Bay Dreams, holiday traffic and crashes combine to create delays on Tauranga highways

Traffic chaos has already begun in and around Tauranga as roading authorities warn of major delays.

The New Zealand Transport Agency has warned of backed up eastbound traffic building through Katikati and Te Puna this afternoon. The agency asked motorists to avoid State Highway 2 if possible.

However, a five-car crash on State Highway 29 at Tauriko has also prompted police to warn of "extensive delays".

No one has been seriously injured in the crash but motorists were also asked to avoid the area if possible.

The crash happened at 12.45pm near Gargan Rd.

Holiday traffic delays are building eastbound on #SH2 thru both Katikati & Te Puna today (02 Jan) as predicted. Allow extra time.

Check https://t.co/sy9SIAVvLK for more dates & times when traffic is expected to be heavy & know #B4uGo ^TP pic.twitter.com/TTaXO0Opj5

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) January 1, 2018

The congestion comes as revellers make their way to Bay Dreams music festival at Baypark, Mount Maunganui.

Organisers estimated 25,000 people would be at the festival's the main event today and residents have been warned all week of delays in and around the city.

Police said that with the extra visitors to the city, drivers should allow for slow progress on the road.

Expect delays getting to the Te Maunga transfer station tomorrow. Access to the Te Maunga transfer station is likely to...

Posted by Tauranga City Council on Sunday, 31 December 2017

The traffic was snarled in all directions around midday, but had calmed down by 1.30pm.

Inside the venue the live music set was underway. P-Money started his 1.30pm set with a shoutout to his mate Scribe and a promise to play "some of the classics".

Headlining the festival was American R&B singer-songwriter and 2018 Grammy nominee Kehlani alongside a stellar list of acts including DJ Snake, Machine Gun Kelly, Big Shaq, Foster The People, Flatbush Zombies and $uicideboy$.

Inside the festival grounds it was hot and overcast - and the festival fashion reflected that with lots of short shorts, cropped tops and sunnies.

Tans were topped with thick applications of body glitter as well as precise makeup and hopefully some sunblock.

Bay Dreams is underway and the festival crowd is starting to arrive. Traffic is banked up coming from Tauranga and the Mount but was flowing from Papamoa.

Posted by Bay of Plenty Times on Monday, 1 January 2018

There were shaded areas with beanbags as well as chillout zones with sunblock and water.

Police and security staff had a strong presence inside the venue.