Metlink is urging passengers to plan ahead this King’s Birthday weekend, with buses replacing trains across the rail network while KiwiRail carries out planned infrastructure upgrades.
Rail services on all lines will be replaced by buses from Saturday 30 May to Monday 1 June 2026, as work continues to create a modern, reliable network ahead of the introduction of the new Tūhono trains in 2029.
KiwiRail upgrades on the Kāpiti Line include bridge maintenance in the Ngauranga Gorge, seawall strengthening at Mana, and ongoing work on the Tawa substation. On the Hutt Valley Line, multiple substations will be upgraded, including the one at Naenae where new overhead lines will be installed. And upgrades on the Wairarapa Line include signaling and level crossing improvements and final work on the new passing loop at Woodville Station near Greytown.
Buses replacing trains will operate to a Sunday train timetable on the public holiday on Monday 1 June, and will follow regular weekend train timetables on Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May. Passengers are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys across the long weekend.
At Wellington Railway Station, all buses replacing trains will arrive and depart from Platform 10.
Passengers using rail replacement services should tag on and off on the bus, except for Wairarapa Line passengers, who should tag on and off at the platform. Passengers boarding in Greytown should use the validator outside 73 Main Street (Studio 73).
Off-peak fares will apply throughout the long weekend, and SuperGold cardholders will be able to travel free.
Metlink bus services will continue to run over the long weekend, including after midnight services on Friday and Saturday nights.
Metlink harbour ferry services will also continue to operate, with a weekend timetable in place on King’s Birthday Monday.
Before travelling, passengers are advised to check the Metlink website or app.
For King’s Birthday Traffic updates see: www.trafficfox.co.nz