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Holiday Traffic
View travel advice and New Zealand school term and holiday dates.
- Travel advice for driving on public holidays
- State Highway 1 north of Auckland
- More tips for a safe journey
- New Zealand school term and holiday dates
Travel advice for driving on public holidays
On public holidays and during the busy Easter holidays many highways become congested. Passing lanes can be closed to prevent further delays where the traffic merges at the end of lanes and alternative routes are suggested. Drivers need to take special care to be alert, allow plenty of time and take regular stops.
Holiday Driving -State Highway 1 North of Auckland
Steer clear of the holiday traffic on State Highway 1
If you're planning to drive north during the Queens Birthday weekend, keep in mind that many other people are doing the same.
If you plan ahead, it's easy to avoid the worst peak traffic periods and enjoy a safer, more comfortable journey by taking State Highway (SH16) from Auckland to Wellsford.
Avoid the traffic
- Remember that major delays northbound usually occur on State Highway 1 (SH1) between Silverdale and Warkworth, particularly around Orewa and through to Warkworth. These are most common during holiday weekends and on most fine weekends.
- Avoid travelling at peak times when possible. The peak times for Queens Birthday weekend are expected to be:
- Travelling away from the City - Friday 30 4:00pm to 7:00pm; Saturday 31 May 10:00am to 12:00pm
- Returning to the City - Monday 2 June 3:00pm to 6:00pm (travel outside this busy afternoon peak to avoid queues heading into Wellsford).
- If you're heading to destinations north of Wellsford, such as Whangarei, Dargaville or the Bay of Islands, consider using the alternative route on State Highway 16 (SH16). SH16 can be reached by:
- Taking the Northern Motorway (SH1) Upper Harbour Highway exit 414, Greville Road exit 412 or Silverdale exit 398 from the North Shore
- Or, taking the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) exit 428 from central Auckland via Westgate and Helensville
(The SH16 route rejoins SH1 at Wellsford)
Map of SH16 alternative route
More tips for a safe journey
Slow down
- Don't speed. Don't take risks -use passing lanes and keep to the left.
- Slow down in wet conditions.
- Remember that speed zones are enforced by police, including at roadwork sites.
- Watch out for warning signs to guide you through roadwork sites.
- Be alert to directions from traffic controllers or emergency crews -they're for your safety.
Arrive safely
- Avoid fatigue. Start your drive well rested -after 7:00am is best. Don't drive long distances at night and leave enough time to reach your destination safely.
- Stop. Revive. Survive. Don't ignore the early warning signs of driver fatigue. Call into rest areas, service centres or nearby towns to take a break.
- If you come across delays please be patient.
- Always carry water in your car to drink; this can prevent dehydration especially in hot weather. Don't drink and drive.
Stay tuned
- Tune in to local radio stations, such as Classic Hits or NewstalkZB for regular traffic reports.
- Watch out for electronic message signs -they'll advise you of any delays.
- Log on to www.transit.govt.nz before you leave home for the latest traffic information.
New Zealand school term and holiday dates
2008
Public Holidays
| Tuesday 1 January | New Year's Day |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 2 January | Day after New Year's Day |
| Wednesday 6 February | Waitangi Day |
| Friday 21 March | Good Friday |
| Monday 24 March | Easter Monday |
| Friday 25 April | Anzac Day |
| Monday 2 June | Queen's Birthday |
| Monday 27 October | Labour Day |
| Thursday 25 December | Christmas Day |
| Friday 26 December | Boxing Day |
Anniversary Weekends
| Monday 14 January | Southland |
|---|---|
| Monday 21 January | Wellington |
| Monday 28 January | Auckland |
| Monday 28 January | Northland |
| Monday 4 February | Nelson |
| Monday 10 March | Taranaki |
| Monday 24 March | Otago |
| Monday 22 September | South Canterbury |
| Friday 24 October | Hawke's Bay |
| Monday 3 November | Marlborough |
| Friday 14 November | North & Central Canterbury |
| Monday 1 December | Chatham Islands |
| Monday 1 December | Westland |
School Terms
Primary & Intermediate Schools
| Term 1 | Thursday 7 February to Friday 18 April (98 half-days) |
|---|---|
| Term 2 | Monday 28 April to Friday 4 July (98 half-days) |
| Term 3 | Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September (100 half-days) |
| Term 4 | Monday 13 October to Friday 19 December (98 half-days)* |
* or to a day in December which ensures that the school has been open for instruction for 394 half-days in 2008.
Secondary & Composite Schools
| Term 1 | Thursday 7 February to Friday 18 April (98 half-days) |
|---|---|
| Term 2 | Monday 5 May to Friday 4 July (88 half-days) |
| Term 3 | Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September (100 half-days) |
| Term 4 | Monday 13 October to Wednesday 17 December (94 half-days)* |
* or to a day in December which ensures that the school has been open for instruction for 380 half-days in 2008.
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