Rugby fans heading to Hnry Stadium for the All Blacks’ Test against Italy on Saturday 11 July will have access to additional public transport services, with Metlink adding extra trains and a harbour ferry sailing to help move thousands of supporters across the Wellington region.
Around 20,000 fans are expected to use their match tickets to travel on Metlink’s rail and bus network, with free travel available on eligible services throughout the day.
To help supporters arrive before the 5.10pm kick-off, extra carriages will be added to trains operating on the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti and Johnsonville lines. Standard weekend timetables will remain in place before the match, with passengers encouraged to travel early due to expected high demand.
Following the final whistle, additional train services will depart Wellington Station on the Hutt Valley, Kāpiti and Johnsonville lines to assist supporters returning home.
Passengers travelling on the Wairarapa Line should note there will be no extra services, although the scheduled 6.55pm departure from Wellington will leave later than usual, at approximately 7.20pm, to better accommodate fans leaving the stadium.
An additional East by West harbour ferry sailing will also depart Queens Wharf at around 7.30pm, although passengers will need to book tickets directly through the ferry operator.
Bus services will continue to operate to normal Saturday timetables after the game, with larger double-decker buses replacing some standard vehicles to help manage increased passenger numbers.
Metlink says anyone attending the match can travel on eligible bus and train services free of charge by simply showing their All Blacks match ticket to drivers or onboard staff.
The free travel offer does not apply to harbour ferries, Airport Express buses or Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility taxi services.
Passengers are encouraged to allow additional travel time and check the Metlink website or mobile app for the latest service updates before travelling.
The rugby fixture coincides with the Matariki long weekend, when off-peak fares apply across the Metlink network, including on the Matariki public holiday when Sunday timetables will operate.
KiwiRail has also confirmed that all rail lines will remain open on Friday 10 July and Saturday 11 July, ensuring supporters can travel without disruption during the busy event weekend.
However, planned maintenance will resume on Sunday 12 July, with buses replacing trains throughout the day on the Hutt Valley Line, and during the evening on sections of the Johnsonville and Kāpiti lines.
The upgrades form part of KiwiRail’s long-term investment programme to improve reliability across the Wellington rail network and prepare for the introduction of the new Tūhono trains, which are expected to deliver higher-capacity services for commuters and major events from 2030.
For many whānau travelling into Wellington, the additional public transport services provide a convenient and sustainable way to attend one of the year’s biggest sporting occasions while reducing congestion around the stadium.
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