Traffic increases ahead of Easter long weekend in Auckland and Wellington

Easter holidaymakers are already hitting the roads tonight from Wellington and Auckland.

In Auckland, traffic is heavy on State Highway 1, heading north and south.

The NZTA also called for caution as rainy weather sets in in the area with heavier traffic with vacationers.

Tomorrow, traffic jams are expected on SH1 between Puhoi and Wellsford and between Manukau and Bombay.

Motorists are advised to allow extra time for travel if crossing SH1 between Victoria Valley Rd and Makene Rd in Mangamuka Gorge.

Due to major slip repair work, a section of the highway had to be closed for all vehicles due to major slip repair work.

Mangamuka Gorge will only reopen to light vehicles and motorhomes between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily during the Easter weekend.

In Wellington, northbound traffic on SH1 is heavy this afternoon from Peka Peka to Ōtaki, with delays of up to 45 minutes for the trip from Waikanae to Ōtaki.

NZTA said the lines should return to Waikanae Beach and should not calm down until 6 p.m.

Delays eased on SH58 following a crash this afternoon.

In the South Island, there is a constant flow of traffic between Oamaru and Balclutha.

Heavy traffic is expected on SH6 tomorrow as well as for those traveling north on SH8 Tarras on April 3rd.