Changes are coming for the passenger train service, between Auckland and Waikato, after it has a month-long break

Waikato Regional Council figures show, Te Huia carried almost 74-thousand passengers the first 10 months this year, 12-thousand more than in the same period last year.

At Christmas, the service will close for four weeks, due to the upgrade work on the Auckland rail network.

In February, Te Huia will begin calling into Pukekohe Station, discontinuing its service to Papakura Station.

Councillor Angela Strange says it's exciting as it'll provide a connection to the Auckland Transport network.