Trains not running during King’s Birthday Weekend

Major rail upgrades “to bring more frequent and reliable services” mean no trains are running from today until Monday, June 2, say Auckland Transport (AT) and KiwiRail.

The work is happening across the Auckland rail network to get ready for the opening of the City Rail Link (CRL) in 2026, they say.

“This four-day closure is part of KiwiRail’s ongoing Rail Network Rebuild (RNR) programme.

“AT and CRL Ltd also have work underway this weekend while trains aren’t running.”

No trains will operate during this period, including today May 30.

“To support passengers, AT will operate frequent all-stop rail replacement bus services (RBE, RBW, RBS, and RBO) across all lines,” says AT.

“These buses will stop at or near all train stations and are designed to keep our regular rail passengers moving while trains can’t run.”

AT’s public transport and active modes director Stacey van der Putten says: “This work has been timed by KiwiRail to coincide with a long weekend and reduce the impact as much as possible, but we know it’s inconvenient for passengers.

“We’re doing everything we can to keep people moving and the major upgrade work will make it possible for trains every five to eight minutes across much of the rail network and cuts in journey times.

“The work we’re doing now will unlock the full benefits of the CRL and transform how people move around Auckland.”

KiwiRail’s chief metro and capital programme officer Dave Gordon says: “Our teams will be working day and night this holiday weekend to get as much renewal and upgrade work completed as possible.

“We’re pulling out the stops to ensure Auckland’s rail system is in top operational shape for the CRL next year.

“Our continued thanks to Aucklanders for their patience as we undertake this critical work.”

No passenger or freight trains will be running in the Auckland region over King’s Birthday Weekend and the Matariki holiday weekend, June 20-22.

“RNR works will continue on priority areas on the Southern Line between Papakura and Wiri during these times and upgrades of the rail infrastructure around Henderson Station will continue,” says KiwiRail.

“There will be two further rail closures during June and July to enable KiwiRail and CRL Ltd to upgrade Auckland’s rail infrastructure and facilities, including disruptive work that needs to happen when trains aren’t running, and some stations are closed.”

Further upcoming winter rail closures

A full rail closure is planned for the extended Matariki Weekend – Friday June 20 to Monday June 23, say AT and KiwiRail.

There’s also a partial rail closure scheduled for the winter school holidays, from Saturday June 28 to Sunday July 13.

There will be no trains running south of Puhinui Station and reduced frequencies on all other lines except the Onehunga Line.

The Western Line will be a single line running, which allows construction work on one set of tracks at a time, while trains continue running on a second set, between Henderson and Swanson.

KiwiRail will use this time to build a third platform and additional tracks at Henderson Station.

“As a reminder, especially during single line running, your safety is a priority to us,” say AT and KiwiRail.

“Before crossing train tracks, follow all safety signage and do not cross when the lights are on.

“This work will enable more frequent trains for Western Line passengers when CRL opens in 2026.”

They say passengers are encouraged to visit the AT website www.at.govt.nz for detailed information on replacement bus routes, station-specific maps, and journey planning tools.

“Auckland Transport thanks all passengers for their patience and support as we continue to invest in a modern, high-capacity rail system for Auckland.”