Sate Highway 16 full of slow moving morning traffic as the sun rises. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Bargain hunters heading out shopping on Boxing Day have been clogging up hot spots on Auckland's motorway network, prompting warnings for anyone catching a flight to allow extra travelling time.
During the day, motorists were warned it would take about 45 minutes to drive from the central city to the Manawa Bay shopping Outlet Centre near the airport. The trip would usually take less than half an hour on a good traffic day.
Auckland Airport said there were some temporary road closures in place on Boxing Day. Nixon Road was closed and access along Jimmy Ward Crescent from the south was closed. Tom Pearce Drive remained open.
Traffic also built up on State Highway 1, near the Mt Wellington Highway off-ramps, as shoppers headed to the country's biggest mall, Sylvia Park and the newly opened Ikea furniture store.
While both State Highway 20A and State Highway 20B around Auckland Airport were also busy.
New Zealand Transport Agency advised people to plan ahead, and allow extra time for traffic.
Planning the key for big shopping day
With many stores running sales, one shopper told RNZ she knew from experience that shopping areas would be chocka, so got going early to beat the crowds.
"I got here about 9:30, it was difficult finding a park, but then the deals are pretty good," she said.
"We knew exactly what we wanted, headed straight for it, and out, that's it - yeah."
Sylvia Park centre manager Shahyad Asdollah-zadeh said they expected it to be a huge day.
"If the last fortnight's been any indication, we've had some really good numbers through the mall… The morning just so far to date has been good. So look, expecting a big day, which will be great for our retailers and customers."
Asdollah-zadeh expected foot traffic through the mall to be higher than last year.
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