Weather warning for motorists as Easter holidays begin

Motorists are being warned to take the severe weather forecast into account when planning road trips over the next couple of days.

The New Zealand Transport Agency is advising caution, saying its contractors would be monitoring road and weather conditions so they can quickly respond to flooding, slips and rock falls.

"The MetService is warning of strong winds and heavy rain for most of the North Island from Thursday onwards - and this will coincide with many people planning to travel over the Easter break," an NZTA spokesman said.

"As weather and road conditions can change rapidly, check current conditions before you travel, and consider delaying your journey to and around areas forecast to be significantly impacted by the severe weather."

The spokesman said those who do travel should allow extra time for the journey.

"Be prepared for challenging driving conditions, including debris on the road, and possible detours and road closures. Storm conditions such as wind gusts can also affect high-sided vehicles, motorcyclists, and cyclists."

He said more traffic than usual was expected heading out of, and in to, Wellington, with Easter being the first holiday weekend since the Mackays to Peka Peka section of Kapiti Expressway opened to traffic.