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Tourists are cautioned to prepare for Monday’s delays, as Christmas traffic begins to stop in some areas.
Monday is the last official day of summer vacation, and police have already issued a warning urging motorists to drive up to conditions after there were 11 deaths in this vacation period.
The New Zealand Transport Agency, Waka Kotahi, is now urging drivers to allow more time for their trips due to holiday traffic creating busy roads and wild weather causing closures.
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Northbound traffic from Auckland is stopped before the Johnson Hill tunnels near Puhoi, before Warkworth.
“If you get frustrated, stop, take a break and stretch your legs,” said a spokesman for Waka Kotahi.
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“Trying to ‘make up for lost time’ by speeding and overtaking dangerously is a recipe for disaster, and puts everyone who uses the road at risk. It is not a race so take your time and be courteous to other drivers. “
In north Auckland, there are significant northbound delays on State Highway 1 between Puhoi and Warkworth.
At approximately noon, northbound traffic stopped before the Johnson Hill tunnels.
Motorists are advised to consider using SH16 via Helensville as an alternative, especially for Aucklandites heading to Wellsford or further north.
Bejon Haswell / Stuff
The flooding has affected several roads, including areas around Canterbury’s Waimate.
In Waikato, an accident is causing delays on SH1 at Karapiro, at the intersection with Karapiro Rd. At 11:40 am, there were minor delays in the area.
Between Whakatane and Opotiki, SH2’s Waimana Gorge, which was closed due to flooding on Sunday, has been reopened with stop / go traffic management.
Motorists are advised to drive carefully along the route and follow the instructions of the contractors.
Bejon Haswell / Stuff
A landslide on State Highway 82 closed the highway between Kurow and Ikawai, on the way to Waimate.
Four highways on the South Island remain closed due to flooding on Saturday and Sunday.
In Canterbury, the SH82 between Kurow and Ikawai will be closed until further notice, and the SH83 between Aviemore and Otematata will be closed until Sunday, January 10.
There are detour routes available, but drivers are advised to exercise caution.
In Otago, a landslide on the Kokonga Bridge closed SH87 between Kyeburn and Middlemarch.
Also in Otago, flooding closed SH90 between Waikoikoi and Tapanui, at the intersection with Captains Bridge Rd. Turnouts are available.
