History of The Strand Station in Timeline

The Strand Station, or Auckland Strand Station, is a railway station situated on the eastern periphery of Auckland's CBD. Primarily serving as Auckland's long-distance railway hub, it marks the northern endpoint for both the Northern Explorer service connecting Auckland and Wellington, and the Te Huia service linking Auckland and Hamilton. While not a regular stop for suburban trains, it acts as a contingency for Britomart station during disruptions or closures, ensuring continued rail service in such events.

November 1930: Auckland Railway Station complex opened

In November 1930, the Auckland Railway Station complex opened on Beach Road, replacing the previous railway terminus.

1930: Platform 8 restaurant occupies the former foyer of the 1930 station

Platform 8 restaurant occupies the former foyer of the 1930 station.

July 2003: Closure of Auckland Railway Station

On July 7, 2003, the Auckland Railway Station closed, with Britomart becoming the new terminus. Platform 7 was retained for limited use as 'The Strand Station'.

2003: Deterioration of platforms

In 2003, the platforms began to deteriorate after closure.

August 2011: Redevelopment and reopening of platforms

In August 2011, the original Platform 7 and Platform 6 were redeveloped and officially reopened for potential use during Rugby World Cup 2011, although they were never used for that purpose.

2011: Platforms in a decrepit state

By 2011, the platforms had deteriorated into a decrepit state, with shortened platforms, removed tracks, and overgrown vegetation.

2011: Upgrade of two platforms by Auckland Transport

In 2011, two platforms were upgraded by Auckland Transport in a $1.7 million project to prepare them for use as an alternative to Britomart for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The canopies were removed from two platforms, the platforms were resurfaced, and amenities such as lighting and a public address system were installed.

2013: Construction of stabling facilities

During 2013, stabling facilities were constructed in the disused part of the station, to the north of the refurbished platforms. The stabling yard is designed to hold trains when they are not in service.

2014: Station fully electrified

In 2014, the station was fully electrified as part of Auckland's railway electrification project.

December 2015: Northern Explorer terminus shift

In December 2015, The Strand station became the terminus of Auckland's sole long-distance passenger train service, the Northern Explorer, following the shift of its Auckland terminus from Britomart.

July 2021: Te Huia extends to The Strand on Saturdays

From 24 July 2021, Te Huia extends to The Strand on Saturdays.

January 2022: Te Huia extends to The Strand on weekdays

From 24 January 2022, Te Huia was extended to The Strand on weekdays.

2024: Potential expansion of Te Huia service

A 2024 proposal suggested Te Huia may also run on Sundays and public holidays after year 4 or 5, contingent on the Third Main Line project being sufficiently advanced.