Accessing our Network
KiwiRail Corridor
The rail corridor—the land the tracks sit on—is out of bounds to the public for safety reasons. Trains operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are fast, heavy, and take a long distance to stop.
Even when trains are not running or appear inactive, the rail corridor remains a controlled, high‑risk environment. Permission is always required before entering the corridor.
If you need to access the rail corridor or carry out activities immediately next to it, you must apply to KiwiRail for permission. This permission may include a Permit to Enter (PtE). Notice periods vary depending on the work being undertaken.
Corridor Access Requests / Permit to Enter
The Corridor Access team manages the Permit to Enter process for all third‑party work in or near the rail corridor. Our role is to ensure work is planned safely and coordinated with rail operations.
Whether you are a contractor, utility operator, landowner, or service provider, our team can guide you through the PtE process to ensure your activity is completed safely and efficiently.
For more information on how to contact the team, please Contact Us.
For Information on applying for a Permit, click here: KiwiRail Permit to Enter
Situations Requiring a Permit to Enter
A KiwiRail Permit to Enter is essential for ensuring safety and coordination within or near operational rail areas. Here are some examples of where such a permit is required:
Working within 5 metres of any Mainline Track: Any work or personnel within this proximity to the rail requires a permit to ensure safety and compliance.
Traffic Management Plans (TMPs): If the work involves traffic management, working adjacent to and within 10 metres of the track or 5 metres of a level crossing, a Permit to Enter enquiry is necessary to review and approve the TMP.
Electrical Overhead Wires: If the work area includes electrical overhead wires, an additional Electrical Safety Permit or Permit to Work Near Railway Power Lines is required.
KiwiRail Facilities: Any work proposed within five metres of live rail in a KiwiRail facility, including mechanical facilities, requires a permit.
Wider KiwiRail Land: Activities within the broader KiwiRail land may also necessitate a Permit to Enter to ensure safety, coordination, and compliance with regulatory standards.
For information on how to apply for a Permit to Enter, click here.
Installing a Utility
If you are installing or maintaining utilities such as cables, pipes, drains, telecommunications, or power infrastructure on or near KiwiRail land, your work must comply with the Utilities Access Code of Practice (NZUAG Code). This Code is mandatory under the Utilities Access Act 2010, and sets out how utility operators must plan, notify, and carry out work within transport corridors, including rail.
The Code provides the rules and processes for accessing the corridor and outlines the reasonable conditions corridor managers—such as KiwiRail—may require to keep the rail network safe and operational. It applies whenever a utility operator needs to install, maintain, upgrade, or repair infrastructure within a transport corridor.
The NZ Utilities Advisory Group (NZUAG) administers the Code and provides supporting guidance and explanations to help utility operators understand how to meet their obligations.
For more information, refer to the Utilities Access Code of Practice (NZUAG).
Mainline vs. Non-Interlocked Areas
Mainline Areas:
These are the primary tracks used for long-distance and high-speed train operations. Any work within 5 metres of a mainline track requires a Permit to Enter to ensure safety and compliance.
Non-Interlocked Areas:
These are areas where train movements are not controlled by interlocking signals.
In non-interlocked areas, an Authority to Access - Non-Interlocked is required for activities around train arrival and departure roads linking the mainline to the yard.
These permissions are issued internally within the non-interlocked terminal to ensure all work is conducted safely and in coordination with rail operations.
Historically, this was known as a Yard Permit.
For any incidents or activities in non-interlocked areas, the regional teams (Above Rail) are responsible for:
Issuing Authority to Access: Ensuring all necessary safety measures are in place.
Coordinating with other teams: To maintain safety and operational efficiency.
Managing incidents: Responding to and resolving any safety or operational issues that arise.
For more details or to contact teams in non interlocked areas, please use the KiwiRail Contact Us team to engage with these teams in the interim.
Contact us
If you have questions or can’t find what you’re looking for, please email: contactus@kiwirail.co.nz
Rail Protection Requirements
A Rail Protection Officer (RPO) may need to be present during your access. For safety reasons, all rail protection is coordinated by the KiwiRail National Protection Team.
Please contact us if you require clarity on your access requirements. We are happy to offer assistance
Corridor Access & Protection
Corridor Beautification
- If you would like to enhance the rail corridor including by planting vegetation and removing graffiti, a beautification lease may be required. (Click Below)
For information on how to apply - Click Here: Beautification
Moving Over-dimension Loads
- If you are moving over-dimensional loads across the rail corridor (House Moving etc.) (Click Below)
For information on how to apply - Click Here: Over-sized loads
Cycleways
- Creating cycle or walkways near the rail corridor (Click Below)
For information on how to apply - Click Here: Shared Pathways
Filming
- Filming or photography near or on the rail corridor (Click Below)
For information on how to apply - Click Here: Filming and photography
Livestock
For information on how to apply - Click Here: Move Livestock
For more information on how to apply for a permit, click here.