Wairarapa Line
As part of Future Rail, KiwiRail is undertaking a once-in-a-generation upgrade of the Wairarapa Line to support the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s (GWRC) plans for rail. Work started in 2021 and will continue until 2028.
When we’re finished, Wairarapa residents will have a railway that…
- is built to last,
- is safer for rail users and road users,
- can support more reliable and faster services, and
- can move more freight.
With fewer cars and trucks on Wairarapa roads, residents will enjoy less congestion, lower transport emissions and a more sustainable future.
Read about Latest news | Renewals | Upgrades | Level crossings
GWRC's new hybrid trains are expected in 2029. Supported by KiwiRail’s upgrade works, they will allow for more peak and off-peak services.
Latest news
(updated March 2025)
- In January we completed work in the Remutaka Tunnel. See the press statement here. We had to close the Wairarapa line while we got the work done, which meant a few weeks of bus replacements. Thank you for your patience.
- A collaborative effort between the Judds Road Steering Group, Masterton District Council and KiwiRail has landed a solution to address safety concerns at the level crossing, and keep the road open. See the press statement.
- Check Where We Are Working for available details on road closures.
Renewals
(updated March 2025)
Renewal is when we take out an old, worn-out piece of infrastructure (such as tracks, sleepers and bridges) and replace it with something new that will last a long time.
Done:
- Renewed 58.8km of track to Masterton, including the 572m Maoribank Tunnel and 8.8km Remutaka Tunnel.
- Replaced three aging bridges.
See the video about the Remutaka Tunnel.
Upgrades
(updated March 2025)
KiwiRail is using New Zealand Upgrade Programme (NZUP) funding to build the Wairarapa’s rail capacity for the future.
Done:
- Completed the civil works at 13 level crossings.
- Almost finished trenching, ready for laying cables that will power up signals and level crossing safety features (barrier arms, warning bells and lights).
- Installed the first turnout for the passing loop at Woodside.
To do:
- Install cabling for new signals along the line, which increases safety for road and rail users, increases the efficiency of train movements and allows more than one train at a time in the Featherston to Masterton section, enabling a 15-minute peak service.
- Complete safety upgrades at the level crossings, including some closures.
- Build a new platform and passenger train passing loop at Maymorn.
- Build a freight siding and backshunt (wagon storage) at Waingawa, to remove freight operations from the main Wairarapa Line and better separate freight from passenger services.
KiwiRail will also use government funding to make station platform improvements. In addition, Greater Wellington will be building a depot where the new trains can be serviced.
Much of this work will happen on weekdays alongside the railway, but train services will still be able to operate. There may be occasional temporary speed restrictions and service disruptions. More disruptive works that require trains to be replaced by buses will be done over select weekends and public holidays.
Level crossings
(updated February 2025)
Following an independent report, KiwiRail will be upgrading 25, and closing five level crossings along the stretch of network between Featherston and Masterton.
See the January press statement here: Road closures at some level crossings while work progresses on Wairarapa line
Wairarapa level crossing works programme - click image to view larger
Questions?
Please contact us on:
- 0800 801 070 (daytime hours)
- 0800 801 070 extn 43042 (after hours)
- email wgtnupgrade@kiwirail.co.nz
Visit Metlink for more details on train services.
