Warm, settled weather will greet holidaymakers over King’s Birthday weekend — but with it, heavier-than-usual traffic across popular Bay of Plenty routes.

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has warned that delays are likely on key state highways as thousands make the most of the long weekend, especially in traditional hot spots including Tauranga, Waihī and the Coromandel Peninsula.

Andrew Brosnan, Journey Manager for Waikato at NZTA, said drivers should be prepared for congestion on State Highway 2 between Paeroa and Waihī, and from Tauranga to Katikati, as well as on State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range.

“In Waikato, motorists can expect delays on State Highway 1 between Tīrau and Cambridge and on SH2 from Pōkeno to Maramarua,” said Brosnan. “Traffic around the Coromandel Peninsula is also likely to be heavy, particularly near Tairua on SH25.”

Further south, the Tūroa Ski Field will open on Saturday 31 May, just in time for holidaymakers hoping to enjoy the early alpine season. While snowfall remains limited, visitors can still take in the views and snow-based activities.

Brosnan urged drivers to check their vehicles, drive to the conditions and allow extra time for travel.

“Check your car before you leave, be patient on the roads, take regular breaks and maintain safe following distances,” he said. “We want everyone to enjoy the long weekend and get home safely.”

Alongside the expected traffic, major construction projects across Tauranga and the wider region will remain active, affecting several key routes.

At SH2 and Fifteenth Avenue, work is progressing on a major connection to SH29 and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road. The project includes a 120-metre retaining wall and a 127-metre bridge. One lane near Edgecumbe Road remains closed and will likely stay that way until mid-2026.

On SH29 over the Kaimai Range, overnight closures will be in place from Sunday 15 June to Thursday 19 June between 8pm and 3.30am for essential maintenance. Detours are available via Rotorua (southbound) and the Karangahake Gorge (northbound), with emergency access maintained.

In Tauriko, upgrades to Taurikura Drive and the SH36 roundabout are under way, with lane changes and speed restrictions in place. Additional works are ongoing at the new SH29/Redwood Lane roundabout and along SH29 through Tauriko Village, where reduced speed limits, mobile operations and lane shifts continue.

Other active sites include the Takitimu Drive Toll Road flyover, Maungatapu Bridge maintenance, and gantry camera replacements on both the Takitimu and Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Roads. Temporary closures and detours will be in place as crews complete this work overnight in stages.

In the Western Bay of Plenty, drivers will also face delays due to roadworks on SH2, including near Apata Station Road, Esdaile Road, Ōmokoroa Road, and Loop Road in Te Puna.

Brosnan reminded motorists to check the NZTA Journey Planner before they travel.

“Planning ahead and staying informed is the best way to avoid delays and keep safe on the roads this weekend,” he said.