Category: New Zealand Government Public Service

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Christmas is upon us as well as a helpful congestion predictor device for any trips you have planned: NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s (NZTA’s) holiday journeys traffic prediction tool.

It provides predicted traffic flows over the Christmas and New Year, based on previous years’ travel patterns. This is one way to avoid delays, or at least be pre-warned so you can build in extra time.

Holiday journeys traffic prediction tool(external link)

Which bits of the South Island/Te Wai Pounamu get busy?

The occasionally busy sections of highway shown on the South Island map are: Wanaka, Queenstown, Geraldine, Timaru, SH1 between Ashburton and Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass village on SH73, Waipara north of Christchurch (key route to Picton, Nelson and Westport), the Lewis Pass itself west of Hanmer Springs turnoff, Murchison, Motueka/Riwaka (entrance to Golden Bay/Mohua) and SH6 between Nelson and Blenheim.

Most NZTA work sites will close from midday this Friday (20 December) to midnight on Sunday 5 January, with some resuming later in January.

“So once you have checked the holiday highway predictor and MetService for any weather warnings, there are a few other things to keep in mind to have a happy, safe trip,” says Nicole Felts, Journey Manager for NZTA.

MetService(external link)

The car and driver check

“We encourage everyone to check that their car is safe and warranted before heading off, keep your speeds down, drive sober, watch for signs of fatigue and share the driving on long trips. And always ensure you are safely buckled up, and all passengers.

“Check NZTA’s real-time traffic updates for any incidents or closures.”

Real-time traffic updates(external link)

Fire, fire

“Dry conditions continue in parts of the South Island, with Canterbury in a restricted fire season and parts of Otago already in a prohibited season. We encourage people travelling over summer to avoid putting hot objects, like car exhausts, near grass and vegetation, and to take care around any Fire and Emergency NZ controlled operations.”

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

With a bumper road maintenance programme to deliver in Northland this season, road crews will be back in action at three key sites in January.

State Highway 1, Whangārei to Ruakākā

Southbound left lane – (near Flyger Rd)

• New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises that our contractors will be rebuilding the southbound left lane on SH1, between Flyger Road and Prescott Road, from Monday 27 January 2025.
• Contractors will undertake approximately 2.5 weeks of day works, followed by 1.5 weeks of night works, with work expected to be complete by Monday 24 February 2025.
• The passing lane will remain closed for the duration of the works, with a 50km/h temporary speed limit in place 24/7.
• During the day works, traffic flow will be maintained in both directions, except for brief periods of stop/go to allow contractors to shift equipment or set-up and pack-down the site.
• During night works, the road will operate under stop/go traffic management.
• Alternative southbound passing lanes are located between Puwera and Oakleigh (slightly south of Puwera) and between Oakleigh and Mata (near Totara Road).

Northbound left lane – (near Hewlett Rd)

• Contractors will begin rebuilding the northbound left lane on SH1, between Hewlett Road and Salmon Road, from Monday 13 January 2025.
• This work will take place during the day; however, the passing lane will remain closed for the duration of the works, with a 50km/h temporary speed limit in place 24/7.
• Traffic flow will be maintained in both directions, except for brief periods of stop/go to allow contractors to shift equipment or set-up and pack-down the site.
• Work is expected to be complete by Friday 31 January.
• Alternative northbound passing lanes are located between Puwera and Oakleigh (slightly north of Oakleigh) and north of Ruakākā (just north of Prescott Road).

Rebuilding the road, which often involves replacing all or most of the structural road layers, improves the longevity of the network, the resilience and ultimately the safety and efficiency for all road users.

This summer maintenance period (September 2024 to May 2025), we’re investing in the largest road rebuild programme ever for the region, with Northland one of three regions across Aotearoa with the most significant road rebuild programmes over the next three years. 

SH1 Te Kamo Bypass / Kamo intersection

Contractors will undertake overnight road resurfacing on SH1 Te Kamo Bypass from Sunday 12 January 2025.

The road will be closed between 8pm and 5am, Sunday to Thursday, through to Monday 20 January, with a detour via Kamo township. High Performance Motor Vehicles (HPMV) will be grouped together and escorted through the worksite.

