Weather warning for long weekend

Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

Motorists face busy roads and winter conditions over Queen's Birthday weekend, with police and transport authorities advising drivers to take it easy.

Police expected heavy traffic on State Highway 1, especially around Auckland and on the road out of Wellington, national road policing manager Superintendent Paula Rose said.

Before driving any long distances, she advised motorists to check wiper blades, tyres, and head and tail lights.

She also advised motorists to drive fresh, not fatigued.

"It's not a long holiday, and some people may try to squeeze the most out of it by leaving straight after work, or extremely early in the morning, without much sleep the night before."

MetService forecaster Ian Miller said the best weather for New Zealand over the weekend was likely for the West Coast of the South Island, with conditions north of Taranaki and in the Bay of Plenty clearing on Sunday.

"A shallow low should move over New Zealand bringing rain to most places on Saturday," he said.

Snow was forecast to fall on parts of the Desert Road, around Ohakune and in high areas near Napier on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning.

Snow down to 500m was expected in parts of the South Island, especially in Southland, Clutha and Banks Peninsula, he said.

Mr Miller advised drivers to prepare for winter driving conditions. Even though roads may not have snow on them, parts in the shade could stay frosty all day, he said.

The New Zealand Transport Authority's regional director for Auckland and Northland, Wayne McDonald, said traffic would start building on roads north and south from Auckland from Friday afternoon.

He expected heavy traffic, with one of the busiest sections of the country's highway system being SH1 between Puhoi and Warkworth. Motorists could avoid possible delays by using SH16 from the Silverdale interchange to Wellsford.

"With the shorter days and unsettled weather, it's important that people plan their journeys, give themselves plenty of time, and drive with patience to make sure they reach their destinations safely," he said.

- NZPA