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Accessing our Network

The rail corridor – the land that the rail tracks run along – is out of bounds to the public to ensure your safety. Trains run on our network 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are heavy, fast, and take a long time to stop.

If you need to access the rail corridor or carry out certain activities immediately next to it, you must apply to KiwiRail for permission.

This permission may include a Permit to Enter. Please note that notice periods for a Permit to Enter vary depending on the works being undertaken.

KiwiRail Permit to Enter 

A Rail Protection Officer (RPO) may need to be present during your access. For safety reasons, all rail protection is coordinated by the KiwiRail National Protection Team. 

Please contact us if you require clarity on your access requirements.  We are happy to offer assistance

National Protection Office

Site Safety or Yard Permit

In some situations, in addition to a Permit to Enter, you may require a either a Site Safety Permit or Yard Permit when working on KiwiRail sites.

Situations Requiring a Permit to Enter

The following examples would require a Permit to Enter:

  • A KiwiRail Permit to Enter is essential for ensuring safety and coordination within or near operational rail areas. Here are some examples of where such a permit is required:

    1. Working within 5 metres of the rail: Any work or personnel within this proximity to the rail requires a permit to ensure safety and compliance.
    2. Traffic Management Plans (TMPs): If the work involves traffic management, working adjacent to and within 10 metres of the track or 5 metres of a level crossing , a Permit to Enter enquiry is necessary to review and approve the TMP.
    3. Electrical Overhead Wires: If the work area includes electrical overhead wires, an additional Electrical Safety Permit or Permit to Work Near Railway Power Lines is required.
    4. KiwiRail Facilities: Any work proposed within five metres of live rail in a KiwiRail facility, including mechanical facilities, requires a permit.

    While these examples specify a benchmark of 5 metres, any activity within KiwiRail land, irrespective of the distance from the track, may necessitate a Permit to Enter. This requirement ensures the maintenance of safety, coordination, and compliance with regulatory standards.

For information on how to apply for a Permit to Enter - Click Here: Permit to Enter

Installing a Utility

  • If you are installing or maintaining utilities such as cables, pipes, power lines, or drains, KiwiRail has strict guidelines. For more information, (Click Below)

For information on what is required when installing a utility how to apply - Click Here:  Utility Services

Corridor Beautification

  • If you would like to enhance the rail corridor including by planting vegetation and removing graffiti, a beautification lease may be required. (Click Below)

For information on how to apply - Click Here:  Beautification

Moving Over-dimension Loads

  • If you are moving over-dimensional loads across the rail corridor (House Moving etc.)  (Click Below)

For information on how to apply - Click Here:  Over-sized loads

Cycleways

  • Creating cycle or walkways near the rail corridor (Click Below)

For information on how to apply - Click Here:  Shared Pathways

Filming

  • Filming or photography near or on the rail corridor (Click Below)

For information on how to apply - Click Here:  Filming and photography

Livestock

  • Moving livestock across the rail corridor (Click Below)

For information on how to apply - Click Here:  Move Livestock

For more information on how to apply for a permit, click here.