Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has identified some traffic hotspots this summer, including SH8 east of Wānaka and Queenstown’s SH6 eastbound (leaving Queenstown).

“This year may be slightly different to other summers given the larger numbers of Kiwi travellers,” Waka Kotahi Southland and Otago journey manager Nicole Felts said. 

“But we know that people will still travel more on particular days and at particular times. Our Hotspots maps can help keep everyone’s stress levels down.”

People travelling around the South Island/Te Wai Pounamu this summer can get some peak time highway insights before leaving home. For example: Queenstown’s SH6 eastbound (leaving Queenstown) is likely to be busiest on New Year’s Day and January 2, mid-morning to the afternoon. 

Coming towards Queenstown (westbound) the highway tends to be busiest two days out from New Year’s Eve to Wednesday December 29.

Other South Island “hotspots” include SH8 east of Wānaka, the key highways out of Christchurch, SH79 through Geraldine, SH6 between Blenheim and Nelson, and Motueka (Golden Bay).

By checking with the Holiday Journey Planner Hotspots map travellers can plan to avoid the peak congestion times or work around them, Nicole said.

“Everyone is tired this year, so we encourage people to be well rested before a big trip and share the driving if possible. Take plenty of breaks, stop for snacks and drinks and start your holiday on the way,” she said.

The Holiday Journey Planner tool shows predicted traffic conditions for popular routes over Christmas and New Year’s based on travel patterns from previous years.

Waka Kotahi Canterbury, West Coast and Top of the South journey manager Tresca Forrester said people should not underestimate taking some simple actions to stay safe when they travel long distances.

“That means checking your car is safe before your journey, keeping your speed down, always driving sober, watching for the signs of fatigue and sharing the driving.

“Be patient, so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together. Remember, you’re on holiday, there’s no need to rush.”

To help ease holiday congestion, Waka Kotahi work sites close down ahead of the Christmas/New Year break to minimise disruption to people’s journeys. This year the moratorium runs from midday Thursday December 23 to 9 am Wednesday January 5. Highway contracting crews will continue to be available for emergency responses.

PHOTO: tvnz.co.nz