City Rail Link to Open in Late 2026, Marking NZ’s Biggest Transport Upgrade

“The city centre is being rejuvenated into a greener, more vibrant and better-connected place,” said Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson.

After years of anticipation and city-shaping construction, New Zealand's largest-ever transport infrastructure project—the City Rail Link (CRL)—is now on track to open in the second half of 2026. The announcement was made jointly by Transport Minister Chris Bishop, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, and Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, confirming that the massive underground railway is moving into its final stages.

The $5.5 billion project is being delivered by City Rail Link Ltd, in partnership with KiwiRail, Auckland Transport (AT), and international contractors.

A Major Milestone for Auckland's Transport Network

The CRL will revolutionise how Aucklanders travel by:

• Doubling rail capacity across the network

• Reducing journey times into and through the city

• Connecting more people to job centres, universities, and events

• Enabling a "metro-style" frequency, with trains running every 5–10 minutes

"The finish line for the City Rail Link is getting closer," said Minister Chris Bishop. "World-class new stations have taken shape, and Aucklanders will finally benefit from this massive investment starting in 2026."

The project includes 3.45 km of twin underground tunnels beneath Auckland's city centre, and four new and upgraded stations—including the showpiece Te Waihorotiu Station (formerly Aotea), Karanga-a-Hape, Maungawhau (Mount Eden), and Britomart upgrades.

From Construction to Testing: What Happens Now

With structural works nearing completion, the project is transitioning into the critical testing and commissioning phase. More than 16,000 individual tests will be conducted to ensure safety, reliability, and smooth passenger operations.

Mayor Wayne Brown, himself an engineer, praised the technical precision required:

"Every part of the station buildings and each piece of technology must work as planned. This is crucial for safety and for delivering a great experience from day one."

Testing will continue into mid-2026, followed by a handover to Auckland Transport and KiwiRail, who will take charge of operational readiness, including:

• Staff training and rostering

• Driver familiarisation

• Timetable testing

• Customer information updates across the rail network

Streets Reopening, City Centre Rejuvenating

As tunnel and station works wind down, streets and public spaces that were disrupted by years of construction are reopening. Key progress includes:

• Albert Street fully reopening to traffic and pedestrians

• Streetscapes around stations being completed by early 2026

• Reconnecting city businesses and inviting visitors back into the CBD

"The city centre is being rejuvenated into a greener, more vibrant and better-connected place," said Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson.

Rail Network Rebuild – Strengthening the Foundations

The CRL's success also depends on upgrades to Auckland's wider rail network. Minister Bishop confirmed that the Rail Network Rebuild programme is in its final stages. This involves:

• Replacing ageing track foundations

• Improving drainage and resilience

• Minimising delays and increasing future train frequency

Notably, a four-week network closure over Christmas 2025 will be used for essential final works ahead of the CRL's commissioning.

Auckland Transport: Scaling Up for Day One

Auckland Transport is preparing the operational systems needed to support the CRL, including:

• Recruitment and training of new drivers, onboard crews, and customer service staff

• Delivery of 23 new electric trains

• Digital upgrades to signage, wayfinding, timetables, and ticketing

This massive coordination effort ensures a seamless transition to the new network, allowing passengers to easily navigate the restructured lines and station access points.

A Catalyst for Economic Growth and Urban Renewal

Minister Simeon Brown described the CRL as a transformational force for Auckland:

"This will change the way Aucklanders move around their city. It will support businesses, unlock the potential of our CBD, and ensure Auckland is a truly world-class city."

Once operational, CRL is expected to bring thousands more people into the city each day, helping revitalise the economy, support retail and hospitality, and enhance Auckland's appeal to tourists, students, and investors.

Key Dates Ahead

• Mid-2026: City Rail Link Ltd completes all construction and testing

• Second Half of 2026: CRL opens to passengers, marking a new era for Auckland's public transport