Auckland Transport is warning there could be severe delays for anyone going to Harry Styles' one off gig next week, saying concertgoers should "plan ahead".
The gig takes place on Tuesday at Mt Smart Stadium - at a time when Auckland's travel networks will already be under strain due to more travellers than usual during what's been dubbed "March Madness."
Around 40,000 people are expected to attend the 'As It Was' singer's only New Zealand date.
Fans are being warned to be "prepared for extended wait and travel times" as the concert gates open at 5pm, during the peak of weekday rush hour traffic.
To make matters worse, ongoing KiwiRail rail closures on the Southern and Onehunga lines in Auckland will mean even more disruption before and after the concert.
“We have put a range of transport options in place to make sure everyone gets to the concert and home safely. This includes free transport on the day for ticketholders across all regular timetabled bus and train services; and limited dedicated Special Event Bus Services.
“Rideshare, taxi, and private vehicle drop-off locations are available within walking distance of the stadium along with park-and-ride and park-and-walk options.
“Due to KiwiRail’s ongoing track upgrades, train services are replaced by rail buses on the Southern and Onehunga lines.
"The timing of the event coincides with the peak travel period when most Auckland buses will be operating scheduled services, so extra time should be allowed for travel to the event," Richard Harrison, AT’s Manager of Metro Optimisation said in a statement.
The warning of chaos is just the latest problem to hit Auckland Transport and its handling of commuting around the network.
Just last week, commuters were furious when the organisation asked people to consider avoiding travelling during peak times to help ease congestion on the roads.
The beginning of March is when there's a "very congested" road network and busier public transport services, they said.
The reasons for this include school and university students returning to their normal routines, as well as workers coming back from summer breaks. There has also been a shortage of bus drivers, AT said.
Meanwhile, travel won't just be the only thing on Harry Styles' mind on Tuesday March 7.
He has been told he will have to complete the New Zealand Census while touring in Aotearoa.
The 'Golden' singer will be performing his Love On Tour show at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium on March 7 - which is census night.
Asked on Twitter if he was required to take part, a spokesperson from the census replied that there's no special exemptions for anyone.
"Everyone who is in Aotearoa New Zealand on census night (Tuesday, March 7), needs to be counted in the census.
"This includes tourists, visitors, and former members of One Direction."
