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 December 2024)
- In Masterton we’re not far from completing civil works for Hillcrest and Cornwall Street level crossings, and are underway at Kent Street in Carterton. Some of the enabling work is happening at Akura Road and Ngaumutawa Road. See more.
- Buses will replace trains on the Wairarapa line between 26 December 2024 and 9 February 2025 so that KiwiRail can complete the renewal of the track inside the 8.8km Remutaka Tunnel. See more.
Renewals
(updated December 2024)
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.
- Replaced the drainage in the Maoribank and Remutaka Tunnels.
- Replaced three aging bridges.
- Laid 1,450 sleepers.
- Replaced 2 kilometres of new track, sleepers and ballast inside Remutaka Tunnel.
To do:
- Finish replacing the track in the 8.8km Remutaka Tunnel, so trains can go through it faster than 60 km/h.
Buses will replace trains on the Wairarapa line for 46 days between 26 December 2024 and 9 February 2025 to allow us to get the tunnel finished.
Upgrades
(updated December 2024)
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 10 level crossings.
- Laid 25.3 kilometres (over halfway) of ducting for service cables.
- Installed the first turnout for the passing loop at Woodside.
To do:
- Install 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, GWRC 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 December 2024)
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 August press statement here: Wairarapa level crossing upgrade work gets underway
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.