During the day, the road will operate with reduced speed limits in place.

Our crews will then shift their attention to the intersection on Tuesday 21 January, Wednesday 22 January, Thursday 23 January and Tuesday 28 January.

Work will take place between 8pm and 5am with a temporary speed limit, lane closures and stop/go traffic management in place. There will also be a detour in place via Percy Street, Kensington Ave

Great North Road and Kamo township. Once again, HPMV will be grouped and escorted through the worksite.

Travel delays during these works are expected to be between 5-10 minutes.

Please be patient and treat our crews with kindness and respect. Reduce your speed, adhere to the temporary speed limits and follow the traffic management directions at our work sites. 

Work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website for up-to-date information on these works, including any changes due to weather.

Journey Planner(external link)

For more information about the overall maintenance programme and planned works, visit the Northland State Highway Maintenance Programme website.

Northland state highway maintenance programme(external link)      

NZTA thanks everyone for their patience while we undertake this important work to improve the safety and efficiency of our roads.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is sprinkling some magic to ensure steady, smoother journeys for people travelling on a key holiday routes around the Bay of Plenty and Waikato this summer. 

As the summer break is fast approaching, NZTA reminds everyone to plan ahead for safe, enjoyable trips using our real time summer holidays journey planner. It’s as important as ever to drive to the conditions, allow extra time and take regular breaks to stay alert. 

Summer holidays 2024 | NZTA Journey Planner(external link) 

Similar to previous years, the passing lanes on State Highway 2 (SH2), between Pōkeno and the State Highway 25 Mangatarata roundabout, will be closed during peak times. The eastbound passing lane is closed from Friday 27 December to Sunday 29 December between 4am and 11pm. Westbound is closed from Friday 3 January to Sunday 5 January between 4am and 11pm.   

“Queues might be a little longer when the passing lanes are closed, but there will be minimal impact on your journey time.

“A slightly slower speed doesn’t make for a longer journey, overall, as traffic moves more steadily,” says NZTA Waikato Journey Manager, Andrew Brosnan.  

Those cruising down SH2 through the Karangahake Gorge will have more time to soak up the stunning scenery. The 600m section between Crown Hill Road and School Road has had its speed reduced temporarily from 80km/h to 50km/h, which remains in place until after Waitangi weekend. This section of the highway includes the entrance to the Karangahake Reserve, which is the starting point for many of the popular walks in the historic gorge.

As SH2 is the main highway connection between Auckland and the holiday hotspots of the Coromandel Peninsula, Waihī Beach and Tauranga, Mr Brosnan says it’s all about making the highways safer for everybody.    

“The Christmas shutdown for roadworks will be in place from midday Friday 20 December and continue through to midnight Sunday 5 January 2025. The break gives ensures fewer delays for travellers and gives our hardworking crews a chance to wind down and prepare for a busy start to 2025.

“Even though major work is put on hold there maybe be sites under traffic management to keep road users safe,” says Mr Brosnan.

NZTA has also crunched some data from previous holiday periods to compile a list of likely holiday congestion hotspots to help drivers plan ahead to avoid the queues. 

Holiday hotspots | NZTA Journey Planner(external link) 

In the Waikato, the busiest spots are expected to be on SH25 around Tairua township, on SH1 between Tīrau and Karāpiro and on SH2 between Pōkeno and Maramarua. 

For dates and times of potential congestion check out the Waikato link on the Summer Journeys holiday planner.

Holiday traffic journeys for Waikato | NZTA Journey Planner(external link) 

In the Bay of Plenty, the busiest spots are likely to be on SH2 between Paeroa and Waihī, on SH2 between Tauranga and Katikati and on SH29 on the Kaimai range.  

There’s more information on the Bay of Plenty link on the Summer Journeys holiday planner.

Holiday traffic journeys for Bay of Plenty | NZTA Journey Planner(external link) 

A number of road rebuild sites are starting early in the New Year, from Monday 6 January 2025. These works are weather dependant and subject to change.  

