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Route protected for Southeast Auckland’s next big busway - Airport to Botany Route protected for Southeast Auckland’s next big busway - Airport to Botany

Date: 14 April 2026

The route for an 18-kilometre high-capacity, congestion-free busway that will significantly improve travel between Auckland Airport, Manukau, and Botany has been protected

Auckland Transport and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) have now confirmed the designations for the 15 kms of busway within their area, also known as Notices of Requirement, after resolving all appeals. The remaining three kms of the busway is located within the Auckland Airport precinct.

Route protection identifies and safeguards the land needed for future transport improvements, so that they can be delivered more efficiently and cost effectively when they are ready for construction.

The project is planned to be delivered in stages, Puhinui Station is already open, and plans are being progressing for interim bus improvements to enable faster bus journeys sooner. This would see Airport Link bus services extended to Botany ahead of the full busway.

Auckland Transport Programme Director Andy Huang says: “Airport to Botany is ready to be Auckland’s next busway. The hard planning work to decide the best route, identify the properties required and get a designation in place is complete.

“Confirming route protection is a major milestone towards delivering bus rapid transit between the Airport, Manukau city centre and Botany that supports Auckland’s growth and provides reliable travel options. There would be a reliable 34 to 38-minute journey between Botany and the airport on buses separated from other traffic.”

The next step, subject to funding, would be the delivery phase, developing detailed designs, acquiring properties and then building the busway.

“Aucklanders consistently tell us they want a transport system that is convenient, well-connected, and accessible, whether they’re travelling by car, bus, train, ferry, bike, or on foot.” says Mr Huang.

“The Airport to Botany busway delivers on that vision, connecting the rapid transit network by linking to the Eastern Busway at Botany and the rail network at Puhinui. It will link key residential and employment hubs in south and east Auckland with a dedicated corridor for rapid transit, while also supporting walking and cycling.”

Emma Fisk, Director Rapid Transit System Design, NZTA says: “Rapid transit is the spine of our public transport system and is critical to support urban growth and access to employment centres. The Airport to Botany busway will ensure people and freight can get where they need to go quickly, safely and efficiently.”

Auckland Airport Chief Strategic Planning Officer, Mary-Liz Tuck says: “This is another major step toward a more connected Auckland.

"Right now, most travellers and airport workers, around 40,000 people a day, rely on private vehicles to reach the airport. But as the city grows to nearly 2.5 million by 2048, having reliable, safe and efficient public transport links will be essential.

“Projects like Airport to Botany are about planning ahead and making sure the airport remains accessible and well connected.”

“East Auckland has been lacking in travel choice for too long,” says Howick Local Board Chair Bruce Kendall.

“We’re growing at a faster rate than other parts on Auckland. A dedicated busway going direct to the airport from Botany is vital for supporting economic growth.”

Stations along the route will connect with the rail network at Puhinui and Manukau stations, and with the Eastern Busway at the Botany interchange. These stations will be located close to town centres, employment zones, and residential areas to maximise accessibility.

Next steps include engaging with communities in Manukau, Flat Bush, East Tāmaki and Howick to deliver interim busway improvements between Manukau station and Botany, mainly along Te Irirangi Drive later next year.

These upgrades within the existing road corridor will provide faster and more reliable services ahead of the major work to deliver the full busway.

 

Project Overview

  • Auckland Transport is delivering the Airport to Botany project in partnership with Te Ākitai Waiohua, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Airport. 
  • The Airport to Botany Bus Rapid Transit corridor is a key part of the Southwest Gateway Programme, which aims to transform transport connectivity across south and east Auckland. 
  • Once complete, the busway will offer: 
  • reliable 35-38 minute journeys between Botany and Auckland Airport. 
  • Seamless integration with existing and future public transport networks. 
  • Improved access to major employment centres.