Accessing the Rail Corridor

KiwiRail manages 4,000 kilometres of track throughout New Zealand. The tracks are the land surrounding the tracks is called the rail corridor. To ensure the safety of people working within the rail corridor you must have a valid permit.

Under the Law

The Railways Act 2005 prohibits persons from entering:any railway infrastructure without the express permission of the appropriate licensed access providerany railway premises without the express or implied authority of the appropriate railway premises manager. Reasons to obtain a Permit to Enter would include:

• moving livestock across the rail corridor
• filming or photographing (more information here)
• beautification (includes planting and removing graffiti)
• moving over dimensional loads across the corridorfor
• installing or maintaining cables, pipes, power lines and drains (see Utility Services)
• cycling or walking near the rail corridor
• surveying near or on the rail corridor
• contracting near or on the rail corridor.

To obtain a Permit to Enter

Contact the KiwiRail Network Area Office (contact details) before you complete the Application Form here

When you apply for a permit to enter rail land we'll work with you to find out what conditions the permit needs to keep you safe. It will depend on:

• what you want to do on rail land
• how close to rail lines or structures you will be
• how close you need to be to electric systems and the tracks
• when you need to do the work.

Getting permission also involves signing an indemnity form.

Sometimes you'll need more than one permit to do your work. For example, if you are working in an area with electrical overhead wires you will also need an Electrical Safety Permit or Permit to Work Near Railway Power Lines.

Electrical Safety Permit or Permit to Work Near Railway Power Lines

YOU MUST HAVE KIWIRAIL APPROVAL BEFORE you can enter the rail corridor.

In electrified rail areas with traction overhead wires, you also need an Electrical Safety Permit or Permit to Work Near Railway Power Lines if you are working within four metres of an electrified area including traction poles, overhead wires, substations or switchgear equipment

Training in Electrification Safety Awareness may also be required.

Applications MUST be received at least two weeks prior to your proposed access.

To obtain an Electrical Safety Permit or Permit to Work Near Railway Power Lines contact your local KiwiRail Network Area Office (contact details).