Karanga-a-Hape Station First Look

Step inside Karanga-a-Hape Station, the deepest and one of the most architecturally striking stations in the City Rail Link network.

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  • Words by Auckland Transport
  • Last updated 23 Aug 2026

Inspired by the Māori creation story of Tāne Mahuta separating Ranginui and Papatūānuku, the station's design pays tribute to the majestic kauri forest that once covered this ridgeline. Through bold architecture and cultural storytelling, the station reflects the rich history, creativity and diversity that define Karangahape Road today.

This is your chance to experience the station before it opens to passengers and discover how the City Rail Link will transform access to one of Auckland's most vibrant and iconic neighbourhoods. Enjoy performances, entertainment and activities that celebrate the people, culture and energy that make Karangahape Road so special.

A pre-booked ticket is required for everyone attending this event. You can book up to six free tickets at a time through iTicket. Tickets will not be available at the event, so please book before you arrive.

For more information, here are the event FAQs

Please ensure you have read the event Terms & Conditions

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Karanga-a-hape Station
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First Look timetable

Join the celebrations on Saturday 15 August with live music, performances, markets and activities happening across Karangahape Road and inside the new station.

Pitt Street

  • 10am to 5pm: FAM Market Day
  • 10am to 3pm: Small Rave Mushroom Costume Making

Beresford Stage

  • 10am: Crystal Chen
  • 11am: Tom Lark
  • 12pm: GroopChat
  • 1pm: Caru and Brandn Shiraz
  • 2pm: Hun Lynch
  • 3pm: Carnivorous Plant Society
  • 4pm: LEAO
  • 5pm: Dick Move

In the train station

  • 10am: Karangahape Street Choir
  • 1pm: NZ Opera School
  • 4pm: Caluzzi Queens of Drag
  • 10am to 6pm: 95bFM Rave in a Train
  • 10am to 6pm: Play It Strange Buskers
  • 2.45pm: Meet at Mercury Lane for Parade
  • 3pm: Mushroom Parade through the train station

Plus, enjoy live music and markets along Karangahape Road all day long.


Karanga-a-Hape Events

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The best things to see and do around Karanga-a-hape Station


Discover K Road’s vibrant mix of food, culture, creativity and nightlife, with hidden gems around every corner of Karanga-a-Hape Station.

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Station First Looks FAQs

Yes. A pre-booked ticket is required to attend a First Look event. You can book up to six tickets at a time through iTicket. Please make sure everyone attending has a ticket before arriving, as tickets will not be available at the event.

The events are free.

Aucklanders can pre-register their interest in these events now. Tickets will be available one week ahead of each event. Those who pre-register will get an email alert as soon as tickets are available to sign up for. 

The CRL First Look Events are free public open days that give Aucklanders the opportunity to explore Auckland's new City Rail Link stations before they open for passenger services.

Each event runs throughout the day, with ten one-hour sessions scheduled between 8am and 6pm.

The events give Aucklanders an opportunity to become familiar with the stations and learn more about how the future rail network will operate before services begin.