Future of Te Huia

What we asked about and why

The Te Huia survey ran from 10 to 30 November 2025. We asked users and non-users in the Waikato and Auckland for their views on the Te Huia train service now, and improvements they might like see in the future. The information provided by the survey will helps with further investigation and delivery of Te Huia service improvements beyond its trial period.

Both NZTA and Council have since agreed to fund extending the Te Huia trial service for a further year, until 30 June 2027.

What you told us

We were thrilled that 8163 people completed the survey with an even spread between users (54 per cent) and non-users (46 per cent). The survey revealed that the most common journey purpose for Te Huia is leisure, with higher frequency users generally commuting or travelling for business. Over one-third of users take Te Huia three or more times a week and 94 per cent said they would use it more if some service changes were made.

Non-users told us that the most likely changes that would prompt them to try Te Huia were more frequent services (especially on weekends), shorter journey times and better weekday scheduling.

While most people use Hamilton (Frankton and Rotokauri), Pukekohe and/or central Auckland (The Strand) stations as part of their journey, both users and non-users expressed interest in new stations, especially Hamilton city centre and Hamilton Airport.

You can read the full report here.

What we decided

We have not made any immediate decisions, but the survey results have been presented to council and are providing important input into the Te Huia Future Service Single Stage Business Case, investigating long-term (5 to 10 year) improvements to frequencies, journey speeds, and potential new stations. This business case focuses on existing services between Hamilton and Auckland and not extensions on other lines.

What happens next

The trial extension to June 2027 means we will undertake full engagement on the future of Te Huia as part of our 2027-2037 Long Term Plan process, including funding a permanent service. We strongly encourage you to add your voice at that time. The extension gives Te Huia time to grow and improve on its success, but if it is to become permanent, as many people as possible need to use it.

With fuel prices subject to significant volatility, there has never been a better time to consider taking the train as a value-for-money alternative to car travel. You can find all the information on train times at Timetable – Te Huia train and fares at Fares – Te Huia train.

Thank you to everyone who completed the Future of Te Huia survey. Final count saw over 8,100 responses!

We understand many of you are eager to see the results; however, it will take a little bit of time to collate and analyse all of the information. We expect to have the results in the first quarter of 2026. The findings will help to contribute to any future planning for Te Huia.

If you have any specific questions about the survey, please contact transport@waikatoregion.govt.nz