Holiday traffic: Congestion north of Auckland

Congestion between Johnstone's Hill tunnel and Wellsford is building. Photo / Twitter @AndyPickeringNZ

Northbound traffic is now flowing smoothly on part of State Highway 1 north of Auckland, with queues between Puhoi and Wellsford having died down.

But the stretch of road between Warkworth and Wellsford, through Dome Valley, is still congested, according to New Zealand Transport Agency.

Earlier today, motorists were warned to avoid the area, delay travel, or use State Highway 16 as an alternative route.

There is also congestion at the intersection of SH2 and SH26 in Paeroa and drivers are advised to avoid the area or delay their journey.

Further south, congestion is building on SH1 in Paraparaumu and Otaki, and Otago motorists are warned that heavy traffic should be expected for those heading to Wanaka this afternoon.

The two-day Rhythm and Alps music festival begins in the Cardrona Valley today.

Be prepared for heavy traffic into Wanaka this afternoon. #Drivesafe @RHYTHMANDALPS ^TF pic.twitter.com/3cA6jhHori

— Waka Kotahi Otago & Southland (@WakaKotahiOS) December 30, 2015

For real-time updates of traffic in your area, check NZTA twitter accounts:

•Auckland and Northland

•Waikato and Bay of Plenty

•Central North Island

•Wellington

•Canterbury and West Coast

•Otago and Southland