Container Nodes
Container Nodes
The primary rail nodes for central New Zealand container movements are Smart Road (Taranaki), Heads Road (Whanganui), Palmerston North (Manawatū), Napier Port (Hawke’s Bay), and Wellington. All major container movements in central New Zealand connect with these five strategic nodes.
Palmerston North, in the heart of Manawatū has additional strategic importance being the key node that all rail from the North, top of the South Island, and from Taranaki, Wellington and Hawke’s Bay, connects and transits through.
Secondary nodes in central New Zealand include private sidings at Fonterra Whareroa, Fonterra Pahiatua, Silver Fern Farms Takapau, Manawatū Inland Port (Longburn), and WPI International Karioi. The planned inland port at Whakatu will add another node in Hawke’s Bay. This further strengthens the central New Zealand proposition of Te Utanganui as the leading distribution hub in the national transport network.
Additionally, the Cook Straight is a key service route for CentrePort, who have a strong import and export market into the top of the South Island particularly focused on viticulture.
Manawatū Inland Port – Longburn
Manawatū Inland Port is a key logistics hub in Palmerston North and plays an integral role in connecting the central North Island to global markets. Strategically located to streamline supply chains, and ideal for wet industries, it offers comprehensive import, export, and warehousing services, with direct rail links to North Island seaports, access to major highways, a nearby airport, and a shipping line acceptance point for designated international carriers. By managing Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) inspections, cross-docking, fumigation, and container repairs onsite, the Manawatū Inland Port alleviates congestion at major ports, reduces transit times, and provides cost-effective solutions for regional businesses. This efficient model enhances the movement of goods from Manawatū to the world while supporting sustainable, locally centred logistics.
