Media Release
15 November 2016

North Island rail network back up and running

KiwiRail advises all Wellington passenger services are back up and running today following yesterday’s earthquake.

Repairs were completed on the overhead infrastructure of the Wellington Metro network and test trains ran across the network last night to ensure the services would be safe to run this morning.

Passenger services the TranzAlpine, the Northern Explorer, and the Capital Connection are all operating today.

All freight lines in the North Island are open and operating today.

Wellington Railway Station has been assessed and has been cleared to re-open today.

There is significant damage to the Main North Line between Picton and Christchurch, particularly around Kaikoura. Early reports indicate this may be closed for some time.

The Kaiarahi and Kaitaki ferries are scheduled to sail between Wellington and Picton today.

These sailings will carry freight and vehicle passengers only. Foot traffic passengers are suspended due to terminal damage.

The Aratere ferry will remain anchored in Wellington Harbour until a berth becomes available.

KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy says while there is still an enormous amount of work to do in the South Island it was important to get the North Island network up and running today.

“It was critical for freight customers and passengers that the North Island network was fixed as quickly as possible.

“It’s been an extremely challenging and volatile environment where the lines have had to be checked and then rechecked again following more aftershocks. Our task now is to work with our partners to tackle the significant transport issues in the South Island.”

Please be advised commuter services in Wellington are managed by Metlink. Metlink can be contacted on 0800 801 700.

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