Wairarapa Line
As part of Future Rail, KiwiRail is undertaking a once-in-a-generation upgrade of the Wairarapa Line to support the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s (GWRC) plans for rail. Work started in 2021 and will continue until 2028.
When we’re finished, Wairarapa residents will have a railway that…
- is built to last,
- is safer for rail users and road users,
- can support more reliable and faster services, and
- can move more freight.
With fewer cars and trucks on Wairarapa roads, residents will enjoy less congestion, lower transport emissions and a more sustainable future.
Read about Latest news | Renewals | Upgrades | Level crossings
Latest news
(updated 24 July 2025)
- Air quality monitoring is being carried out on Wairarapa rail services at the recommendation of independent air quality experts, after reports of visible dust in carriages.
KiwiRail begins ‘personal monitoring’ next week, which involves staff members wearing equipment that measures the air quality in their breathing zone and collects data over a range of days, times and areas of the train.
See our press statement with links to the Air Matters report and WSP review. - See our press statement about upcoming level crossings closures in Carterton.
- Thanks to Solway School Students Renley, Manaaki and Kestrel for their great questions and strong performance in this update video.
Check Where We Are Working for available details on work and road closures.
GWRC's new hybrid trains are expected in 2029. Supported by KiwiRail’s upgrade works, they will allow for more peak and off-peak services.
Renewals
(updated March 2025)
Renewal is when we take out an old, worn-out piece of infrastructure (such as tracks, sleepers and bridges) and replace it with something new that will last a long time.
Done:
- Renewed 58.8km of track to Masterton, including the 572m Maoribank Tunnel and 8.8km Remutaka Tunnel.
- Replaced three aging bridges.
See the video about the Remutaka Tunnel.
Upgrades
(updated July 2025)
KiwiRail is using New Zealand Upgrade Programme (NZUP) funding to build the Wairarapa’s rail capacity for the future.
Done:
- Completed the civil works at 19 level crossings.
- Almost finished trenching, ready for laying cables that will power up signals and level crossing safety features (barrier arms, warning bells and lights).
- Installed the first turnout for the passing loop at Woodside.
To do:
- Install cabling for new signals along the line, which increases safety for road and rail users, increases the efficiency of train movements and allows more than one train at a time in the Featherston to Masterton section, enabling a doubling of peak-time services.
- Complete safety upgrades at the level crossings, including some closures.
- Build a new platform and passenger train passing loop at Maymorn.
- Build a freight siding and backshunt (wagon storage) at Waingawa, to remove freight operations from the main Wairarapa Line and better separate freight from passenger services.
KiwiRail will also use government funding to make station platform improvements. In addition, Greater Wellington will be building a depot where the new trains can be serviced.
Much of this work will happen on weekdays alongside the railway, but train services will still be able to operate. There may be occasional temporary speed restrictions and service disruptions. More disruptive works that require trains to be replaced by buses will be done over select weekends and public holidays.
Level crossings
(updated July 2025)
Following an independent report, KiwiRail will be upgrading 25, and closing five level crossings along the stretch of network between Featherston and Masterton.
Wairarapa level crossing works programme - click image to view larger
Questions?
Please contact us on:
- 0800 801 070 (daytime hours)
- 0800 801 070 extn 43042 (after hours)
- email wgtnupgrade@kiwirail.co.nz
Visit Metlink for more details on train services.
