NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is sprinkling some magic to ensure steady, smoother journeys for people travelling on a key holiday routes around the Bay of Plenty and Waikato this summer.  

As the summer break is fast approaching, NZTA reminds everyone to plan ahead for safe, enjoyable trips using our real time summer holidays journey planner.

It’s as important as ever to drive to the conditions, allow extra time and take regular breaks to stay alert.   

Similar to previous years, the passing lanes on State Highway 2 (SH2), between Pōkeno and the State Highway 25 Mangatarata roundabout, will be closed during peak times.

The eastbound passing lane is closed from Friday 27 December to Sunday 29 December between 4am and 11pm.

Westbound is closed from Friday 3 January to Sunday 5 January between 4am and 11pm.   

“Queues might be a little longer when the passing lanes are closed, but there will be minimal impact on your journey time.   

“A slightly slower speed doesn’t make for a longer journey, overall, as traffic moves more steadily,” said NZTA Waikato Journey Manager, Andrew Brosnan.  

Those cruising down SH2 through the Karangahake Gorge will have more time to soak up the stunning scenery.

The 600m section between Crown Hill Road and School Road has had its speed reduced temporarily from 80km/h to 50km/h, which remains in place until after Waitangi weekend.

This section of the highway includes the entrance to the Karangahake Reserve, which is the starting point for many of the popular walks in the historic gorge.   

As SH2 is the main highway connection between Auckland and the holiday hotspots of the Coromandel Peninsula, Waihī Beach and Tauranga, Brosnan said it’s all about making the highways safer for everybody.    

“The Christmas shutdown for roadworks will be in place from midday Friday 20 December and continue through to midnight Sunday 5 January 2025.

“The break gives ensures fewer delays for travellers and gives our hardworking crews a chance to wind down and prepare for a busy start to 2025.   

“Even though major work is put on hold there maybe be sites under traffic management to keep road users safe,” said Brosnan.   

NZTA has also crunched some data from previous holiday periods to compile a list of likely holiday congestion hotspots(external link) to help drivers plan ahead to avoid the queues.

In the Waikato, the busiest spots are expected to be on SH25 around Tairua township, on SH1 between Tīrau and Karāpiro and on SH2 between Pōkeno and Maramarua. 

For dates and times of potential congestion check out the Waikato link on the Summer Journeys holiday planner. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/holiday-journeys/summer-holidays-2024/waikato 

In the Bay of Plenty, the busiest spots are likely to be on SH2 between Paeroa and Waihī, on SH2 between Tauranga and Katikati and on SH29 on the Kaimai range.  

There’s more information on the Bay of Plenty link on the Summer Journeys holiday planner. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/holiday-journeys/summer-holidays-2024/bay-of-plenty 

A number of road rebuild sites are starting early in the New Year, from Monday 6 January 2025. These works are weather dependant and subject to change.  

·       SH27 Waharoa in the Waikato, 4-week road rebuild starting Monday 6 January, road closure with detour. 

·       SH3 Ōhaupō township in the Waikato, 7-week road rebuild tarting Tuesday 7 January with a light vehicle detour. 

·       SH2 Snodgrass Road, near Te Puna in the Bay of Plenty, a road rebuild starting Sunday 12 January at night for 6 weeks. 

·       SH1 Karāpiro, 4-day road closure for maintenance and repair work starting Sunday 19 January. 

NZTA wishes everyone safe journeys over the summer break.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey.

Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nztawbop
• X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/nztawbop
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)