The Kaimai Tunnel is a nationally significant piece of rail infrastructure, servicing the Port of Tauranga and forming a critical link within the ‘Golden Triangle’ connecting Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. Given its strategic importance to New Zealand’s freight network, maintaining the tunnel in optimal condition is essential.
Vitruvius was engaged by KiwiRail to provide Project Management services across the development of the Asset Management Plan, procurement, and physical works phases, including delivery of the project’s initial scope.
The programme of works balanced immediate repair and recovery requirements with longer‑term investigation and strategic planning to support the tunnel’s ongoing performance and resilience.
The scope encompassed a diverse portfolio of activities, including:
- Ventilation systems upgrades
- Concrete repairs
- Coring and geotechnical investigations
- Rail fastening refurbishment
- Drainage works
- Communications systems
- Earthworks.
In addition, Vitruvius provided surveying and quality control services for slab track repairs and associated improvements.
Through close construction planning with KiwiRail and key stakeholders, the project was successfully delivered while minimising disruption to freight services and achieving a practical, safe solution for tunnel access.
Vitruvius was selected for this project due to our strong asset management capability and proven experience in delivering complex, operationally critical rail infrastructure projects.
Project: Kaimai Tunnel, Waikato
Client: KiwiRail
Project value: $7.9m
Vitruvius Scope: Project Management and Delivery, Surveying Services, Rail Infrastructure
