58pm* | 4.18pm* | 4.45pm* |
Weekday Services to Waikato
Strand | Puhinui | Papakura | Huntly | Rotokauri | Frankton |
Depart | Depart | Depart | Arrive | Arrive | Arrive |
9.35am | 10.07am | 10.26am | 11.37am* | 12.07pm* | 12.15pm* |
5.35pm | 6.08pm | 6.26pm | 7.37pm* | 8.07pm* | 8.15pm* |
Saturday Morning service to Auckland
Frankton | Rotokauri | Huntly | Papakura | Puhinui | Strand |
Depart | Depart | Depart | Arrive | Arrive | Arrive |
7.35am | 7.44am | 8.06am | 9.29am | 9.45am | 10.15am |
Saturday Evening service to Waikato
Strand | Puhinui | Papakura | Huntly | Rotokauri | Frankton |
Depart | Depart | Depart | Arrive | Arrive | Arrive |
5.30pm | 5.56pm | 6.21pm | 7.32pm* | 8.02pm* | 8.10pm* |