Date: 14 August 2026

Auckland’s newest bus station opens to passengers on Sunday - Westgate Te Waiarohia will be home to some of Auckland’s fastest growing bus routes, including the WX1, 11T and 11W and will make travelling by bus from west and northwest Auckland easier and more convenient.

Built by NZTA, Westgate Te Waiarohia Station is the first completed station delivered as part of the Northwest Busway and is a major investment in better public transport for Auckland’s growing northwest. It will give customers a more comfortable, modern place to connect with frequent services between Westgate, the city centre and the wider rapid transit network, with connections across Auckland set to improve further when the City Rail Link opens.

Waitākere Ward Councillor Shane Henderson says the new station is an important investment in one of Auckland's fastest-growing communities.

"The growth in WX1 patronage shows that people want reliable public transport options, and they're using them in increasing numbers,” Cr Henderson says.

“This new station gives West Aucklanders a facility that matches the quality of the service and gives easy and reliable access to local destinations and across Auckland.”

The opening comes as demand for the WX1 bus route continues to grow, with passenger trips reaching 113,200 in May 2026, up from 93,600 in May 2025 and 75,900 in May 2024, representing growth of almost 50 per cent over two years.

Henderson-Massey Local Board Chair Hon. Chris Carter is welcoming the opening of Westgate Te Waiarohia Station.

"Westgate Te Waiarohia Station and services like the WX1 service are making it easier for people in the northwest to choose public transport," Mr Carter says.  

"Whether they're travelling to work, study or appointments, local residents now have a faster, more reliable option that helps them spend less time in traffic and more time where they need to be."

The upgraded station has been designed with customers in mind, featuring a dedicated customer service desk, improved lighting and security, indoor and outdoor seating areas, and enhanced facilities to make journeys easier from the moment people arrive.

When it opens to customers on 16 August, it is expected to serve around 1,000 passenger journeys per day, growing to more than 4,500 passenger journeys per day by 2031.

Auckland Transport's Chief Executive, Stacey van der Putten, says the new station is about giving customers an improved travel experience while supporting the growing number of people choosing public transport.

"This new station gives customers a modern, welcoming place to start and finish their journeys, and provides a customer experience that people not only deserve but also expect,” Ms van der Putten says.

"From Westgate Te Waiarohia Station people can enjoy frequent services between West Auckland and the city centre, connecting people to work, study, events and entertainment. The new station strengthens connections and provides the capacity needed to support future growth.”

ENDS

Notes to the editor:

Westgate Te Waiarohia Station at a glance:

• First completed station delivered as part of the Northwest Busway programme.
• Replaces the temporary bus stops at Kedgley Road, Maki Street and Tanwhai Drive.
• Designed to support future rapid transit improvements between the northwest and the city centre.
• Features improved customer facilities including:  
  • Customer service desk 
  • Improved lighting 
  • Weather-protected waiting areas 
  • Real-time passenger information 
  • Public toilets 
  • Bike parking 
  • Walking and cycling connections 
  • Dedicated pick-up and drop-off areas 
  • Additional park and ride parking 
• Provides a modern transport hub for one of Auckland's fastest-growing communities.
• Expected to serve around 1,000 passenger journeys per day when it opens, growing to more than 4,500 passenger journeys per day by 2031.
• Developed in partnership with iwi, including Te Kawerau ā Maki, who gifted the station name Westgate Te Waiarohia and contributed to the station's cultural design and identity.
• Includes a range of cultural design features and mahi toi elements reflecting the history and identity of the area.
• Will open to passengers on Sunday 16 August 2026.

Passengers continuing to flock to west and northwest bus routes

• There are around 50,000 bus passenger journeys a week on the Northwestern motorway (WX1 + 11T +11W combined)
• Over the past 10 years there has been a:
• 115% increase in bus journeys in Te Atatu
• 180% increase in bus journeys in Kumeu
• 85% increase in bus journeys in Huapai
• 110% increase in bus journeys in Massey
• 70% increase in weekend bus journeys in West and Northwest Auckland