CRL’s world-class rail system will better connect Auckland’s entire rail network. There will be more trains and journeys will be easier and quicker.
The $5.493 billion project is ambitious. It’s the largest transport infrastructure project New Zealand has ever built.
The twin 3.45-kilometre-long tunnels which have been built up to 42 metres below the Auckland city centre will connect downtown at Waitematā Station with a re-developed Maungawhau on the Western Line. Two new underground stations will open up central city access; Karanga-a-Hape with entrances at Mercury Lane and Beresford Square and Te Waihorotiu at Victoria and Wellesley Streets, midtown.
The work will transform the downtown Waitematā Station into a two-way through-station.
CRL is funded jointly by the Crown (NZ Government) and Auckland Council.
Being ready to open involves a significant, integrated programme of work across City Rail Link Ltd, Auckland Transport and KiwiRail. City Rail Link Ltd, created to oversee building of the CRL tunnels and new and upgraded stations, expects to complete construction and testing by the end of June 2026. This will enable Auckland Transport and KiwiRail to complete preparations to open in the second half of the year.
Following the end of the construction programme, CRL Ltd will hand over the completed infrastructure to KiwiRail and Auckland Transport, who will then carry out the additional work required to open the CRL to its first passengers.
Collaboration with mana whenua has created distinctive designs for CRL stations and outside spaces reflecting the city’s unique cultural history and we have been honoured that our Mana Whenua Forum has gifted us station names. The New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa has formally adopted the proposed names.
CRL will open in the second half of 2026. AT will announce the exact opening date.
