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 connect downtown at Waitematā Station with a re-developed Maungawhau on the Western Line. Two new underground stations 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 has transformed 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 involved a significant, integrated programme of work across City Rail Link Ltd, Auckland Transport and KiwiRail.
Following the end of the construction programme, CRL Ltd handed over the completed infrastructure to KiwiRail and Auckland Transport
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.
