New train stations looking amazing
I was in the city for a meeting today, which was a perfect excuse to give the new CRL stations a go. I’ve used underground rail networks overseas (including Australia, Europe, North America, and Asia) and it was wonderful to see Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland join them.
I catch the train most weeks (for work) so I’m used to travelling Botany to Panmure on the bus. But seeing Swanson as the destination of the train from Panmure is going to take a while to get used to, as it’s the new destination of the East-West Line. Going through Waitematā (formerly Britomat) for first time was fun, finally as it was intended!
Te Waihorotiu station looks and functions great, even if I used the wrong exit. My mistake was a good excuse to use both access points and it definitely feels like a vital connector; close to Aotea Square, Town Hall, and Auckland Council. Artworks and design led by Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Manu) make it feel welcoming and flowing.
Karanga-a-Hape is beautiful. Incredible sense of being deep into the whenua (land). Hard to capture the scale of the escalators. The pūpūrangi (kauri snail) artwork on the ceiling is worth the visit, beautifully delivered by Reuben Kirkwood (Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Waikato Tainui, Waiohua, Ngāti Ruanui). Below, the platforms and surrounding area feels almost space age.
And last (but not least) Maungawhau, where the tunnel opens up and reconnects to the rest of the network. Very bright and lots of light. Stunning artwork, inspired by Mataaoho, atua or deity of volcanoes - wonderful to see the basalt brought to life by artist Tessa Harris (Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki) who’s work with this stone is legendary.
As a bonus - AT is selling limited edition HOP cards to celebrate the opening of the CRL, one for each station featuring their unique artworks. Te Waihorotiu has sold out but I managed to get Karanga-a-Hape and Maungawhau. Only available at the relevant stations while stocks last.
You can fnd out more about the CRL, the stations and the artworks here: https://at.govt.nz/projects-initiatives/city-centre-projects-and-initiatives/city-rail-link-auckland-s-new-network-in-2026