Queen’s Birthday advice for South Island drivers

Elesha Gordon from Neighbourly.co.nz

The NZ Transport Agency is encouraging people in the South Island who are heading away for the long weekend, to plan ahead to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

The Transport Agency has set up a traffic hot spot map, showing the areas which are the traditional long weekend congestion points, as well as predicted peak times.

Important tips from NZTA:
- Bear in mind localised events and winter conditions
- Allow extra time as weather and road conditions can change in a relatively short period of time at this time of year
- Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving and stocked with food, water and blankets in case of any delays.
- Central Otago drivers: The Brass Monkey Rally, Idaburn Dam, Oturehua: Please take care whether you are in a car or on a motorbike with many more motorcyclists using the highways leading to and from Idaburn Dam this long weekend.

Check the latest weather conditions and warnings here:
- Keep updated with - Metservice's weather updates.
- Motorists can get real-time information from 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)
- Follow traffic updates at the NZTA website.