Your guide to getting around Auckland this weekend

The new Newmarket flyover is given last minute touch ups before it's opening to the public. Photo / Paul Estcourt

The New Zealand Transport Agency's advice for Aucklanders during the closure of the Southern Motorway's southbound lane is simple - do not drive.

But if you must, this is how to reach the major events during the closure.

If the usual number of commuters choose to drive on Sunday, 60,000 cars will be squeezed through streets which surround the Southern Motorway, causing severe congestion. Bus services will be also be affected.

The NZTA acknowledges that some people may have to drive on Saturday evening and Sunday - to hospital, to work, or to pre-booked events.

For essential travel, catching the train is the best option. Train travel is free of charge during the closure, and increased services will be operating from late Saturday until the end of Sunday.

1. NORTH TO SOUTH
North Shore to airport

The most direct route to the airport, on the Southern Motorway, will not be possible from 5pm today.

Instead, after crossing the bridge motorists should transfer to the Northwestern Motorway and get off at Western Springs. Turn left on to St Lukes Rd, then right on to Sandringham Rd, which will take you to the South-Western Motorway, and on to the airport. Put aside at least an hour for the trip, and check the traffic flow on the motorway before you leave at www.nzta.govt.nz.

2. EAST TO WEST
Eastern suburbs to Eden Park for Auckland v Taranaki rugby

The Transport Agency says public transport is best, but Tamaki Drive should not be hit hard so motorists from the Eastern suburbs should drive around the waterfront to the Port onramp to the Northwestern Motorway. Exit at Western Springs, turn left on to St Lukes Rd and left on to New North Rd, which will take you to Kingsland and Eden Park. Avoid the city end of Mt Eden, especially Dominion Rd, at all costs.

3. WEST TO EAST
Sandringham to Greenlane for Great Northern Day/Father's Day at Ellerslie Racecourse

The Transport Agency warns that driving anywhere near Greenlane from late on Saturday will be "disastrous". The best option if heading West to East is to catch a train from the Mt Albert, Morningside or Kingsland stations, change trains at Newmarket to head south, and get off at Greenlane. It is a short walk from the Greenlane station to the Ellerslie Racecourse.

If you must drive, your best route is to follow Mt Albert Rd then Mt Smart Rd, get on the Southern Motorway at Mt Wellington and off at Greenlane.

Getting to the Great Northern Day could be bearable, but keep in mind that the closure will have kicked in by the time the races finish.

4. SOUTH TO NORTH
Onehunga to Vector Arena for New Zealand vs Australia netball game

Take Church St or Mt Smart Rd to get on the Southern Motorway. NZTA believes traffic flow should be bearable heading north, so take the motorway to the Port exit, then get to Vector Arena via the Strand.

Alternative route: Catch the train from the Penrose Station to Britomart. It's a five-minute walk from Britomart to Vector Arena.

5. PARKING RESTRICTIONS NEAR NEWMARKET
In and out of Auckland Grammar for Auckland Grammar School art exhibition

Auckland Grammar, in Mountain Rd, is one of the problem spots. NZTA strongly advises that people use public transport - Grafton train station is a short walk from the school.

Be warned that if you do drive to the exhibition, there are parking restrictions on Mountain Rd and Owens Rd.

Annabel Lush, an organiser for the exhibition, says people who want to watch the viaduct removal should make a day of it at Auckland Grammar.

Visitors can get a clear view of the gantry from the school and also see "the best exhibition of its kind" in the Main Hall.