Transport Minister Michael Wood has unveiled five options for an additional Auckland Harbour crossing for Tāmaki Makaurau.

Construction of the long-awaited second Waitemata crossing is expected to begin before the end of the decade.

A final decision is scheduled for June, with construction to begin in 2029.

Wood said Auckland businesses had made it clear that persistent congestion was one of the biggest barriers to the success of Auckland.

"We want an unclogged, connected, and futureproofed transport network so Aucklanders can get to work on time, and don't need to wake up earlier just to get their kids to school - it's vital that we have a harbour crossing that works for the city," he said in a statement.

Construction for the additional Waitematā Harbour connections would begin in 2029 and would provide a future-proofed solution for people wanting to get across Te Waitematā as fast as possible.

"After considering feedback from Aucklanders, we've developed five scenarios for future transport connections across Te Waitematā including both bridge and tunnel options. The scenarios also include ways to connect to growing residential and business hubs on the North Shore," Wood said.

A new walking and cycling link across the harbour is considered in each scenario, as well as a new light rail link to connect Auckland Light Rail in the city centre, he said.

Light rail is the key to building a linked up rapid transit network across the city and to providing "faster, safer, low-carbon travel", he said.

"A new rapid transit connection from the city centre to the North Shore will fully integrate with other projects including Auckland Light Rail and rapid transit to the Northwest to allow people to travel seamlessly across Auckland," Wood said.

Feedback provided would help shape the final decision on the preferred option which would be confirmed in June 2023, he said.