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Bernadette Courtney / Things
Long traffic jams are the norm for tourists leaving Wellington on State Highway 1 near Peka Peka on the Kāpiti coast.
The dreaded Christmas traffic is a continual source of stress for Kiwis trying to escape the city for a well-deserved break during the Christmas and New Year period.
An updated interactive tool released by Waka Kotahi NZTA hopes to alleviate some of that pressure.
The Vacation Trips tool helps people plan ahead by predicting traffic flow on popular trips during the Christmas and New Year holidays based on the previous year’s travel patterns.
Waka Kotahi predicts one of the busiest holiday periods in recent memory for New Zealand’s roads, due to domestic tourism due to pent-up travel demand and a lack of international travel options.
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“Kiwis will explore our own backyard in record numbers, and that means the roads to and from our popular vacation spots are likely to be very busy,” says Neil Walker, senior travel manager for Waka Kotahi.
Starting off-peak road trips will not only reduce the chances of getting caught in heavy traffic, but will also increase safety, Walker said.
The Vacation Trips tool allows users to select particular state roads and view the dates and times when there will be the most traffic.
NZTA / Supplied
Vacation Trip Predictive Tool helps people plan their trips for the less busy times.
Many highways have a peak of traffic on December 27 and January 2, and are usually the busiest around noon, although there are many regional differences.
Walker said the lack of international tourists could alter the predictions somewhat due to different travel activities and said it was important for travelers to check the Waka Kotahi real-time update online before leaving.
Avoiding Wellington’s worst traffic
State Highway 1 between Otaki and Levin is a constant source of frustration for Wellingtons trying to escape the capital. Northbound traffic is heaviest on most days between 10 a.m. M. And 12 p.m. M., Except at Christmas, which peaks in the afternoon.
Southbound traffic on the highway peaks between 2 pm and 5 pm most days, but is least intense between December 24 and 26 and January 1.
Traffic in both directions is lighter outside of the 10 a.m. hours. M. And 6 p. M.
Northbound traffic on State Highway 2 over Remutaka Hill is expected to be heaviest between 10 a.m. M. And 12 p.m. Dec. 26-30, and lighter most days after 2 p.m. M.
Southbound traffic to Wellington on SH2 is busy for much of the holiday period without being heavy. Congestion peaks on January 2-3 when commuters return home after New Year’s Day.
