Waka Kotahi is predicting traffic will be heaviest between 2pm and 5pm for those looking to escape Auckland. Photo / NZME
Holidaymakers attempting to escape Auckland for the long weekend and commuters have experienced delays due to a number of crashes this evening.
In Auckland, the eastbound SH16 to SH20 link is blocked on the left lane.
Motorists are being asked to pass with care and expect delays when entering the Waterview Tunnel going south.
There are delays following a crash in Auckland blocking the exit-only lane to Khyber Pass northbound.
The crash is now cleared.
There were delays on State Highway 1 after a crash south of Warkworth. Motorists reported significant delays heading north. The crash has now been cleared.
In Auckland, a crash on the right southbound lane on SH20 across from the Hillsborough Rd on-ramp caused delays.
The crash is now cleared but motorists are still to expect delays from Maioro Street as congestion resumes to normal.
The left, southbound lane on SH1 is now clear after an earlier crash but congestion is still to be expected as traffic returns to normal peak volumes.
Police are also currently responding to a crash between a bus and a car on River Rd in Tuakau, Waikato.
Six people were treated for moderate and minor injuries on the scene and two people were transported to Middlemore Hospital. There are no blocks on the road at this stage.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency warned holidaymakers of traffic jams heading north and south out of the city.
Waka Kotahi said the northbound Johnstones Hill tunnel on SH1 will remain closed this Queen's Birthday weekend. Those travelling north are encouraged to avoid peak travel times, or detour via SH16 to avoid heavy traffic, delays and long queues.
The northbound tunnel is currently closed because of ongoing works required to build the connection between the new Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway and the existing SH1.
With one tunnel closed, traffic travelling in both directions will use one side each of the southbound tunnel.
Based on previous years, Manukau to Bombay will be badly backed up between 2pm and 5pm and slower than normal until 6.30pm.
And those hoping to skip the traffic by waiting until Saturday to leave the city should also beware - southbound traffic is also predicted to be slow going between 8.30am and 4.30pm tomorrow.
Heading north, delays are expected today on SH1 between Puhoi and Wellsford between 1pm and 6pm, with the heaviest traffic from 2pm to 5pm.
Traffic predictions for all major cities are available through NZTA's Holiday journey planning tool.
Roading authorities will also be hoping to avoid a repeat of last year's Queen's Birthday Weekend, when three people died on the roads.
About 140 people are also injured in crashes on New Zealand roads every Queen's Birthday Weekend, NZTA figures show.
The holiday period begins at 4pm today and ends at 6pm on Tuesday.
Transport minister Michael Wood said across millions of kilometres being travelled this weekend, drivers would make errors or bear the brunt of someone else's mistakes.
Wood said one person was killed every day on New Zealand roads and seven were seriously injured.
"We need to stop accepting that deaths on our roads are inevitable," he said.
Police Minister Poto Williams said police would be out in force over the weekend, focusing on speed, impaired drivers and distracted drivers.
"Drivers should take their time, be courteous and follow the road rules, they're there to keep us all safe.
"Anyone who witnesses dangerous behaviour should report it to police, and any driver can expect to be stopped if they are not driving safely."
Police could be seen cordoning off a street in the area.