Next stages of the Rail Network Rebuild project

Before the City Rail Link (CRL) opens in 2026, we need to upgrade the Auckland rail network. We need it to be ready for faster and more frequent and speed of service, and ensuring our rail network’s reliability.

We are fitting out new stations. We are integrating, testing and commissioning new systems. All this work will pay off with a transformation in how Aucklanders get around.

The Rail Network Rebuild in 2025

The Government provided funding for the Rail Network Rebuild (RNR) in the 2024/25 budget. This is great news for all users of the Auckland rail network. It lets KiwiRail move forward with certainty. They can continue to deliver much-needed upgrades on the Auckland passenger rail network. These upgrades are essential for City Rail Link.

There is now a short timeframe to deliver the necessary work in time for the CRL opening. KiwiRail’s detailed programming ensures they will deliver this work as efficiently and effectively as possible. It does mean some changes to passenger services. This is because trains can’t run on the network when some of this work is being carried out.

Changes to services in 2025

The Rail Network Rebuild work programme for 2025 focuses on periods when fewer people are using the train. We will work hard to retain weekday peak services so that customers can rely on their weekday routines.
In 2025, there will be 3 main period when trains will not run.

The first is the annual holiday maintenance period. This will be longer than usual. It will extend from 27 December 2024 to 28 January 2025 (the day after Auckland Anniversary weekend).

The second is the April School Holidays from 12 to 27 April 2025.

The third is the annual holiday maintenance period for 2025 and 2026. This starts after Christmas and finishes after Auckland Anniversary weekend.

There are also shorter periods when trains will not run will occur over long weekends:

• King’s Birthday weekend – 30 May to 2 June 2025
• Matariki Weekend – 20 to 23 June 2025
• Labour Weekend – 24 to 27 October 2025.

There will be times when trains will operate in one direction only on sections of the rail network.

The lines on which this will occur is still being finalised.

This approach means relatively short, sharp closures and less ongoing disruption. Passengers and freight suppliers will still be able to use the network when they need it most. We’ve also aimed to reduce the number of weekends impacted, particularly when major events are on.

We understand that disruption to services is frustrating. This is a complex environment in which we are delivering major upgrade work. It would normally take years to finish a project of this scale. We only have until the opening of the City Rail Link in 2026.

We are also trying to keep trains running for as many people as possible as often as we can. We must sometimes close the network for safety and to get work done more quickly.

The benefits of the City Rail Link

The CRL will be transformational for Auckland. The impact on the way Aucklanders get around their city will be as big as when the Harbour Bridge opened in 1959. CRL will double the number of Aucklanders within a 30-minute train journey of the central city. It will increase capacity by 50%.

Trains will run more frequently. On average, a train will run through the central city every 4 minutes. From all stations north of Puhinui on the Southern and Eastern Lines, a train will run every 5 minutes. A train will run every 8 minutes on the Western Line from Henderson and every 10 minutes from Pukekohe.

Journey times will be quicker. For example, from Henderson to The Civic Theatre in the central city will take 35 minutes. This will save 24 minutes on the current journey by public transport. There will be better connections to more places across Auckland by train.

You will be able to get from:

• Maungawhau to Waitemata (Britomart) in under 10 minutes (about half the current time)
• Panmure to Karangahape Road in just 21 minutes (saving 14 minutes)
• Ellerslie to Karangahape Road in 20 minutes (saving 16 minutes)
• Glen Innes to The Civic Theatre in 18 minutes (saving 7 minutes).