Holiday congestion. Two words motorists hear every year.

Congestion is nothing new for Tauranga residents who deal with it on a daily basis when travelling into the city.

State Highway 2, from Tauranga to Katikati, and State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range are you typical congestion points for the region.

State highways 36 and 33 are likely to be jammed up at this time of the year too.

People travelling outside of the region are encouraged to check out Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency's online holiday journeys traffic prediction tool(external link) which shows predicted traffic flow over the Christmas and New Year holiday, based on previous year's travel patterns.

This handy ‘trip hack' is a great way to plan your trips and avoid delays, says a spokesperson for the roading agency.

"Waka Kotahi wants everyone to get to their destinations safely.

"More cars on the road, tired drivers and people driving on unfamiliar roads can make holiday driving stressful and risky. But there are simple things we can all do to stay safe.

"We encourage everyone to check their car is safe before heading off, keep speeds down, drive sober, watch for signs of fatigue and share the driving, if possible.

"Always drive to the conditions, which can change quickly. Check the weather forecast before leaving home, as well as our real-time traffic updates(external link) for any incidents or closures."

Tips for safe driving on your summer holiday:

Drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert.

• Be patient when driving this summer so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together.
• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.
• Drive to the conditions - whether it's the weather, the road you're on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.
• Take regular breaks to stay alert.
• Allow plenty of time. You're on holiday, no need to rush.

Vehicle safety:

• Your vehicle must be safe to drive before you set off on your summer holiday.
• Check that the Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness is up-to-date on any vehicle you plan to drive, including rentals.
• There are basic checks you can do yourself, including:
  • Tyres – minimum tread is 1.5mm but the more tread, the better the grip.
  • Lights – check lights work so your vehicle is visible in poor light.
  • Indicators – ensure all indicators work so people know which direction you are moving.
  • Windscreen and wipers – check for wear and tear so you can see the road safely.

For more information on self-checks, visit our website at nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/choosing-the-right-vehicle/check-your-car-safety-basics/(external link)