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Our network
Information about property, assets and infrastructure and for people living near the rail corridor.
- Property
  KiwiRail manages rail land and property across New Zealand. Need land access, development advice, or property information? We can help.
- Assets and infrastructure
  Learn how KiwiRail maintains level crossings, rail track and rolling stock to keep New Zealand’s rail network safe, reliable and efficient.
- Communities and schools
  KiwiRail supports communities and schools across New Zealand through rail safety education, school programmes, donations and community initiatives.
Access and requirements
- 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.
- Inductions and trainings
  KiwiRail Learning Exchange (KLE) is KiwiRail’s Learning Management System where contractors can complete inductions and training courses online.
- Digital infrastructure
  Tools, training and resources for contractors delivering KiwiRail projects
  - Network visualisation
- Rail operators
  Rail operators other than KiwiRail can access the rail corridor under contract, and provide services to customers.
  - Rail operating rules
  - Network access standards
- Filming and photography
  Guidance for taking photos or filming at stations or on our rail and ferry networks.
Network investment
- Investment and funding
  KiwiRail is investing in New Zealand's rail network through the RNIP and future Cook Strait ferry and port infrastructure projects.
  - Rail Network Investment Programme (RNIP)
  - Cook Strait ferry replacement programme
- North Island
  KiwiRail is investing in the North Island rail network to improve infrastructure and support freight and passenger rail.
- South Island
  KiwiRail is investing in the South Island rail network to improve infrastructure and support freight and passenger rail.
  - Waltham Mechanical Hub
  - Hillside Workshops
- Where we are working
  KiwiRail and its contractors are always working to maintain and improve the rail network. Find major works here.
  - Paerata rail works
  - Ngākōroa Railway Station
Newsroom
About
- Our people
  Learn about the KiwiRail Governance Board and Executive Leadership Team.
- Sustainability
  Sustainability is central to our purpose of creating stronger connections for a better New Zealand.
- Our organisation
  KiwiRail is carrying New Zealand's rail legacy into the future, delivering connected transport services for economic, social and environmental value.
- KiwiRail businesses
  KiwiRail's freight, ferry, tourism and regional passenger services connecting people, goods and communities across New Zealand.
- Governance and publications
  We publish regular updates about our work.
- Doing business with us
  Supplying KiwiRail with goods and services.
- Glossary
  This page provides a list of common railway terms
Contact us

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Track

Workers in high-vis maintaining track

Workers in high-vis maintaining track

Taking care of 3700km of track

Part of looking after New Zealand’s rail network involves maintaining 3700 kilometres of track and 6 million sleepers.

This involves caring for all parts of the railway structure that support safe and reliable train operations, including the steel rails, sleepers, ballast, track foundation, and drainage systems.

Regular maintenance helps keep the track stable, strong and well-drained, ensuring trains can operate safely and efficiently.

How we maintain the tracks

Regular maintenance includes inspecting the track, securing rail components, and clearing drainage systems to identify and address issues early, helping keep trains running safely and reliably.

We use a range of specialist machines and technology to complete this and more complex work. We own and operate some of this fleet ourselves.

Last updated: October 8, 2026