With the Easter holidays upon us and severe weather arriving just prior to the break, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising road users in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, to be prepared and take extra care on the roads.  

Here are some simple things drivers can do to help keep everyone safe on the roads: 

• Check your vehicle is safe to drive - check your tyres, wipers, lights and indicators, and ensure you have a valid Warrant of Fitness before you leave. 

• Drive to the conditions - whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads. 

• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely and share the driving if possible. 
• If you are towing a caravan or boat, ensure its roadworthiness before you set off. Stack heavy items toward the front to balance the load and remember the speed limit is 90k/h for towing vehicles. Pull over frequently and let queues pass when safe to do so. 

Simon Sinclair, NZTA Journey Manager for the Bay of Plenty, says the number of cars on the region’s state highways always peak at the start and end of holiday weekends. 

“Any time there’s peak traffic, there is also congestion. With that can come frustration and sometimes aggravation for road users – so please be patient.” 

NZTA contractors are out clearing critical drainage areas on the network and have crews on standby to manage any issues as the weather takes hold. 

Road uses should be aware that there may be some areas of the network where traffic management or temporary speed limits are in place. There will be traffic management in place on State Highway 25 at the Pepe Steam Bridge at Tairua over both Easter and Anzac weekends, to help keep traffic moving over the holiday period. 

“Please adhere to temporary speed limits and follow the directions of traffic management in work zones, even if you can’t see active work underway. It is there for your protection, the protection of workers and other motorists. This is especially important in poor weather,” Mr Sinclair says. 

The NZTA holiday journey planner has all the details on when highways are expected to be busy. Check it out and use it to plan your trip.

Easter and Anzac holiday weekends 2025(external link)

Waikato & Bay of Plenty state highway works April 2025 [PDF, 354 KB]