• SH27 Waharoa in the Waikato, 4-week road rebuild starting Monday 6 January, road closure with detour. 
•  SH3 Ōhaupō township in the Waikato, 7-week road rebuild tarting Tuesday 7 January with a light vehicle detour. 
•  SH2 Snodgrass Road, near Te Puna in the Bay of Plenty, a road rebuild starting Sunday 12 January at night for 6 weeks. 
•  SH1 Karāpiro, 4-day road closure for maintenance and repair work starting Sunday 19 January. 

NZTA wishes everyone safe journeys over the summer break. 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Almost 80% of the funded projects to repair cyclone-damaged Tairāwhiti state highways are complete, with several major projects set to start in 2025.

The Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) alliance has been carrying out Cyclone Gabrielle recovery work, on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), working to restore 2 lane access on the state highway network throughout Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay.

In Tairāwhiti, the recovery programme includes around 170 projects (or faults to be fixed) across the 500km network of State Highway 2 (SH2) and State Highway 35 (SH35). The projects vary in size and some include specialised work, while others are specific sites, sitting within a larger project.

Around 140 projects have now been completed in the region.

TREC project manager Richard Bayley says the priority was always to focus on the most severely damaged sites first to ensure the highways stayed open, then move on to smaller sites that could be completed quickly.

“We’ve achieved a lot this year and we’d like to acknowledge local contractors who have delivered great results on our projects across the state highway network. It’s been a busy year, and we appreciate all their efforts. Around 80% of our East Coast recovery construction work is delivered by local contractors.

“Together, we’ve repaired numerous underslips, improved drainage, cleared silt from streams, and restored sections of highway back to two-lanes.

“Thank you to Iwi and hapū who have continued to work closely with us.

“The support and patience of road users and local communities while we get the work done is appreciated.  We know roadworks can be challenging and we really appreciate your patience and care when adjusting to new road layouts, temporary lower speeds or road closures. This helps us keep you, other road users and our crew safe – particularly on those sites where there is very little room to work or move,” says Mr Bayley.

“Thanks to people’s support, we’ve been able to deliver a much more resilient highway network as we move into the busy summer holiday period.”

In 2025, TREC will focus on larger and more complex projects such as Hikuwai Bridge No. 1, additional improvements in the Mangahauini Gorge and upgrades to prevent flooding at Nesbitt’s Dip and Rototahe.

“We expect to start construction on these sites early in the new year after we complete detailed design work, which includes working with Iwi and hapu, landowners and council.

Most road works will stop over the holiday period, from 12 noon Thursday 19 December 2024 and resume on Monday 6 January 2025 and then early next year will be busy with new TREC recovery projects starting and the NZTA annual renewals programme continuing.

“We encourage everyone to plan their journeys and check the latest traffic updates at journeys.nzta.govt.nz to stay informed on road conditions.”

SH2

State Highway 2 (SH2), a lifeline and crucial freight route, suffered extensive damage during Cyclone Gabrielle. The recovery effort has been focused on strengthening the highway and improving water drainage to prevent future slips and road closures.

We’ve completed multiple projects on SH2 this year with a number of these being on Otoko Hill. Otoko has seen a significant amount of work to install drainage and repair a number of overslips, underslips, and pavement damage. Work start dates were staggered to reduce disruption for Gisborne’s main freight route and communities.

Completed projects on SH2 include:

• Scour protection and rock revetment at Waikohu Bridge #2
• Underslip repairs at Otoko Hill slip #1
• Soldier pile wall installation on Otoko Hill
• Five bridges including Waikohu Bridge #2 and #3, Wairakaia Bridge, Maraetaha Bridge No 5,  Tauwhatinui Bridge have had various levels of protective work undertaken, such as rock revetment (protective) work – essential to reducing future impacts of river erosion on bridges and the land it stands on.

Projects for 2025 include:

• Completing recovery work on Otoko Hill. These include finishing repairs on a major underslip using hillside stabilising methods such as shotcrete and soil anchors; installing drainage at a number of sites to help channel water away from the road and strengthening an existing retaining wall.
• Nesbitt’s Dip flood protection. The state highway will be raised and the drainage will be upgraded to reduce closures due to flooding.
• Matawai Road and Rakauroa. Work here will help to stabilise the hillside.

