Live: Queen's Birthday traffic - all you need to know

Traffic jams expected this long weekend. Photo/ file

Navigating logged up highways and slow-moving traffic could be tricky this Queen's Birthday Weekend.

But New Zealand Transport Agency's map pinpointing forecast congested hotspots may help holiday-goers avoid road rage.

Already, State Highway 1 north of Auckland is closed after a fatal crash near Te Hana.

Remember to check our Holiday Hotspots Map for dates & times where traffic congestion is expected this Queen’s BDay weekend: https://t.co/niBHpHed7k. ^MF pic.twitter.com/QJT76OK3JV

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 31, 2018

NZTA senior journey manager Neil Walker said going online to plan the journey before getting on the road reduced the chance of experiencing delays on busy highways.

"This is the last long weekend for a few months and the last one before winter really sets in, so many people take the opportunity to head away for a break, or to visit friends and family," he said.

NZTA safety and environment spokesman Harry Wilson said it was important that people were patient and did the simple things: keep speed down, buckle everyone in and stay focused on the road.

As of yesterday, NZTA said 164 people had died on New Zealand roads this year.

After a fatal crash on State Highway 1, north of Wellsford, this morning, Mangawhai and Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Rds are closed and diversions are in place.

"Police will be out on the roads across the country working hard to keep everyone safe, but everyone needs to do their part," Wilson said.

Spot the Hazards

Check this video out - how many hazards can you spot?? Please be extra cautious when driving over this long weekend.

Posted by Counties Manukau Police on Wednesday, 30 May 2018

The predicted hotspots are:

Auckland
SH1 - Takanini (South of Auckland)
SH2 - Maramarua (East of SH1/SH2 Interchange)
SH1 - Between Puhoi and Wellsford

Bay of Plenty
SH29 - Kaimai (West of Tauranga)
SH2 - Between Paeroa and Waihi
SH2 - Between Tauranga and Katikati

Canterbury
SH1 - Timaru
SH7 - Lewis Pass
SH1 - Waipara (North of Christchurch)
SH1 - Waimakariri
SH79 - Near Geraldine
SH73 - Arthur's Pass
SH1 - Kaikoura
SH1 - Between Ashburton and Christchurch
Coromandel
SH25 - Tairua
SH25 - Kopu Bridge

Manawatu-Wanganui
SH2 - Norsewood between Hastings and Woodville SH3
SH1 - Between Taihape and Waiouru

Marlborough-Tasman
SH6 - Between Nelson and Blenheim
SH6 - Murchison
SH63 - St Arnaud

Napier
SH5 - Te Pohue (North of Napier)

Northland
SH1 - Kawakawa (South of Paihia/Bay of Islands)
SH1 - Whangarei

Otago
SH6 - Queenstown

Waikato
SH1 - Taupiri (North of Hamilton)
SH1 - Karapiro (South of Cambridge)

Wellington
SH2 - Remutaka Hill between Wellington and Featherston
SH1 - Kapiti Coast

3 simple tips to keep our roads safe

Our roads are going to get busier this long weekend and we don't want to see anyone harmed on our streets. Inspector Wayne Ewers wants you to contact Police if you spot anyone driving recklessly and putting others in danger on our roads. #drivesafe #longweekend #roadsafety

Posted by Northland Police on Thursday, 31 May 2018