Freight
KiwiRail plays a critical role in New Zealand’s freight and supply chain industries.
Our services provide cost effective and low emissions transport, supporting our customers to grow New Zealand’s economy.
Every week more than 900 freight trains – almost 130 a day – operate on our 3500km of network from Whangarei to the Bluff.
We also operate the Interislander ferry service connecting New Zealand between Wellington and Picton, with around 4000 sailings a year.
To find out more about our services visit our freight site
Our trains carry:
- imported and exported goods bound to and from our bustling ports;
- timber and forestry products;
- bulk goods such as milk, dairy products and steel;
- domestic goods being moved between cities.
To move your freight by rail, visit www.kiwirailfreight.co.nz
Good for business
Our customers are at the heart of our business and we work closely with them to develop solutions to meet New Zealand’s changing transport requirements and keep abreast of international freight trends
These collaborations enable a sustainable supply chain that links transport modes including rail, road and coastal shipping, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
We've invested in new locomotives, wagons and specialised equipment to ensure easy movement of freight around the country and to remain cost competitive.
With New Zealand’s freight market projected to grow by 30% by 2030, rail will play an increasing part in handling the increase and providing greater resilience to the New Zealand transport network.
Freight hubs
Large quantities of containerised goods are stored at our freight hubs, for moving to and from the ports.
With bigger ships now calling, we have worked with our port partners to establish freight hubs at strategic locations around the country, for collecting and storing large quantities of containerised goods for moving to and from the ports.
Moving freight on rail benefits everyone - fewer trucks on the road means cleaner air, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, less congestion and fewer accidents.
Find out more about the value of rail to New Zealand here.
