Holiday tips for travellers

The New Zealand Transport Agency is reminding motorists planning getaways today ahead of Labour Weekend to:

* Allow themselves extra time.
* Exercise patience.
* Take care around roadworks sites near Puhoi, through Warkworth and at State Highway 1's Mangawhai turnoff.
* Avoid queues at off-road toll booths for the Northern Gateway motorway extension by taking up to five days to pay via the internet or by phone.

Agency regional director Wayne McDonald said nose-to-tail collisions and loss of control on bends were the most common causes of crashes on Auckland and Northland roads over Labour weekend last year.

"Planning and patience are small measures but together they can provide more time for people to have a relaxing and safer journey."