New Zealand Opens Drury and Paerātā Rail Stations in South Auckland

Rail Minister Winston Peters and Transport Minister Chris Bishop formally opened the Drury and Paerātā railway stations in South Auckland on August 1, 2026. Passenger services begin the following day, with weekday peak trains running every 10 minutes. Each station is equipped with two platforms, 350 car parks, and bus connections to serve the Franklin and South Auckland regions.

The openings are part of a $2.4 billion government investment in the Auckland rail network. This broader project included the completion of the Auckland Rail Network Rebuild and the electrification of the line from Papakura to Pukekohe. The development also separated freight and passenger services through the Third Main Line to increase efficiency.

Government officials stated the infrastructure is designed to accommodate an estimated 130,000 additional residents expected in the region over the coming decades. Further expansion is planned, with the Ngākōroa station scheduled to open in 2027.