People are warned to plan ahead before hitting the roads these holidays.
The NZ Transport Agency is urging holiday motorists to plan for delays as major state highway works and temporary lane closures roll out across Waikato and the Bay of Plenty.
A Christmas moratorium on roadworks will also begin today, but several high‑impact traffic restrictions remain in place for key summer routes.
As in previous years, the passing lanes on State Highway 2, between Pōkeno and the SH25 Mangatarata roundabout, will be closed during peak times to ensure smoother traffic flows.
The eastbound passing lanes will be closed on Saturday, December 27, and Sunday, December 28, between 4am and 10pm.
Westbound lanes will be closed on Saturday, January 3, and Sunday, January 4, between 4am and 10pm.
“Queues might be a little longer when the passing lanes are closed, but there will be minimal impact on your journey time,” said the agency’s Waikato journey manager, Andrew Brosnan.
“A slightly slower speed doesn’t make for a longer journey overall, as traffic moves more steadily.”
As SH2 is the main connection between Auckland and the holiday hotspots of the Coromandel Peninsula, Waihī Beach and Tauranga, Brosnan says it’s all about making the state highways safer for everybody.
“The Christmas shutdown for roadworks will be in place from midday Friday, December 19, and continue through to midnight Sunday, January 4. The break ensures fewer delays for travellers and gives our hardworking crews a chance to wind down and prepare for a busy start to 2026.
“Even though major work is put on hold, there may be sites under traffic management to keep road users safe.”
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 Matamata.
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 State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range.
The transport agency (NZTA) expects congestion at several well‑travelled routes in the region, with pressure likely on:
SH2 between Paeroa and Waihī
SH2 between Tauranga and Katikati
SH29 over the Kaimai Range
These corridors traditionally serve as main gateways for holidaymakers heading into and through the Bay of Plenty.
To help ease the flow of traffic, NZTA will also implement passing‑lane closures on SH2 during peak days, aligning with wider summer management across Waikato and the Bay. While queues may form, officials note journey times should not significantly increase, as slowing speeds often stabilise overall traffic movement.
A region‑wide moratorium on major roadworks begins midday Friday, December 19, and will run until midnight Sunday, January 4.
This annual pause gives road crews a well‑earned break while reducing disruption for travellers.
Although heavy construction stops, some sites will still have temporary traffic management in place for safety.
SH29 Tauranga to Hamilton
Drivers should allow up to 20 extra minutes between Tauriko and the lower Kaimai due to multiple active worksites.
SH29 Tauriko – Belk Rd to Redwood Lane
Shoulder closures and a reduced 70 km/h limit remain in place.
A new road layout at the SH29/Redwood Lane roundabout goes live from December 19, with two lanes open in each direction.
Crews pause from December 19, with staggered returns starting January 3, and full return January 12.
Only minimal traffic management remains active during the shutdown.
Cambridge Rd – Northbound Lane Closure (from January 3)
Complete 24/7 northbound closure between SH29 and 579 Cambridge Rd until early February 2026.
Bethlehem‑bound traffic must detour via Takitimu Drive Toll Rd (15 minutes, toll applies) or SH29A/Cameron Rd (22 minutes, free route).
60km/h limit approaching the intersection; 30km/h at the site.
Works operating seven days, with extended and night shifts to accelerate delivery.
SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Rd
Mid‑January stop/go and night closures for four nights near Fifteenth Ave. Details to follow.
SH2 Sandhurst Drive Overpass
A major weekend upgrade is planned for January/February 2026.
SH2 Mirrilees Rd Off‑Ramp
Night-time resurfacing in February 2026 will require full overnight closures.
SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Rd – Flyover Construction
A 70km/h speed restriction remains while crews work behind barriers on the flyover and southbound slip lane.
Traffic is expected to move on to the new structures next year as works progress.
SH2/Fifteenth Ave Connection Works
One lane remains closed near Edgecumbe Rd until mid‑2026 as the new linkage to SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Rd is constructed.
SH2 Pahoia/Esdaile Intersection
Road widening underway with temporary speed limits in place – drivers urged to take care.
SH2 Ōmokoroa Rd Roundabout Upgrade
Construction continues with speed restrictions at the site.
Minden Rd North
Weekday stop/go from 7.30am–6pm continues into early 2026 for widening, drainage and pavement works.
SH2 Whakamārama–Te Puna (Ground Investigations)
Ongoing investigations for the Takitimu North Link Stage 2 project, visible at multiple roadside locations.
SH30A Amohau St – Major Overnight Closures from 19 January
Three months of critical resurfacing beginning with eastbound lanes.
Lanes closed 7pm–6am, seven nights a week; open during the day with reduced speeds.
Uneven surfaces and ramps expected; westbound works follow once eastbound is complete.
SH5/SH28 Harwoods Rd Roundabout
Temporary holiday roundabout in operation, with full works resuming January 5 and the new roundabout in use by March 2026.
Travellers are encouraged to use the NZTA Journey Planner for real‑time updates, delays, and detours before setting out: journeys.nzta.govt.nz.
Weather may shift schedules, and some smaller works may not be listed.