SH35

TREC’s recovery work on SH35 has stretched from Tairāwhiti into the eastern Bay of Plenty. Multiple projects have been completed on the highway this year. Much of the damage here is similar to SH2 and caused by rivers and waterways running alongside the roads resulting in underslips and overslips and damage to bridges and the state highway. Coupled with the region’s soft soils, this presents ongoing challenges to creating stable road surfaces.

Completed projects on SH35 include:

• Buttress construction and shoulder reinstatement at Ihungia Road
• Rock revetment work at Mangatuna Stream Bridge
• Culvert improvement works at Mangatuna

Projects for 2025 include:

• Hikuwai Bridge No.1 replacement.  A single, two-laned bridge will replace the Hikuwai bridge destroyed by Cyclone Gabrielle. Design will be at 50% early next year with construction also to start in 2025.
• Mangahauini Gorge further recovery works. The focus here will be on designs for work to stabilise slopes, repair river and road edges and upgrade culverts and drainage.
• Rototahe flood protection. The state highway will be raised and the drainage will be upgraded to reduce closures due to flooding.
• Awatere Gully underslip. A buttress (supporting) structure is being built at this location to repair an underslip caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. Road reinstatement will also be undertaken.
• Kopuaroa slip 2. An underslip at this site requires soil nails and shotcrete (sprayed liquid concrete) to stabilise and rebuild the hillside.
• Rotokautuku (Waiapu) Bridge scour repair and revetment. Rock revetment (protection) work is planned at this site to repair the area beneath the bridge from damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle and also protect it from future erosion impacts of the Waiapu river.
• Te Kura O Torere underslip. Work will involve underslip repairs with an anchored shotcrete wall and overslip repairs with reinforced earth walls and drainage improvements.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

♫ Check the roads and pack your patience,
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la,
Drive with care, avoid frustration,
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. ♫

This Christmas, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is encouraging everyone to travel smart and safe, whether they’re heading to the beach, visiting whānau or road-tripping to their favourite summer spot.

Like Rudolph lighting Santa’s sleigh, the NZTA Holiday Journeys interactive travel planner is here to guide the way. The tool shows predicted traffic conditions for popular routes in Auckland, Northland and further afield over holiday break, based on travel patterns from previous years.

Holiday Journeys traffic prediction tool | NZTA Journey Planner(external link)

In Auckland and Northland, the expected holiday traffic hotspots are:

Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations, Jacqui Hori-Hoult says where possible, people should aim to travel outside the busiest periods.

“It takes some planning to get Santa’s sleigh where it needs to be on time. Often, leaving a little earlier or later in the day can help avoid the worst of holiday traffic.”

Because predicted travel times can change based on traffic incidents, weather or driver behaviour, people should visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website – journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link) – for real-time travel information, traffic cameras, and updates on delays, roadworks and road closures before they travel.

Ms Hori-Hoult says while most NZTA work sites will close from midday this Friday (20 December) to midnight on Sunday 5 January to leave the roads clear for holiday traffic, contractors are planning to take advantage of reduced traffic volumes on central Auckland state highways to undertake key maintenance and improvement works, from 26 December.

“Traffic volumes on these state highways are at their lowest at this time of year, with people making the most of the holiday break to get out of the city.

“If you’re travelling through Auckland and want to bypass these works, we recommend taking the Western Ring Route. The route carries traffic between SH1 Constellation Drive and SH1 Manukau using SH18, SH16 and SH20.”

There may also be temporary speed limits and road cones at some work sites or where there has been recent road resurfacing – including on SH1 in the Mangamuka Gorge, which is due to reopen on Friday, following a two-year closure due to significant slip damage caused by severe weather.

“Always take care when driving through road work sites and follow the temporary speed restrictions to ensure everyone stays safe on our roads.

“Traffic management, such as temporary speed limits, signs and cones, is used to alert road users to a change in the road conditions or to works ahead, so look out for the signs and take care in the run up to Christmas and during the holiday period,” Ms Hori-Hoult says.

“There will be some holiday congestion and delays, and we all need to factor that into our plans. Trying to ‘make up lost time’ by speeding and unsafe overtaking puts everyone using the road at risk.”

Ms Hori-Hoult says everyone should take extra care when travelling over the holiday break due to increased traffic volumes, congestion, tiredness and people driving in unfamiliar environments.

