Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable Auckland Anniversary weekend on Waikato and Bay of Plenty roads

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is encouraging motorists to plan ahead and be patient to ensure safe, enjoyable journeys this Auckland Anniversary weekend.

System Manager Rob Campbell says with the Waikato and Bay of Plenty forecast to receive warm, fine weather for the holiday weekend, motorists should prepare for the roads to be busier than normal as people head for holiday hotspots.

The Transport Agency has an interactive holiday journeys map(external link) for the long weekend, which shows predicted traffic flow across popular routes based on previous years’ travel patterns over Auckland Anniversary weekend.

“In the Waikato, delays are predicted on State Highway 2 Maramarua. Further delays are predicted on State Highway 1 in Taupiri and again at Karapiro. State Highway 25A is also expected to be busy south of Tairua.

“State Highway 2 will remain closed at Ngatea through the holiday weekend, with a signposted detour in place. However, Ngatea’s CBD and nearby businesses remain open for business and are accessible by an alternate detour.

“In the Bay of Plenty, motorists should be prepared for heavy traffic on State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Ranges, on State Highway 2 between Paeroa and Waihi, and again between Katikati and Tauranga.”

Outside these areas, congestion is also likely for motorists travelling through Tirau on State Highway 1.

Mr Campbell also cautioned motorists to be aware of the large number of events taking place in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty and the impact these may have on traffic.

“There are a large number of events happening in the Waikato over the weekend, including the World Rugby Sevens tournament in Hamilton, the Festival One music festival at Mystery Creek, a rowing regatta at Lake Karapiro and two major concerts in Taupo and Whitianga.

“In the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga will host the two-day One Love music festival. This will see Tauranga City Council close a number of roads surrounding the Tauranga Domain to ensure attendee safety.”

Other Bay of Plenty events include Tauranga Chinese New Year Festival, Eastern Regional Surf Lifesaving Championships and various markets.

Mr Campbell encouraged motorists to take extra care when travelling over the holiday period due to increased traffic volumes, congestion, tiredness and people driving in unfamiliar environments.

“Consider travelling outside peak times, when traffic is lighter, and allow plenty of time.

“Congestion and delays are inevitable in peak times, but 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."

Tips for safe driving this long weekend:

• Check your car is in good ‘health’ before you head off. Check your tyre pressure and tread, windscreen wipers, indicators and lights.
• Take extra care when travelling in holiday periods because of increased traffic volumes, congestion, tiredness and people driving in unfamiliar environments.
• Drive to the conditions – whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or amount of traffic.
• Avoid fatigue. Take regular breaks to stay alert.
• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.
• Be patient – overtaking is unlikely to make a significant difference to your journey time due to the amount of traffic expected over the weekend.
• Allow plenty of time. Remember you are on holiday, so there’s no need to rush.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey this summer. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic(external link)
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP(external link)
• Twitter: twitter.com/NZTAwaibop(external link)
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)