Bus fire at Greenlane, crashes and holiday congestion causing traffic woes

A bus fire, crashes and holiday congestion are causing traffic woes on the last weekend of the summer holidays for many.

State Highway 1 has been closed near Taupo after a crash in which a cyclist was killed.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said the crash happened near the Taupo bypass intersection with Broadlands Rd.

The road was expected to be closed for two hours and a diversion was in place through central Taupo.

NZTA is asking motorists to avoid travelling through the area if they can or expect delays.

Traffic was also heavily congested on the southbound lane of Auckland's Southern Motorway after a bus caught fire under the Greenlane interchange.

Emergency services were called to the bus fire shortly after 10am.

Jaron Phillips from the Fire Service said all passengers had got off the bus safely and there were no reports of injuries.

"The fire is well involved but we have no reports of injuries, everyone has got off safely.

"We don't know how many were on the bus at this stage."

The crash closed all southbound lanes of the motorway for some time. All but one lane had been reopened by 11.30am, and the final lane reopened at midday.

"The bus has been moved to the shoulder while mechanics prepare it for removal. Motorists should take care while travelling in this area," police saaid.

"Lane one will close for a short period when the bus is removed."

Holiday traffic is also causing delays north of the city as Aucklanders flock to Northland to make the most of the hot, sunny weather.

This weekend is the last of the summer holidays for many before returning to work on Monday.

The New Zealand Transport Agency said traffic was congested from Puhoi to Wellsford heading northbound.

Motorists were advised to expect delays.

In Wellington, a car has rolled at a Porirua intersection, closing one lane of the highway.

Police said the crash happened at the intersection of State Highway 58 and James Cook Dr in Whitby.

One lane is closed while police and emergency services respond to the crash.

Police have asked motorists avoid the area and take alternate routes.