Extra trains for All Blacks vs Italy; rail lines mostly open on Matariki weekend
Extra trains and an additional harbour ferry sailing are scheduled for the All Blacks’ clash with Italy at Hnry Stadium on Saturday 11 July, when 20,000 rugby fans are expected to use their match tickets to catch Metlink bus and rail services.
To help fans get to the stadium in time for the 5:10pm kick-off, trains will have extra carriages on the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti and Johnsonville lines. Standard weekend timetables apply before the game, and passengers are encouraged to travel early.
After the game, additional trains are scheduled to leave Wellington Station on the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti and Johnsonville lines, to help fans get home.
No additional services will run on the Wairarapa or Melling lines, but the 6:55pm Wairarapa Line service will depart Wellington later, at approximately 7:20pm.
On game day, an extra harbour ferry sailing is scheduled to leave Queens Wharf at about 7.30pm to take fans home. Bookings are required on the East by West website.
Buses will run to their normal Saturday timetables after the game, with larger double deckers replacing some standard sized buses.
Match tickets can be used to travel on Metlink bus and train services at no extra cost on Saturday 11 July. Simply show your event ticket to the driver or onboard staff. This does not apply to harbour ferries, Airport Express buses, or Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility taxis.
Passengers are advised to expect busy services, to allow extra time for travel and to check the Metlink app or website for the latest travel information.
All rail lines will be open on Friday 10 July, and Saturday 11 July during the Matariki long weekend. Only on Sunday 12 July will some rail lines close and partially close, so KiwiRail can progress important upgrades.
The work will help to improve passenger rail reliability. It will also prepare the Wellington network for the arrival of Tūhono trains, and higher-capacity services for commuters and event goers from 2030.
On Sunday 12 July, buses replace trains all day on the Hutt Valley Line. In the evening, buses replace trains on the Johnsonville Line, and on the Kāpiti Line between Wellington and Porirua.
Off-peak fares apply across the long weekend, including on the Matariki public holiday on Friday 10 July, when Metlink services follow Sunday timetables.
Passengers should allow extra time for their travel and check the Metlink app or website for updates.