Date: 21 October 2026

With the majority of the rail network open on New Year’s Eve, it will give people the option of using trains to get into the city for the first time since 2019. 

People will also be able to travel by train right across the network on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. 

Auckland Transport (AT) and KiwiRail say the return of rail services over a holiday weekend and to the festive season is a significant milestone following years of network rebuild work and infrastructure upgrades to prepare for the now open City Rail Link. 

AT Chief Executive Stacey van der Putten says it’s great that visitors and those having a staycation will be able to explore Auckland in a convenient and affordable way.  

“It is particularly pleasing that we can once again enjoy train travel during the long weekend. For several years holiday rail closures were necessary to improve the reliability and resilience of the network, and we know that was tough for a lot of people, particularly businesses. 

“New Year’s Eve is a big night for any thriving city, so we’re really pleased to help Auckland party with additional train services running until after midnight.” 

Those upgrades have now transformed the network, allowing for more frequent and better-connected services. 

KiwiRail Chief Metro Officer Bevan Assink says there is a new way of carrying out maintenance going forward which will require fewer full closures. 

“As with rail networks around the world, ongoing maintenance and smaller upgrades will still continue to be part of keeping the network safe, reliable and contributing to Auckland’s future. We will keep people informed with plenty of time to plan ahead when partial closures are needed.” 

November partial rail closures 

The next daytime closures will take place over two weekends in November, partially affecting some sections of lines. It will allow KiwiRail to prepare rail foundations and signaling infrastructure for upgrades planned during the summer. 

This work cannot be completed within the regular overnight maintenance window, requiring extended track access and around-the-clock work to ensure it is delivered safely and efficiently. 

• Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November: the South City Line will be closed between Puhinui and Pukekohe. 
• Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November: the East West Line will be closed between Kingsland and Swanson, and the Onehunga West Line will be closed between Maungawhau and Henderson. 

Rail replacement buses will operate on the affected sections. Customers should plan their journey ahead of time and check the AT Mobile app before travelling. 

Most of the network open during Christmas and New Year 

Train travel will be possible right across the network on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, making it easier to get to work, events, family gatherings, and everything else that comes with the festive season. 

On New Years Eve the majority of the rail network will also be open. 

"We are pleased that train services will be mostly running across the New Year and Summer period, allowing Aucklander’s and visitors to the city to make good use of the rail network," says KiwiRail Chief Metro Officer Bevan Assink. 

“We have our teams working five nights a week to keep up regular maintenance, but where more intensive work is required, there are times when larger sections of the network have to be closed. This is critical to ensuing the network runs smoothly and passengers get the dependable rail service they expect.” 

• Sunday 27 December 2026 to Sunday 10 January 2027: South City Line will be closed between Pukekohe and Puhinui.  

• Saturday 2 January 2027 to Sunday 10 January 2027: East West Line closed between Swanson and Kingsland. Onehunga West Line closed between Henderson and Maungawhau.   

• Friday 29 January 2027 to Monday 1 February 2027: South City Line closed between Ōtāhuhu and Te Waihorotiu. Onehunga West Line closed between Henderson and Onehunga.  

• Friday 5 February 2027 to Monday 8 February 2027: South City Line closed between Ōtāhuhu and Te Waihorotiu. Onehunga West Line closed between Henderson and Maungawhau.  

Please note these planned works can be subject to change.