Ask Phoebe: Train from Hamilton for final is going back the same night

Photo / Herald on Sunday

I'd like to have a fun return train trip with overseas guests from Hamilton to the October 23 final. I don't want to drive through the night or stay over in Auckland - we need to be at Hamilton Airport very early the next day. Can you please tell me about the trains running between Hamilton and Auckland? How many people will they carry? How do I book? At which stations will a rugby train travelling north from Hamilton pick up passengers?

Richard Bennett, Hamilton.

Tranz Scenic is running trains from Hamilton to Auckland for the final as well as other matches. For the final, the train leaves Hamilton at 3pm, stops briefly at Huntly, and arrives in Auckland at 5.30. The return trip leaves Auckland at 12.35am, arriving in Hamilton at 2.30am.

Once you are in Auckland, you can bus, train or walk to Eden Park. Similarly, after the match you will have time to catch your train home.

I don't know (and can't find out) how big the trains will be. The cost is $90 return for an adult from Hamilton, and $59 per child. From Huntly the cost is $75 and $49 respectively. Tranz Scenic also advises that the train may depart intermediate stations earlier if all booked passengers are on board. Passengers are advised to be at all stations at least 20 minutes before the time shown. This timetable is subject to change, so you will need to confirm 24 hours before departure.

For more information and for bookings on these special services, visit www.tranzscenic.co.nz

If a game is sold out and I buy tickets through Trade Me or eBay (at the same ticket price), how can I check that the tickets are valid?

Nathan Davison, Auckland.

According to the general terms and conditions of ticketing (see www.tickets.rugbyworldcup.com under Ticket Purchase), tickets may be bought only through official outlets. Conditions under paragraphs 4 and 5 prohibit the sale of tickets through a website, even if the purchase price is not enhanced. This means any tickets you find on Trade Me or eBay are invalid, and if discovered, will becancelled.

You can, however, buy a ticket for your own use from someone who is known to you, as long as all the other conditions on the list are adhered to.

* People who believe transport-related issues prevented them getting to the opening match on September 9 are encouraged to register at www.aucklandtransport.govt.nz/transportregister or by calling 0800 301 011.

All those who register will need to provide their ticketing customer ID, full name and address of the ticket purchaser and their ticket allocation details (entry, section, row and seat).