Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is sprinkling some magic to ensure steady, smoother journeys for people travelling on key holiday routes around the Bay of Plenty and Waikato this summer.
As the summer break is fast approaching, NZTA is reminding everyone to plan ahead for safe, enjoyable trips using our real-time summer holidays journey planner. It’s important as ever to drive to the conditions, allow extra time and take regular breaks to stay alert.
Summer holidays journey planner(external link)
https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/holiday-journeys/summer-holidays-2025
Like previous years, the passing lanes on State Highway 2 (SH2), between Pōkeno and the State Highway 25 (SH25) Mangatarata roundabout, will be closed during peak times to ensure smoother traffic flows.
The eastbound passing lanes will be closed on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 December 2025 between 4am and 10pm. Westbound lanes will be closed on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 January 2026 between 4am and 10pm.
“Queues might be a little longer when the passing lanes are closed, but there will be minimal impact on your journey time,” says Waikato Journey Manager for NZTA, Andrew Brosnan.
“A slightly slower speed doesn’t make for a longer journey overall, as traffic moves more steadily.”
As SH2 is the main connection between Auckland and the holiday hotspots of the Coromandel Peninsula, Waihī Beach and Tauranga, Mr Brosnan says it’s all about making the state highways safer for everybody.
“The Christmas shutdown for roadworks will be in place from midday Friday 19 December 2025 and continue through to midnight Sunday 4 January 2026. The break ensures fewer delays for travellers and gives our hardworking crews a chance to wind down and prepare for a busy start to 2026.
“Even though major work is put on hold, there may be sites under traffic management to keep road users safe,” says Mr Brosnan.
In the Waikato, the busiest spots are expected to be on SH25 around Tairua township, on SH1 between Tīrau and Karāpiro and on SH2 between Pōkeno and Matamata.
In the Bay of Plenty, the busiest spots are likely to be on SH2 between Paeroa and Waihī, on SH2 between Tauranga and Katikati and on SH29 over the Kaimai Range.
For peak travel times, when congestion is likely, check out our summer holiday journey planners:
NZTA wishes everyone a safe journey, wherever they may be travelling to, over the holiday break.
