Motorists heading out of town for the Easter holiday weekend are being met with gridlocked traffic on some motorways.
South-bound traffic on State Highway 1 near Papakura is moving at a crawl, according to NZTA, with the average motorist only travelling 27km/h.
Delays are also expected on State Highway 1 north of Auckland between Puhoi to Wellsford, and authorities say it may not ease until 6pm.
A slip has blocked State Highway 16 between Kaukapakapa to Wellsford where delays can be expected.
People have taken to social media to vent their frustration at the lengthy wait to get out of Auckland and Wellington.
Authorities are urging road users heading out of town to be patient and plan their journey.
An NZTA spokesperson says people should delay travelling in the Wellington area if possible.
"As people head out of Wellington for the Easter break, there is currently heavy congestion from Plimmerton through to Otaki, northbound," they say.
"Motorists should consider delaying their journey until congestion eases later today."
They also say the weather from Cyclone Cook has left some roads in the area blocked from slips and possible flooding on State Highway 53 near Waihenga Bridge.
More to come.
Newshub.
