Grafton is one of Auckland's most functionally important train stations — a short 6-minute ride from the city, yet adjacent to Auckland's largest hospital, two university campuses, the Auckland Domain and two of the city's most prestigious schools. The station is used heavily by hospital staff, students, and visitors to the Domain. The southern entrance on Khyber Pass Road places commuters directly across from Les Mills and the University of Auckland's Newmarket campus.
Auckland City Hospital
Auckland's main public hospital is right next to the station — one of the most important reasons this station exists.
New Zealand's largest public hospital and a major tertiary referral centre — the primary destination for Grafton Station passengers. Auckland City Hospital serves the entire Auckland region for complex and specialist care, with a 24-hour Emergency Department, specialist outpatient clinics, maternity services and most major surgical specialties. The main entrance and Emergency Department are on Park Road. The station is about 500 metres away — a 6-minute walk — or take a bus from the stop directly outside the station — routes 70, 75, Inner Link, 321, 866 and 966 all run to the hospital.
Open 24 hours · Emergency Department always openAuckland Domain
Auckland's oldest and largest park is a short walk from the station — the War Memorial Museum, sports fields, the Wintergarden and a hidden bush walk are all within easy reach.
One of New Zealand's most visited museums, sitting at the crown of the Auckland Domain, about 15–20 minutes on foot from Grafton Station via a pleasant walk through the park. Free entry for NZ residents. The museum's permanent galleries include one of the world's finest collections of Māori and Pacific taonga — carved wharenui, waka taua (war canoe), and pounamu treasures — alongside rich displays of New Zealand's natural history, volcanoes and geological history, and the moving war memorial galleries. The live kapa haka performance (ticketed) is a highlight. Temporary exhibitions change throughout the year and frequently attract major international shows. The museum building itself is a Heritage New Zealand Category 1 neoclassical structure completed in 1929, with a 2006 extension. The views from the steps across the Domain to the city and Waitematā Harbour are outstanding.
Mon 9am–5pm · Tue 10am–8:30pm · Wed–Fri 10am–5pm · Sat–Sun 9am–5pm
Auckland Domain — Sports Fields
The Domain's large sports fields occupy the lower slopes of the park — a beautiful setting for cricket, football, touch rugby and athletics events, with a heritage grandstand on the western edge. The fields are used by local clubs and schools throughout the year, and also host several major summer concerts — including the iconic Synthony Festival, which transforms the cricket pitch into a 40,000-strong outdoor dance floor each March. Free public access, open 24 hours. A pleasant walk from Park Road through the domain brings you directly here from the station.
Open 24 hours · Free entry
Domain Wintergardens
"Absolutely extraordinary treasure of Auckland city — this place is a temple in so many ways. Magical." Two glasshouses face each other across a formal sunken garden and fountain — one room-temperature, one warm and tropical, filled with hanging plants, water lotuses and even a sensitive plant whose leaves close when touched. The adjoining fernery is a quieter highlight many visitors miss. Free, no tickets required, with a small café overlooking the duck pond. Some areas may be affected by ongoing maintenance works — check ahead if a specific glasshouse is essential to your visit.
Daily 9am–4:30pm · Free entry
Lover's Walk
"A perfect slice of a road less travelled. Though a short journey, the seclusion and lush plant life takes trekkers away from the city long enough to reset the mind." A hidden bush trail through a verdant glen within the Domain, following a stream past sculptures, steps and boardwalks. "Such a stunning walk in the middle of the city — the trees shut you off from the city and the birds come out and sing." A popular shortcut for university students and hospital workers, connecting the lower and upper parts of the Domain — steep in places, with the north end lower than the south. Allow at least 30 minutes to enjoy it properly. Note: steps and sloped gravel surfaces are not suitable for those with mobility concerns, and sections can occasionally close after storms.
Open 24 hours · Free · Allow ~30 minUniversities
Two University of Auckland campuses are within easy walking distance of Grafton Station — one directly across the road.
University of Auckland — Newmarket Campus
Directly across Khyber Pass Road from the station's southern entrance — the University of Auckland's Newmarket Campus, built on the former Lion Breweries site. Home to the Faculty of Engineering, focussing on materials science, transportation and construction research. A striking modern campus that has rapidly become central to the university's research partnerships with industry. Visitors welcome.
