Sod turned on final stage of Eastern Busway

Construction has begun on the final 500-metre section of the Eastern Busway, a project that will deliver more reliable and efficient transport choice for Aucklanders. 

The full Eastern Busway rapid transit corridor runs from Panmure to Botany, and the final section will connect Ti Rakau Drive to the Te Irirangi Drive/Te Koha Road intersection. A 600-metre shared path through Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve will also extend walking and cycling connections in the area.

“Today marks a major milestone for Auckland’s transport network. When the Eastern Busway fully opens in 2027, it will connect Botany, Pakuranga and Panmure, giving people a reliable 40-minute trip from Botany to the city centre by bus and train,” Mr Bishop says.

“Public transport use on the Eastern Busway is expected to grow significantly, from 3,700 trips a day now to 18,000 by 2028, and 24,000 by 2048. Combined with City Rail Link, it will connect more people with jobs, education, and other opportunities making it easier for people to move around the city.

“After more than a decade working on the Eastern Busway, completing this final section will mean we are one step closer to delivering a fully connected rapid transit corridor between Botany and the city centre, giving more Aucklanders access to fast, reliable public transport. 

Auckland Minister Simon Watts says the population of Auckland’s Howick Ward is expected to pass 190,000 by 2048, projects like the Eastern Busway are essential to giving people safe, reliable transport choices while freeing up local roads for freight and those who need to drive.

“The Eastern Busway is a major investment in Auckland’s future. It will support population growth, reduce congestion and help keep people and freight moving by providing more travel choices. 

“Together with City Rail Link, this project will transform the way people move around our largest city, creating a more connected public transport network that will benefit Aucklanders for decades to come.”

The majority of construction between Pakūranga and Botany is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the extension through Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve scheduled for completion in mid-2027.

Auckland Transport began construction of the Pakūranga to Botany section in 2023, delivering five kilometres of separated busway, walking and cycling paths, and associated infrastructure. The Botany link route extension received construction funding approval in late 2025, allowing work on the final section to begin.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown says the Eastern Busway is one of the city’s most significant transport investments.

“Auckland Council has worked alongside the Government to bring this project forward to improve the speed and reliability of public transport and reduce congestion.   

“It also delivers on one of my key policies, to Get Auckland moving,” says Mayor Brown.

“The Eastern Busway will  give people in east Auckland a genuine rapid transit option and make it easier for people to get to their destinations around our city quickly and safely.

“This project is an example of what transport integration enables with a dedicated busway, new stations and walking and cycling routes.”

“This is a major investment in Auckland’s future, and it’s great to see construction now underway on the final link.”

The Eastern Busway section from Pakuranga to Botany is a $1.4 billion joint investment by the Government and Auckland Council.

Notes to Editor: 

More information is available at www.easternbusway.nz.
Auckland Transport is working with Fletcher Construction, ACCIONA, AECOM and Jacobs as the Eastern Busway Alliance to design and build the busway. 
A Transpower electricity cable supplying power to most of Auckland and Northland runs through the project area.  
Attached: Artist impression of the Botany Link route through Whakamaumahara Guys Reserve
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Auckland Council have confirmed $101 million in funding to build the Botany link route at Guys Reserve, meaning more efficient transport choices are on the way for Aucklanders living in Botany, 
Construction of the Panmure Station bus and rail interchange started in 2012 and opened in 2014. Construction of the Panmure to Pakuranga section followed in 2019 and opened in 2021. Pakuranga to Botany is the final phase of the project, with work beginning in 2023 and scheduled to open in 2027. ...