Traffic delays as New Year approaches

Traffic is once again building north of Wellington. File photo / Mark Mitchell

Those heading out of town for New Year celebrations are being urged to be patient on the roads, as traffic delays start to build.

The NZ Transport Agency Wellington warned motorists about 12.30pm that traffic on State Highway 1 was bad, with delays of up to half an hour.

"Area warning: Once again, there is congestion on SH1 Pukerua Bay to Otaki due to holiday traffic.''

The message, posted to NZTA's official social media sites, was later updated showing there were now delays of up to an hour.

"Plan your journey accordingly,'' the message said.

NZTA also encouraged motorists to drive safely and to be patient.

UPDATE: These delays are now around 60min. Please plan your journey accordingly. Thank you for your patience. ^EL
https://t.co/MvwwO9Jfoy

— Waka Kotahi Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) December 28, 2016

AREA WARNING: Once again, there is CONGESTION on #SH1 Pukerua Bay to Otaki due to holiday traffic. Delays up to 30min. #DriveSafe ^EL pic.twitter.com/hdOmvCR1nO

— Waka Kotahi Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) December 28, 2016

Today's delays follow congestion in the same area over the past few days.

In Auckland, motorists were warned to be prepared for possible delays around Greenlane and Ellerslie today because of Summer Race Day events at the Ellerslie Racecourse.

Meanwhile, in the South Island, State Highway 1 between Hundalee and Kaikoura was closed this morning because bad weather caused a risk of rock falls.

The road will be closed until further notice.

The inland route to Kaikoura, however, remains open.