Track Lighting
Track lighting is a flexible system of adjustable spotlights mounted on a continuous powered rail, allowing you to position, angle, and reposition individual fittings along the track. Lighting Direct NZ stocks a complete LED track lighting range including single-circuit and three-circuit tracks, surface-mounted and recessed track, plus a wide selection of LED track spotlights. Whether you are lighting a kitchen, gallery wall, retail fitout, or open-plan lounge, track lighting delivers focused, repositionable output without committing to fixed downlight positions.
How does track lighting work?
Track lighting works by running mains power through a continuous metal rail, with individual spotlights clipping onto the track at any point along its length. Each spotlight slides, rotates, and tilts independently, drawing power directly from the rail without separate wiring. The result is a single circuit that supports multiple adjustable fittings.
- Track rail: A surface or recess-mounted aluminium channel carrying live conductors along its full length.
- Track adapters: Connect each spotlight to the rail and lock into place with a quarter-turn mechanism.
- LED track spotlights: Adjustable heads tilt and rotate to direct light onto specific surfaces, walls, or work zones.
- Single-circuit track: All spotlights switch together as one group, suited to most residential applications.
- Three-circuit track: Splits the track into three independently switched groups, ideal for retail, galleries, and zoned commercial spaces.
How to choose the right LED track lighting
Choose LED track lighting using five practical factors: track length, circuit type, spotlight beam angle, colour temperature, and lumen output per fitting. Match the system to the room's purpose, because gallery accent lighting, kitchen task work, and retail product display each call for different beam angles, brightness levels, and switching arrangements.
- Track length: Common lengths run from 1 metre to 3 metres, with joiners and corner connectors available for longer or L-shaped runs.
- Circuit type: Single-circuit suits homes. Three-circuit suits retail, galleries, and any space requiring grouped switching.
- Beam angle: Narrow beams of 15 to 24 degrees suit accent lighting on artwork. Wider 36 to 60 degree beams suit general task and ambient output.
- Colour temperature: 2700K to 3000K creates a warm tone for lounges and bedrooms. 4000K is a neutral white for kitchens and home offices.
- Lumen output: Accent track spotlights start at 400 lumens. Task lighting in kitchens and home offices needs 700 to 1000 lumens per fitting.
Types of track lighting systems
Track lighting systems come in four common formats: surface-mounted track, recessed track, pendant-compatible track, and magnetic low-voltage track. Each format suits a different ceiling type and design intent, from straightforward retrofit installs in existing homes through to flush-finished new builds and architectural fitouts.
- Surface-mounted track: Fixes directly to the ceiling, the simplest option for retrofit projects in existing homes.
- Recessed track: Sits flush within a plasterboard ceiling for a clean, architectural finish in new builds and renovations.
- Pendant-compatible track: Carries both LED track spotlights and pendant fittings on the same rail, useful for kitchens with island benches.
- Magnetic low-voltage track: Slim profile with magnetic spotlights that snap into place, suited to modern minimalist interiors.
Where to use track lighting in a New Zealand home
Track lighting suits kitchens for benchtop task work, lounges and dining rooms for adjustable accent output, hallways and stairwells for directional wall washing, home offices for desk and shelving zones, and gallery walls displaying art or photography. The flexibility of LED track lighting also suits open-plan spaces where lighting needs change as furniture moves.
- Kitchens: Direct LED track spotlights onto benchtops, the hob, and the sink for layered task lighting. See the wider kitchen lighting range.
- Lounges and dining rooms: Use track lighting to highlight artwork, shelving, and feature walls alongside pendant lights for layered ambience.
- Hallways and stairwells: Wash directional light along walls and artwork without committing to fixed downlight positions.
- Home offices: Position spotlights over the desk, bookshelves, and any zoned work areas for focused task output.
- Retail and gallery spaces: Three-circuit track and narrow-beam spotlights deliver flexible accent and product display lighting.
Installation must be carried out by a licensed electrician in accordance with New Zealand wiring regulations.
Track lighting frequently asked questions
What is track lighting?
Track lighting is a system of adjustable spotlights mounted along a continuous powered rail fixed to the ceiling. Each LED track spotlight clips onto the track at any point and tilts, rotates, and slides independently. Track lighting suits kitchens, lounges, hallways, retail spaces, and gallery walls where flexible, repositionable lighting outperforms fixed downlights.
How to choose track lighting?
Choose track lighting based on track length, circuit type, beam angle, colour temperature, and lumen output. Measure the run, decide whether you need single or three-circuit switching, and match beam angle to purpose: narrow for accent, wider for general lighting. Confirm fitting compatibility with the rail before ordering LED track spotlights.
How to install track lighting with an existing fixture?
Replace an existing ceiling fixture with track lighting by removing the old fitting, mounting the track adapter to the existing ceiling rose, and connecting the rail to the wired supply. Track sections then clip into the adapter and run along the ceiling. Installation must be carried out by a licensed electrician in accordance with New Zealand wiring regulations.
What is the difference between Track lighting vs downlights?
Track lighting offers adjustable, repositionable spotlights along a single rail, while downlights are fixed individual fittings recessed into the ceiling. LED track lighting suits spaces where lighting needs change, such as kitchens, galleries, and retail. Downlights deliver a cleaner ceiling finish for bedrooms, hallways, and standard living areas.
