Operational Pānui - Change to Port Otago Charge
From 1 October Port Otago is increasing the charge they apply to containers.
In KiwiRail’s Ancillary Surcharges list, this charge is called the 'Port Otago Rail R&D Charge'.
This will increase by $5.00, from $37.00 to $42.00 excluding GST per container.
Advance Notice: Change to Port Otago Charge from 1 October 2026:
Port Otago has advised they will shortly be increasing the charge they apply to all containers being delivered into or uplifted from their Port Chalmers container terminal by road or rail.
In KiwiRail's Ancillary Surcharges list, this charge is referred to as the ‘Port Otago Rail R&D Charge’.
• Current charge: $37.00 per container (excluding GST)
• New charge from 1 October 2026: $42.00 per container (excluding GST)
The Port stated the increase is to support their rising operational and maintenance costs, as well as their ongoing investment in digital infrastructure.
KiwiRail will update the Ancillary Surcharges list and apply the revised Port Otago Rail R&D Charge from 1 October 2026.
What customers need to do
Please ensure the teams responsible for transport planning, procurement and freight accounts are aware of the revised charge before 1 October 2026. The current booking process remains unchanged.
Questions and support
If you have questions about the change to this charge or how it will appear on your account, please contact your KiwiRail Key Account Executive or our Customer Delivery team:
Phone: 0800 351 351, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Email: domestic@kiwirail.co.nz or imex@kiwirail.co.nz
