Fog engulfs Auckland: Flights cancelled, ferries disrupted and traffic delayed

Low-lying fog is disrupting travel for morning commuters. Photo / Waka Kotahi.

Domestic flights to and from Auckland have been cancelled this morning as low-lying fog engulfs the city.

Twenty-six flights to regional centres have been cancelled - 13 departures and 13 arrivals - while 16 flights have been delayed - five departures and 11 arrivals.

However, flights to Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown have not been affected, nor any international flights.

Auckland Airport put fog restrictions in place early this morning.

Fog affecting traffic on Auckland's Northwestern Motorway today. Photo / Waka Kotahi.

Auckland Transport said ferry commuters should also “expect possible delays to all Bayswater, Birkenhead, Devonport, Half Moon Bay, Hobsonville ferry services, due to fog in the Waitemata Harbour”.

The 06:30 & 08:30 Gulf Harbour to Downtown ferry services will be replaced by buses, due to the ongoing crew shortages.
Expect possible delays to all Bayswater, Birkenhead, Devonport, Half Moon Bay, Hobsonville ferry services, due to fog in the Waitemata Harbour. pic.twitter.com/2ar1HCrKEZ

— Auckland Transport Travel Alerts (@AT_TravelAlerts) September 20, 2023

A MetService spokesperson said a mix of moist and warm conditions overnight made for “perfect fog weather”.

“While it will disrupt the early morning commute, the conditions will lift by around 10am.”

New Zealand has faced topsy-turvey weather conditions this morning.

Dunedin reached 20°C by 7am this morning, while Auckland only reached 10°C at the same time.

🥵🌡 Ōtepoti/Dunedin taking out the top spot at 7am: 20.8°C in the city.

🥶 2.9°C in Raetihi as clear skies overnight (and a lack of strong, dry northwesterly winds) cooled the central North Island. pic.twitter.com/sc3f9WNNNW

— MetService (@MetService) September 20, 2023