Mon–Fri 8am–5:30pm · Closed weekends
University of Auckland — Grafton Campus
The University of Auckland's Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences is based on Park Road, adjacent to Auckland City Hospital and a short walk from the station. Home to New Zealand's largest medical school, training doctors, nurses, pharmacists, optometrists and allied health professionals. The campus works in close proximity with the hospital, making it one of the best-served medical faculties by public transport in New Zealand.
Mon–Fri 8am–5:30pm · Closed weekendsLeisure
One of Auckland's best gyms is directly across the road from the station.
One of Auckland's best gym facilities — Les Mills Newmarket on Khyber Pass Road is directly across from the station's southern entrance, making it the most convenient gym-by-train option in the city. Full equipment, a wide range of group fitness classes (BodyPump, BodyCombat, RPM, Yoga, Pilates, Reformer and more), a pool and sauna. Opens at 5am weekdays. Popular with hospital staff and students from both university campuses. "New Zealand's best overall offering in the health and fitness space."
Mon–Thu 5am–9pm · Fri 5am–8pm · Sat–Sun 7am–7pmSchools
Two of Auckland's most prominent secondary schools are within easy walking distance of the station.
One of New Zealand's most prestigious state secondary schools — Auckland Grammar is a large boys' school on Mountain Road with an outstanding academic, sporting and cultural record. A Heritage New Zealand Category 2 building anchors the historic quadrangle. Consistently among the top-performing decile 10 schools in New Zealand. The station makes it an easy commute for students from across the South City and Onehunga West Lines.
School hours: Mon–Fri 9am–3:15pm · Term time only
A Catholic boys' secondary school on Mountain Road — one of Auckland's most established and well-regarded Catholic schools with a strong sporting and academic tradition. St Peter's sits directly uphill from Grafton Station, making the train a natural commute option for boys from across the South City and East West Lines. The school has a strong performing arts tradition and houses one of Auckland's best school rugby programs.
School hours: Mon–Fri 8:30am–4pm · Term time onlyBus Routes
Bus stops on Park Road and Khyber Pass Road are right outside the station. The Inner Link on Park Road runs every 10 minutes directly to Auckland City Hospital (one stop), Newmarket, K Road, Ponsonby and the city.
| Route | Serves | Frequency | Stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| INN | Inner Link — Waitematā loop via Parnell, Newmarket, Auckland City Hospital, K Rd & Ponsonby Rd | Every 10 min | Park Rd |
| 70 | Botany ↔ Britomart via Ti Rakau Dr, Pakuranga, Panmure, Sylvia Park & Newmarket | Frequent | Park Rd |
| 30 | Onehunga ↔ City Centre (The Civic) via Manukau Rd | Frequent | Khyber Pass Rd |
| 321 | Middlemore ↔ Britomart via Ōtāhuhu, Penrose, Greenlane, Epsom & Auckland City Hospital | Connector | Park Rd |
| 75 | Glen Innes ↔ Wynyard Quarter via Remuera Rd & Newmarket | Frequent | Park Rd |
| 309 | City Centre ↔ Mangere Town Centre via Khyber Pass Rd, Epsom & Onehunga | Connector | Khyber Pass Rd |
| 295 | Ellerslie Station ↔ City Centre via Oranga, Royal Oak, Epsom & Gillies Ave | Connector | Khyber Pass Rd |
| 866 | Albany Station ↔ Newmarket via all Northern Busway stations, Ponsonby Rd & K Rd | Weekdays only | Park Rd |
| 966 | Beach Haven ↔ Newmarket via Onewa Rd, Ponsonby Rd & K Rd | Weekdays only | Park Rd |
💡 The Inner Link runs every 10 minutes from the stop directly outside the station — one stop to Auckland City Hospital, making it the easiest option for visitors. It also connects onward to K Road, Ponsonby and the city. Always confirm at at.govt.nz. Always confirm at at.govt.nz.
⚠️ Ratings and hours can change. Always check a venue's own website or Google Maps for current hours, especially on public holidays. Bus route information sourced from Auckland Transport — always check at.govt.nz for current timetables.