Traffic is expected to be much heavier than normal around the region this weekend as the school holidays come to an end and people head back home.
The NZ Transport Agency is encouraging motorists travelling around the Bay of Plenty to plan ahead and allow for delays.
NZTA regional performance manager Karen Boyt said the combination of more vehicles on the road, driver fatigue, and other stressful things like adverse weather and traffic delays contribute to making travel riskier during the holidays.
"Stress-free journeys are safer journeys so it's important that motorists are patient and ready for the possibility of hold-ups when they travel."
"Our websites help you plan ahead and choose the best times to travel and routes to avoid delays and reduce stress. Don't forget, you can also follow us on twitter and Facebook to get the latest updates," she said.