Airport to Botany busway designation

What is a designation?

A designation is a planning tool used to identify and protect land needed for a public work, such as a transport project. It does not always mean work will happen immediately. It protects the land needed for the project so it can be delivered in the future.

For the Airport to Botany bus rapid transit project, the designations allow Auckland Transport to use specific land or routes for the project in line with the conditions of the designation. They also help protect the land from other activities that could prevent or make it harder to deliver the project in the future.

AT designations in the Auckland Unitary Plan

The full Airport to Botany bus rapid transit project is not currently funded for delivery.

Auckland Transport will seek funding for future stages through the Regional Land Transport Plan, which is reviewed every three years.

Further clarity on future funding is expected next year.

Confirmed designations

The Airport to Botany route is protected through several confirmed designations, each covering a different section of the corridor.

Designation 1852 (was NoR 1)

Airport to Botany Bus Rapid Transit — Botany to Rongomai Park.

View the designation map (PDF, 5.2MB)

Download the designation conditions (PDF, 4.8MB)

Designation 1853 (was NOR 2)

Airport to Botany Bus Rapid Transit — Rongomai Park to Puhinui Station.

The designation map and designation conditions will be available soon.

Designation 1842 (was NoR 3)

Airport to Botany Bus Rapid Transit — Puhinui Station to SH20/20B Interchange.

View the designation map (PDF, 2.1MB)

Download the designation conditions (PDF, 2MB)

Designation 1843 (was NoR 4)

Airport to Botany Bus Rapid Transit — SH20/20B Interchange to Orrs Road.

View the designation map (PDF, 1.5MB)

Download the designation conditions (PDF, 595KB)

Alternatively, you can view the conditions in Chapter K of the Unitary Plan (opens in a new tab).

Route protection status and designation conditions

Notices of requirement were submitted to Auckland Council in 2023 to protect the land needed by Auckland Transport and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi for the project.

The Airport to Botany rapid transit designations were confirmed in 2025 and are now included in the Auckland Unitary Plan.

Information for landowners

General information for landowners

Information for landowners within a designation

What will happen to the directly affected properties

If your property is affected by an Airport to Botany bus rapid transit designation and you have questions about property acquisition or the property purchase process, please contact Auckland Transport’s planning team at aucklandtransportplanningteam@at.govt.nz.

If you are a developer and would like further information about this project, email the Auckland Transport strategic development programmes team at strategicdevelopment@at.govt.nz.

A designation can affect business owners, operators and occupiers as well as landowners, depending on how the property is used. If you lease or occupy a property within an Airport to Botany rapid transit designation, please speak with the property owner before making any changes to how you use the property.

Carrying out works on designated property

If you are planning works in your property, such as residential or commercial development, you may need approval from Auckland Transport. Contact Auckland Transport: