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This summer, Auckland Transport (AT) is delivering the last big push on the Rail Network Rebuild and other critical City Rail Link (CRL) preparations.
More than 1,300 people are involved in repairing tracks, building new platforms, pedestrian bridges, removing level crossings and testing the new more frequent timetable that will launch when CRL opens next year.
That means closure of the Auckland rail network from December 27 to January 28, to enable crew to work efficiently and safely.
The network will be fully closed for most of this time, with the exception of some Southern/Eastern and Onehunga Line services returning between January 19-26.
“This work is essential to getting City Rail Link up and running, without it we simply won’t be able to run more trains, more often,” says AT director of public transport and active modes, Stacey van der Putten.
“Balancing delivery with minimising disruption to passengers and freight is tricky to get right.
“Using holiday periods, when demand is lower, means we impact fewer people, but for those staying in Auckland or working right through, we understand this is frustrating.
“Please stick with us, better journeys are around the corner.”
When trains aren’t running, invasive work can be completed much more quickly and safely.
That’s needed in key areas so the network can support additional trains the City Rail Link will enable.
Work completed on sections of the Southern, Eastern and Western lines has already improved reliability and speeds.
Over summer, the Rail Network Rebuild programme outlined by KiwiRail a year ago will be completed, with work across at least 40 different sites.
“At Henderson Station, we are rebuilding aging foundations, installing modern drainage and renewing old assets that slow down trains,” says KiwiRail chief metro and capital programme officer, David Gordon.
“We’re building a third platform and new track at Henderson to allow space for trains to pick up and drop off passengers and change direction back into the city, making sure we get the most out of CRL into the future as services are increased.
“Over the last year we’ve made huge progress on the five-year Rail Network Rebuild.
“Over this time, we’ve replaced more than 80km of rail, added 70km of drainage and 30km of foundations.
“We’ve delivered upgrades and renewals across the whole network to make it more resilient.
“This sets us up to support more frequent services post-CRL and in the decades to come.”
There will be a month of rail network closures from December 27 to January 28.
Limited train services will resume on parts of the Southern/Eastern and Onehunga Line during January 19-26, before all lines and stations are closed again for two days after Auckland Anniversary holiday weekend, for network-wide CRL timetable testing.
This is the first round of trialling the new train timetable in full to ensure it is safe, reliable and seamless from the first day CRL is open.
During these tests, trains will operate throughout Auckland but will not be able to carry passengers, as they’ll be travelling through the tunnels under strict testing rules.
To keep people moving there will be buses to replace trains, including express rail buses on the Southern Line.
These are in addition to AT’s regular bus services, which train users can use to get around the city.
Before opening City Rail Link, project teams will be completing important work to be ready, including:
- Thoroughly testing the stations, including emergency and technology systems
- Testing train operations in the tunnel, and across a new network-wide timetable
- Ensuring all parts of the public transport system are ready for launch
- Completing planned rail network upgrade projects
- Finalising the regulatory approvals needed for the CRL and new services
Being ready to open involves an integrated programme of work across City Rail Link Ltd, Auckland Transport and KiwiRail. They will open CRL in the second half of 2026.
Every part of the station buildings, and each piece of technology in them needs to work as planned individually and work together as a system.
That’s crucial both to the everyday passenger experience, and to safety in the event of emergencies.
“System tests are progressing well, and next year will advance to include live trials with emergency services and mock ‘passengers’ inside the stations,” says City Rail Link Limited chief executive Pat Brockie.
Train testing is moving from tests inside the tunnels to tests on the wider network.
These require closing the network to the public in January and again in April as the new timetable is tested.
“This is New Zealand’s first underground railway and a major change for Auckland’s train network,” van der Putten says.
“Only through testing can we find and fix any issues before opening day.
“We have drawn on international experience from similar projects and planned a thorough programme of tests to make sure the network is safe and reliable from day one.”
Further closures are planned in the lead-up to City Rail Link opening, for rail infrastructure work, and for further tests and trials.
These will be limited to weekends and public holidays as much as possible, however Aucklanders are asked to be prepared for longer closures in the April school holidays.
After City Rail Link opens, closures will be much less frequent, but some will still be needed.
Further investment has been announced to deliver a programme of level crossing projects, including new bridges, and this work will sometimes mean lines have to be closed, alongside the usual maintenance associated with busy metro networks.
Closure details:
27 December – 18 January: Full rail network closure.
- Buses replace trains while we upgrade your train network.
19 – 26 January 2026: Partial rail network closure.
- Trains only running between Newmarket to Manukau on the Southern Line & on the Onehunga Line.
- No trains running on the Western Line and Eastern Line between Waitemata to Otahuhu.
27 – 28 January: Full network closure for City Rail Link testing.
- We’re testing your future train network, so we’re ready for more trains, more often when City Rail Link opens.
- Trains will be operating as part of the test but will not take passengers.
- All stations will be closed.
- People can plan their trip using the AT Journey Planner which will let them know what public transport options are available.
- Find out more Summer Rail Upgrades
Closures later in 2026 – subject to change
To complete further level crossing replacements, CRL testing and signalling upgrades, the operators will also need to close or partially close the network as outlined below.
Exact details of closures and alternative transport options are confirmed about three months in advance and are often dependent on what happens during other works.
Plans can also be affected by weather or other incidents on the network so may be subject to change.
6 – 8 February (Waitangi Day long weekend)
- No trains running on all lines.
28 February – 1 March
- No trains running on the Eastern and Southern Lines. Western Line closed between New Lynn and Swanson.
14 – 15 March
- Southern Line closed south of Puhinui.
- Eastern Line closed between Ōtāhuhu and Waitematā (Manukau to Ōtāhuhu served by Southern Line trains).
22 March
- Full network closure for CRL timetable testing
3 – 6 April (Easter long weekend)
- No trains running on all lines.
7 – 12 April (School Holidays)
- Southern Line closed south of Puhinui.
- Eastern Line closed between Ōtāhuhu and Waitematā (Manukau to Ōtāhuhu served by Southern Line trains).
13-15 April
- Full network closure for CRL timetable testing
25 – 26 April (Anzac Day)
- Trains will run in the morning on Anzac Day (25 April) until 2pm. From 2pm on 25 April and all day on 26 April, no trains running on all lines.
