Traffic is expected to be heaviest heading south out of Auckland between 9.30am and 1.30pm. Photo / File
Traffic is expected to be heaviest heading south out of Auckland between 9.30am and 1.30pm. Photo / File
Commuting should be a breeze today if you're still stuck at work.
But if you're one of the thousands heading out of town today, the NZ Transport Agency has produced a handy holiday planner to tell you when to avoid the motorways for maximum happiness.
Based on previous years' holiday traffic, the NZTA is predicting Aucklanders heading north should avoid State Highway 1 from 11am till 3pm.
The stretch between Puhoi and Wellsford will start getting heavy at 10am and won't ease till 4pm, according to the Holiday Planner.
Heading north out of Whangārei, traffic is also expected to be heavy between 11am and 4pm.
For Aucklanders heading south, traffic is expected to flow fairly well, even in the traditional pinchpoint between Takanini and Papakura. However it will be slower going between 9.30am and 1.30pm - though it's hoped the three-laning of the Southern Motorway to Papakura will improve travel speeds.
Traffic
Traffic
Traffic
The weather should be good for Auckland's escapees today, with cloud in the morning, a chance of a shower around midday before its fines up.
Wellingtonians heading north can also expect trouble. Appalling traffic is expected between 10am and 6pm on SH1 through the Kāpiti Coast, especially between Peka Peka and Ōtaki.
Traffic
Traffic
Weather, crashes and other unforeseen events could impact predicted travel times. To find the most up-to-date information on your travel route, check the NZTA's Journey Planner.
Expect traffic to be heaviest between Puhoi and Wellsford between 11am and 3pm. File photo / Grant Bradley
NZTA's top tips for safe holiday driving
• Check your car is in good "health" before you head off: Check your tyre pressure and tread, windscreen wipers, indicators and lights.
• Take extra care when travelling in holiday periods because of increased traffic volumes, congestion, tiredness and people driving in unfamiliar environments.
• Drive to the conditions: whether it's the weather, the road you're on, the time of day or amount of traffic.
• Avoid fatigue: Take regular breaks to stay alert.
• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.
• Be patient: overtaking is unlikely to make a significant difference to your journey time due to the amount of traffic expected over the weekend.
