Rail Operators 

Apart from the services that KiwiRail operate, other rail operators access the rail corridor under contract where they can also provide services to customers.

KiwiRail is the state-owned rail operator that runs freight trains nationally and long-distance train experiences including the Coastal Pacific, TranzAlpine and the Overlander. KiwiRail's Tranz Metro team operates the Wellington region suburban train services for Greater Wellington Regional Council under their Metlink transport system.

Veolia

Veolia Transport operates suburban train services in Auckland through their Maxx Transport team under contract to Auckland Transport.  

Heritage operators

New Zealand has around 60 heritage rail operators that run steam or older diesel engines, or display historic trains and carriages. They are often non-profit or charitable organisations.

Some operators have privately owned tracks from 1km to over 5km. In some cases heritage groups are allowed to use the national rail network. Some successful operators are listed below:

• Taieri Gorge Railway
• Steam Incorporated
• Feilding and District Steam Rail Society
• Silverstream Railway
• The Railway Enthusiasts Society

A comprehensive list of rail heritage lines, museums and excursions can be found on the Federation of Rail Organisations of New Zealand www.fronz.org.nz.

Other organisations of interest

Rail Heritage Trust of New Zealand

Executive Chair: Euan McQueen
Executive Officer: Mike Mellor
Phone: ++64 4 495 3005
Email: railheritage@railheritage.org.nz
Address: Level 4, Wellington Railway Station, Bunny Street, WELLINGTON
Postal: P O Box 593, WELLINGTON 6140

The New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society

President: Graham T Carter
Secretary: R G Thompson
Phone:  ++64 4 568 4938
Email: nzrls@actrix.co.nz
Postal: P O Box 5134, Lambton Quay, WELLINGTON 6145
Website: www.railsoc.org.nz