Not all roads lead to home, but try SH16 instead of SH1

3:16pm - Bulls Gorge on SH10 in Kerikeri has been re-opened

2:26pm - SH1 at Waiwera has been reopened

Holidaymakers heading back to Auckland today are being urged to take a different route to avoid one of the most heavily congested roads at this time of the year.

Heavy traffic on State Highway One just north of Auckland has been building since yesterday, as people head back to town in time for work tomorrow.

But the NZ Transport Agency last night urged people to travel on SH16 - expected to be significantly less busy.

"There's around 13,500 vehicles coming back into Auckland so people should plan to arrive back in town early in the morning or after 6pm," a spokesman said last night.

With temperature highs ranging from 23C to 27C in and just outside of Auckland, travellers are also being encouraged to hit the roads in the early morning to avoid sitting in traffic, in the heat, for long periods.

There will be rain in the city this morning which is expected to clear in the afternoon. There will also be some rain north of Auckland which drivers should be wary of, including around Whangarei and Dargaville, and Hamilton in the morning.

Inspector Heather Wells, the road policing manager for Counties Manukau, urged drivers to be patient on the roads. She said several accidents during the same period last year were caused by frustrated drivers heading back from holiday.

"The main thing people need to remember is that it is going to take longer to come back home, so be patient and courteous."

Those travelling long distances should take frequent breaks, she said.

People towing a trailer or a boat should pull over frequently to allow other vehicles to pass. Not doing so could frustrate other drivers - leading people to do "silly things" on theroad.

For updates on traffic and road conditions, call: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS.

SAFE DRIVING TIPS

* Head out early to avoid peak travel times.
* Keep a safe following distance.
* Be patient and courteous.
* Take frequent breaks.
* If towing a trailer or boat, pull over now and again to allow others to pass.