Long queues are reported as holidaymakers return from the Labour Weekend.
Police are urging holidaymakers to drive home with care this afternoon as weather conditions worsen and traffic starts to build with the holiday road toll already at two.
Motorists have taken to social media to share pictures of long queues on the country’s highways, especially for those returning to Auckland.
One Facebook post said a long line of cars was stationary on SH1, just south of Wellsford heading towards Auckland.
Another post warned people to avoid travelling south.
“I have just headed north from Auckland and the traffic is crawling from almost Albany to the Brynderwyns.”
We are on our way home back to Mangere whanau. Drive safe too, we are currently in traffic due to a crash. It was also...
Posted by Bonz Creationz on Sunday 26 October 2025
Traffic has started building in Auckland with Bombay to the city via SH1 taking nearly 50 minutes to complete and Helensville to the city taking a similar time.
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) have also given a warning for those crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge this evening as strong gusts are expected between 7pm and 4am tomorrow.
Bridge speed reductions are likely and temporary full closures may happen if wind gusts reach more than 90km/h, NZTA said.
Queues are building in southern parts of the North Island, with NZTA warning motorists on SH1, southbound from Levin to Ōtaki, to expect delays of 15 to 30 minutes.
Elsewhere this weekend, one person died in a single-vehicle crash about 2.45am on Sunday on Mataku Rd in Morrinsville.
Police said the person was found dead at the scene and the Serious Crash Unit is investigating.
A second person died in a motorcycle crash on Waiheke Island later on Sunday.
Police said emergency services were called to Ocean View Rd in Oneroa about 2pm after a three-wheeled motorbike hit a tree.
“One person died at the scene,” police said, “while another was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries”.
Hato Hone St John said a patient in a serious condition was airlifted to Auckland City Hospital.
Weather conditions are expected to worsen and cause disruption later today.
Police are urging motorists heading home to plan ahead.
“Depending on where you are in NZ, road conditions could be impacted by high winds, rain, or even snow.
“We know people will be eager to get home but it’s really important that people adjust their driving to the weather conditions, even if it means a slightly longer trip.”
MetService has warned that heavy rain, strong winds and snow are expected with several warnings in place.
Heavy rain watches have been issued for the eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty, the central North Island hill country from southern Waikato to Tongariro National Park, Taranaki Maunga, Tararua Range and the Richmond and Bryant ranges for this afternoon, with some extending into Tuesday.
Wellington, Wairarapa and the Tararua District and Marlborough, about and north of Cape Campbell, also have strong wind warnings in place for this afternoon.
In the South Island, there are some areas under a heavy snow warning, including the Canterbury high country south of SH73, Queenstown Lakes District about and north of Wānaka, and Central Otago about and north of Ranfurly from 1pm to 10pm.
🟠❄️Road Snow Warnings out for a number of South Island roads.
— MetService (@MetService) October 26, 2025
❄️🛣️Take care travelling on those higher South Island roads and passes on Labour Day.
Details herehttps://t.co/qHyE5zySvx@nztacwc @nztaos pic.twitter.com/PwqgPuYGcK
“As always, it’s the basics that will help keep everyone safe,” police said, “watch your speed, put your phone away, wear your seatbelt, and don’t drive if you’re impaired (including by fatigue)”.
Motorists should check the NZTA website for updates on road conditions.