Holiday congestion for main highways in Auckland and Wellington

Traffic is heavy north of the capital with NZTA reporting holiday congestion between Mana and Paekākāriki. Photo / Greg Bowker

Holiday congestion on the country's main highways is causing delays for commuters heading to see family and friends or just trying to escape the concrete jungle.

It comes as the New Zealand Transport Agency warns of expected delays right through to December 30 across highways around Wellington, Auckland and the Waikato.

Traffic is already heavy north of the capital, with the NZTA reporting holiday congestion between Mana and Paekākāriki.

Motorists are advised of delays in the area.

Further north on SH1 in Foxton a crash was blocking the road near the intersection of Paranui Rd north of the town.

UPDATE 12:30PM#Congestion through Mana has EASED. Traffic remains congested from Plimmerton to Paekākāriki. Please continue to expect significant delays. ^EW
https://t.co/UQprSci3CM

— Waka Kotahi Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) December 24, 2018

Delays are also expected there.

In Auckland, NZTA is warning of traffic delays for folks heading south on SH1 through Takanini and Taupiri, and SH2 through Maramarua.

The same is expected north of the city, with delays anticipated through Puhoi, Warkworth and Wellsford until December 30.

PLAN AHEAD: We are expecting traffic delays on #SH1 southbound through Takanini & Taupiri - & on #SH2 through Maramarua this week (24-30 Dec) as holidaymakers get away. Check our holiday journeys tool for dates & times where delays are predicted: https://t.co/tMhQ28qKDP ^TP pic.twitter.com/Jux4eGv7Ln

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 24, 2018

In Waikato, SH2 in Maramarua will be closed periodically over the holidays to make travel safer with expected congestion.

All eastbound passing lanes would be closed from 9am to 5pm on Boxing Day and all westbound passing lanes would closed from January 6 to 7 from 10am to 11pm.

Most of the North Island and the top of the South Island could expect a dousing of rain as a complex low-pressure system moves east across the North Island, MetService says.

The weather watchdog has a heavy rain watch in place for the hills and ranges of Hawkes Bay south of Hastings, and the Wairarapa, including the Tararua District.

A watch is also in place about the Marlborough Sounds and Kaikoura Coast.

"Its associated fronts spread south across central New Zealand bringing rain to many places, some heavy, with isolated thunderstorms possible until this evening.'