New Zealand Holiday Season – Terminal and Depot Operating Hours 2025-2026

During the upcoming holiday season there will be some changes to the normal operating hours which will affect port, depot, and rail operations.

• Port Operations - amended hours for receival & deliveries
• Container Depot Operations – amended hours for receival & deliveries

The terminal and depot hours advised are based on latest information available and may be subject to change. Please refer to notices published by the respective port/depot for any further updates regarding revised receival and delivery periods.

KiwiRail (Block of Line)

KiwiRail have confirmed line closures will affect rail freight between Hamilton and Auckland with the block of line commencing from 6.00am on Saturday 27 December 2025 through until 6.00pm on Sunday 18 January 2026.

KiwiRail will provide a temporary road-bridging solution during the Auckland block of line period with dry containers road-bridged between Hamilton and Auckland Metroport and reefer containers road-bridged direct to/from Tauranga and Auckland Metroport. This contingency is planned to operate on a business-as-usual basis and we’ll be working closely with Port of Tauranga and KiwiRail to monitor cargo flows with an aim to deliver seamless service coverage for your supply chain.

A concurrent full block of line will also commence from 6.00am on Saturday 27 December 2025 through until 7.00pm on Monday 5 January 2026 between Wellington and Palmerston North. While no freight will be moving via this corridor during the block of line period, please note that the rail corridor between Hamilton and Palmerston North will remain open.

An additional (partial only) block of line will also apply between Wellington and Palmerston North between 5.00am and 7.00pm each day commencing from Tuesday 6 January 2026 through until Sunday 11 January 2026 with freight moving on this corridor each night between 7.00pm and 5.00am only.

CEDO’s (Customs Export Delivery Order)

Please ensure CEDO’s are accurately submitted in advance prior to the holiday season period, considering any changes to operating hours for the respective terminals.

2025/2026 Public Holidays and Free Time

Maersk will offer extended import and export demurrage & detention free time during Public Holidays. This concession only applies where Public Holidays fall within a customer’s agreed free time period and in such cases the free time will be extended to include these days.

Thank you for your continued support. We remain committed to delivering reliable and innovative solutions for your supply chain needs.

Should you have any questions please contact your nominated customer experience consultant or chat with us via our Live Chat channel.