Holiday time: roads 'chocka'

Photo / File

Motorists heading out of town for the long weekend should expect lengthy delays as many of Auckland's motorways are already clogged with traffic.

Traffic cameras on the New Zealand Transport Agency site showed nose-to-tail traffic through the city and north and south along State Highway 1 at about 4pm.

The traffic appeared to start building earlier this afternoon, with reports of congestion coming in not long after midday.

One motorist wrote in to say it had taken her over an hour to get from the Harbour Bridge to Manukau.

"Travelling south traffic at standstill just south of Manukau, very slow from harbour bridge. Looks like another hour to Bombays."

The NZTA is advising motorists to drive with care and plan ahead to avoid delays.

NZTA has road hazard warnings due to holiday traffic in place heading both north and south.

Hot spots for lengthy waits are at State Highway 1 northbound at Warkworth and State Highway 1 southbound before Princes St.

NZTA is advising motorists to avoid these areas if possible.

NZTA spokesman Andy Knackstedt said all main routes heading out of Auckland were currently "pretty chocka".

Where to go for traffic information:

• Go to: www.nzta.govt.nz or

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic-and-travel-information/summerjourneys

• Sign up to www.onthemove.govt.nz

• Freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS