by Manal Barakat, SeaNewsEditor

As part of New Zealand's Rail Network Rebuild (RNR) project, national rail operator KiwiRail is carrying out key upgrades to the rail network.

This extensive project involves removing existing tracks, replacing the rock foundations and ballast, and upgrading drainage systems to enhance the rail corridor's resilience to flooding.

As a result, rail services between North Auckland and Auckland to Hamilton will be closed from 20 September to 4 October 2025.

Danish carrier Maersk has confirmed that these closures will impact rail freight services between Hamilton and Auckland Port.

To mitigate the disruption, KiwiRail will implement a road-bridging solution and ensure that the capacity of the normal MetroPort rail service is maintained.

Maersk reports that dry containers will be transported by road between Hamilton and Auckland MetroPort, while reefer containers will be road-bridged directly to and from Tauranga and Auckland MetroPort.

For information about your shipment, please contact your local Kuehne+Nagel representative.