Crusaders Express ‘fan train’ to link Rolleston and Rangiora with pop-up stop near stadium

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge gets into the “Crusaders Express” spirit.

Crusaders rugby fans will be able to take a train from Rolleston or Rangiora to the new Christchurch stadium with a “Crusaders Express” passenger rail service confirmed.

The service will alternate from Rolleston or Rangiora for four home games this season, and drop passengers at a pop-up ramp at Pilgrim Place, about 1km from One New Zealand Stadium - starting with the first Super Round match between the Crusaders and Waratahs on opening night (Friday, April 24) from the Rolleston station.

The joint project from the Crusaders, 2degrees and Mainland Rail was announced on Tuesday. The service will have themed carriages and a social atmosphere for game days.

Crusaders Sevu Reece, Scott Barrett and CEO Colin Mansbridge at the announcement Tuesday morning.

Mainland Rail managing director Ian Ladd said the partnership demonstrated the potential for commuter rail in Canterbury.

Mainland Rail’s long-term vision is for additional rail services around major events at the new stadium and across the region.

The idea builds on the sold-out pre-season fan train to Timaru earlier this year, which drew positive feedback from passengers and required a restock after the pies and beer ran out.

Fans aboard the Crusaders train earlier this year.

“Our supporters are ready to embrace new match-day experiences,” Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge said.

“It’s also a practical win helping remove cars from the roads and easing pressure on the CBD during major events.”

Mainland Rail’s earlier proposed Greater Christchurch route included a new platform at Moorhouse Ave/Colombo St, but the company was still working with the city council on a permanent or temporary platform.

The Christchurch City Council supported the initiative with a $51,000 grant from its Capital Endowment Fund towards the temporary infrastructure, which people on lightweight mobility devices can use.

Mayor Phil Mauger credited Mainland Rail, saying it was “fantastic” to have more transport options and encourage people out of cars.

“[It] shows we’re willing to give new thinking a go,” Mauger said.

The Crusaders fan train departing Timaru after a pre-season match earlier this year.

The service will have a business class option. An announcement spokesperson has clarified this would be for invited VIP guests, not for general sale. .

Gerry’s Bakery and Moa Brewing Company will offer drinks and pies.

Train tickets to the Waratahs / Crusaders game are $49 for adults, $29 for children, and $129 for a family. They go on sale Thursday at 9am.

Mainland Rail chief executive Paul Jackson previously said the company was still working with the city council on a permanent or temporary platform for the central city, and in the meantime a ramp similar to those used on Air New Zealand planes would be used at the Pilgrim Place location for the opening of Te Kaha.

Lost in the crowd? A digital stadium map will point the way

Inside of the “Crusaders Express” passenger train.

One New Zealand Stadium will have a digital map for guests to navigate not only their route to the stadium, but to their seats, toilets or food stalls.

The smartmaps include navigation across the city with travel times and directions, charting the path through the correct entry gate to the user’s seating section.

They are being provided by digital navigation service PAM, which does similar map services for sporting events including the PGA Tour, Formula 1 and Australian Open.

The digital maps will be released next month on the One New Zealand Stadium website and the venue’s mobile app.

Venues Ōtautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare said the system would make people’s journeys “as seamless as possible”.