Permit to Enter / Accessing the rail corridor
Permission is required before entering or carrying out any activity near the rail line. Information about accessing our network is here.
KiwiRail’s rail corridor is a controlled environment that supports a busy national rail system operating day and night. Trains are fast, heavy, and require long distances to stop, which means the corridor must always be treated as live. Permission is required before entering or carrying out any activity near the rail line.
Each type of activity has its own requirements so that KiwiRail can keep people safe and ensure rail operations continue without disruption.
If your work involves installing assets, occupying land, moving livestock, or using KiwiRail property for any ongoing purpose, you may need a formal property agreement, prior to obtaining a Permit to Enter. Please visit Property for more information.
We request documentation to support your Permit to Enter application, and to assist us in arranging and planning safe access for your works.
Apply for a permit to enter via our permit portalopen_in_new. Information about how to use the portal can be found here.
How to apply for track access will be included as part of your approved permit.
Use these documents to guide your planning, confirm the safety and operational requirements that apply to your work, and verify that your proposed methods align with KiwiRail’s expectations. Access them directly from this page whenever preparing for work to ensure you are referencing the latest controlled versions.
Permit, planning and protection charges apply to the assessment, planning, coordination, and administration required to facilitate access to the rail network. All charges are exclusive of GST.
Crossing Permits (over‑dimension and over‑weight loads)
Over‑dimension and over‑weight loads can cross a railway line, but you must obtain a Crossing Permit.
