NZ Transport Agency maps highlight Labour Weekend hotspots

SH29, Kaimai and SH2 between Paeroa and Tauranga, have been identified as traffic hotspots ahead of Labour Weekend. Photo/George Novak

The New Zealand Transport Agency has identified traffic hotspots to help drivers plan their Labour Weekend travels.

The maps collate information from previous Labour Weekend journeys on the times where traffic was heaviest around the region.

The maps have identified SH29, Kaimai (west of Tauranga) and SH2, between Paeroa and Tauranga as the heaviest congestion areas for the Bay of Plenty.

Agency journey manager Nigel D'Ath said people should consider avoiding travel during the times of heaviest congestion or at least be forewarned on what to expect.

"Increased traffic volumes, tiredness and driving in unfamiliar environments can make driving over these long weekends more stressful.

"Remember you're sharing the road with many others you have a responsibility to be courteous and patient to ensure you look after yourself, your families and other road users," said D'Ath.

It looks like the clear blue skies and sunshine the Bay of Plenty has been experiencing may be on their way out leading up to the holiday weekend.

MetService meteorologist Kyle Lee said the weather should be settled coming into Labour Weekend as a ridge of high pressure gives way to a weak front on Saturday.

However, Mr Lee said cloud increases tomorrow with isolated showers expected during the afternoon and evening. On Saturday and Sunday, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with isolated showers, mainly in the ranges.

"On Saturday and Sunday, there should still be some long fine spells in the afternoons, with showers only about the ranges, so coastal town like Tauranga will experience better weather than inland."

Things are set to get worse as Monday approaches.

"Monday is looking the wettest day of the long weekend for Bay of Plenty as an upper trough extends over the area from the North," said Mr Lee.