A "significant" traffic delay causing waits of up to 45 minutes north of Auckland has eased after the area faced another day of holiday travel.
Traffic built up on State Highway 1 between Puhoi and Warkworth earlier on Monday as people travelled to and from holiday destinations, causing Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to ask motorists to consider SH16 via Helensville as an alternate route or allow extra travel time.
NZTA put the delays down to holiday traffic. But while congestion has eased in the area for now, people planning on driving over summer are encouraged to use NZTA's Holiday Journeys Traffic Prediction tool to help avoid the busiest travel times.
Earlier on Monday, police urged drivers to take extra care on the roads during the busy holiday period.
"We know people will be keen to get home and the weather conditions will make driving challenging in many parts of New Zealand," Assistant Commissioner Scott Fraser said.
"But we don't want to see any more families impacted by tragedy this holiday period and we need all road users to play their part in getting everyone home safely."
The holiday road toll was brought to 11 on Monday morning after a serious crash in the Bay of Plenty.
"It's very simple - keep your speed down and appropriate to the conditions, watch your following distances, put the phones away, and take a break if you feel fatigued," Asst Cmmr Fraser said.
"By doing these simple things we look after our families, each other, and everyone on the roads."
In December, NZTA urged motorists to drive safely on the roads.
"Trying to 'make up lost time' by speeding and unsafe overtaking is a recipe for disaster, and it puts everyone using the road at risk," NZTA Safety, Health and Environment general manager Greg Lazzaro said.
"It's not a race, you're on holiday, so take your time, and be courteous to other drivers. Everybody is just trying to get where they're going safely, so for everyone's safety, please slow down and arrive alive."
