Busy highways are predicted this coming weekend in the south: With traffic volumes boosted by the combination of the long weekend and the upcoming Burt Munro Challenge thousands of extra travellers are expected on local highways.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) anticipates the heaviest South Island traffic will be around Christchurch, Timaru, Queenstown and Wanaka, as well as northern regions Kaikōura, Blenheim, Nelson and Motueka.

Based on previous years’ travel patterns, the NZTA is predicting heavier than usual traffic volumes heading southwards to Wanaka between 10:00am and 5:00pm today (Friday February 5); on Sunday (February 7) between 11:00am and 2:30pm; and the heaviest congestion is expected on Monday (February 8) between 10:00am and 2:00pm.

Check Roads.

These predictions are subject to change based on weather conditions and other factors but for real-time information on the day of travel the NZTA recommends using its journey planner here.

NZTA acting national journey manager Peter Brown suggests drivers build into their trip plenty of time to take a break, to stretch the legs, have a coffee and enjoy the trip. 

“Passing when there is so much traffic on the highways will probably not get you there any faster and may just increase everyone’s stress,” he said.

Peter expects there will also be hundreds of motorcyclists travelling from Monday to attend the Burt Munro Challenge in Invercargill which runs from February 10-14.

Last year around 2,000 motorcyclists from all over the country registered to compete in the challenge with thousands more travelling as spectators.

“We think most of the travel will be on Monday and Tuesday, February 8-9, making it a busier than usual Waitangi Weekend,” he said.

“Please keep an eye out for motorcyclists during the week. Some will be travelling in groups so everyone’s care is appreciated.”

People can be better prepared for the Waitangi Weekend peak periods by checking the updated holiday planning tool here before leaving home.

Tips for safe driving and riding this long weekend include checking the state of your vehicle’s tyre pressure and tread, windscreen wipers, indicators and lights, Warrant of Fitness and Registration; keep safe following distances; be patient and always drive to the conditions.

PHOTO: Wanaka App