A new way to travel between Auckland and Waikato is on track

The 98 million dollar Te Huia passenger rail service officially opens to the public in April.

It can carry up to 300 people each day, as it travels from Frankton to Papakura, stopping off at Rotokauri and Huntly.

Waikato Regional Council Chair Russ Rimmington says it's just the start.

He says down the line they will look at Tauranga -- and services in the smaller towns such as Morrinsville, Cambridge and Te Awamutu.