Bay of Plenty and Waikato travellers can make their Easter and ANZAC weekend journeys safer and a little sweeter by using the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency holiday journey planner (Easter and Anzac weekends 2022) to plan ahead and avoid delays.
The journey planner shows predicted traffic conditions for popular routes in the Bay of Plenty & Waikato and all across the country during the holiday period, based on travel patterns from previous years.
Director of Regional Relationships, David Speirs says with the Easter holidays and the ANZAC long weekend back-to-back this year, Waka Kotahi is expecting that roads will be very busy over Easter weekend, as many holiday makers make the most of an extended break and take the chance to travel.
“In the Bay of Plenty, motorists should be prepared for heavy traffic on State Highway 2, between Paeroa and Waihi, Tauranga and Katikati and on SH29 over the Kaimai ranges.
“In the Waikato, delays are predicted on SH1 between Tirau and Karapiro, SH2 from Pokeno to Maramarua, and around Tairua on SH25.
Our traffic prediction tool shows the likely times for the heaviest traffic Easter and Anzac weekends 2022.
Holiday journey planner(external link)
Because predicted peak times can change based on traffic incidents, weather, driver behaviour or changes in COVID-19 alert levels, motorists are encouraged to also visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website before they travel for real-time travel information, live traffic camera feeds, and updates on delays, roadworks and road closures.
Journey Planner(external link)
Ex-tropical cyclone Fili could also have an impact on the local state highway network leading into the Easter holiday weekend.
“Congestion and delays are inevitable in peak times, however if everyone leaves plenty of time for their journey, drives to the conditions and plans ahead before leaving home, there will be less frustration and everyone can concentrate on arriving safely at their destination,” Mr Speirs says.
“Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, there’s no need to rush. Everyone deserves to get where they are going safely on our roads. We all make mistakes while driving, however simple mistakes shouldn’t result in deaths or serious injuries.”
Mr Speirs says there are simple things we can all do to help keep everyone on the roads safe.
“Check your vehicle is safe to drive. Check your tyres, wipers, lights and indicators, and ensure you have a valid Warrant of Fitness before you leave.
“Drive to the conditions - whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.
“Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely, and take regular breaks to stay alert.”
Note: Due to the impact of COVID-19 on our local contractors, road users on some routes may notice more roadside litter or debris than usual, and we are working hard to clear this as quickly as possible.
