Heavy traffic leaving Auckland delays holiday plans

Traffic heading northbound at Johnstones Hill on SH1 around 11.30am. Photo / NZTA

Drivers face an excrutiating hour-long 15km crawl along a major highway north of Wellington as they try to escape the city for a summer break.

The NZ Transport Agency says holiday congestion is so bad motorists should expect delays of up to 60 minutes on SH1 between Waikanae and Otaki.

Holidaymakers heading out of Auckland are experiencing similar disruptions.

12:15PM UPDATE

Due to holiday congestion northbound road users should expect delays of up to 60 minutes on SH1 between Waikanae & Otaki. Plan your journey & allow extra time. ^LChttps://t.co/CkLZ9z5XHM

— Waka Kotahi Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) December 27, 2017

The agency tweeted earlier that northbound traffic on State Highway 1 from Puhoi to Wellsford is heavy.

A traffic camera at Johnstones Hill Tunnels shows cars bumper to bumper heading out of the tunnel and on the onramp.

Holiday traffic is now heavy northbound on SH1 thru Puhoi, Warkworth & Wellsford areas. Please consider using SH16 as a faster, alternative route. ^LC pic.twitter.com/rNMVaz4Tk4

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 27, 2017

The agency is advising motorists to use State Highway 16 as an alternative route.

Southbound traffic on SH1 at Takanini is also backed up.

Traffic on the southern motorway towards Takanini. Photo / NZTA