“Don’t end up on the naughty list – stick to the speed limit, leave plenty of space, drive sober and take plenty of breaks. Tiredness and distractions are the ‘Grinch’ of road safety – share the driving and take plenty of breaks.

“When it comes to holiday travel, make a list and check it twice—starting with your vehicle. A quick safety check of your tyres, brakes, lights, and cooling systems can make all the difference. Not only will a well-tuned vehicle keep you and your whānau safe, but it’ll also save you money with better fuel efficiency.

“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.

“Finally, make sure you allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, there’s no need to rush – ♪ It’s the most wonderful time of the year ♪, after all.”

Getting there safely – top tips for safe holiday driving

Plan ahead.  Get your vehicle checked before you head out, plan to avoid peak traffic where you can and give yourself enough time to take plenty of rest or sightseeing breaks along the way.  It’s your holiday after all, so why not make the journey an enjoyable part of it? 

Drive to the conditions.  Check the weather forecast before leaving home, as well as our real-time traffic updates for any incidents or closures. This isn’t just about weather conditions—it’s about the road you’re on, the traffic, your vehicle and load, your speed, your following distance, and adjusting your driving for wet and windy conditions.

Weather warnings | MetService(external link)

Watch out for fatigue.  Long trips are tiring and fatigue can be deadly behind the wheel. Get a good night’s sleep beforehand, plan in advance where you’ll take breaks along the way, and be aware of any medication you’re taking that might affect your driving. 

Keep your cool.  Holiday driving can be frustrating with busy roads, stifling heat and restless kids in the car. So please, be courteous and patient while on the roads.  Don’t get provoked by other drivers’ aggressive behaviour, and wait to overtake until you get to a passing lane or can see enough clear road ahead of you to do it safely.  And be sure to take enough games, books, or electronics to keep the kids occupied along the way.

Buckle up.  Don’t let your family holiday be marred by tragedy simply because someone didn’t buckle up. If you’re the driver, you are legally responsible for making sure all passengers under the age of 15 are securely restrained with either a safety belt or child restraint.  Children must be properly restrained by an approved child restraint until their 7th birthday. 

Don’t drink and drive.  Your judgement and reaction times begin to deteriorate after even one drink. Keep it simple – if you’re going to drink, don’t drive.

For more holiday driving tips, visit:

Driving in the holidays

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Grandma may have been run over by a reindeer…but you can keep your Christmas travel easy and crash free by planning ahead for safe summer road trips.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has updated our popular online holiday journeys traffic prediction tool, which shows predicted traffic flows over the Christmas and New Year holiday, based on previous year’s travel patterns. This handy ‘trip hack’ is a great way to plan your trips and avoid the stress of getting caught up in lengthy delays.

Holiday journeys traffic prediction tool | NZTA Journey Planner(external link)

NZTA wants everyone to get to their destinations safely. More cars on the road, tired drivers and people driving on unfamiliar roads can all add up to make holiday driving stressful and risky. But there are simple things we can all do to stay safe.

We encourage everyone to check that their car is safe before heading off, keep your speeds down, drive sober, watch for signs of fatigue and share the driving on long trips.

Always drive to the conditions, which can change quickly. Check the weather forecast before leaving home, as well as our real-time traffic updates for any incidents or closures.

Weather warnings | MetService(external link)

Highway conditions | NZTA Journey Planner(external link)

Tips for safe driving on your summer holiday

Drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert.

• Be patient when driving this summer so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together.
• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.
• 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.
• Take regular breaks to stay alert.
• Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, no need to rush. 

Vehicle safety

• Your vehicle must be safe to drive before you set off on your summer holiday.
• Check that the Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness is up-to-date on any vehicle you plan to drive, including rentals.
• There are basic checks you can do yourself, including:
  • Tyres – minimum tread is 1.5mm but the more tread, the better the grip.
  • Lights – check that all lights work so your vehicle is visible in poor light.
  • Indicators – ensure all indicators work so people know which direction you are moving.
  • Windscreen and wipers – check for wear and tear so you can see the road safely.

For more information on self-checks, visit our Check your car web page:

Check your car – safety basics