The New Zealand Transport Agency warns motorists to brace for heavy traffic, as Kiwis escape for the long weekend.
Traffic is already packing up on State Highway 1 heading north out of Auckland between Puhoi and Wellsford and heading south between Manukau and Bombay.
"Remember to allow plenty of time for your journey this afternoon," NZTA wrote on Twitter.
"You're on holiday, no need to rush."
NZTA predicts traffic to be heavy for people heading north from Auckland on Friday afternoon between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
For drivers heading south, the Southern Motorway is expected to be busiest between 11:30 am and 7:30 pm on Friday and 10:00 am and 1:30 pm on Saturday.
The return journey will be busy from midday to 7:00 pm on Monday, with traffic heaviest between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
"Congestion and delays are inevitable in peak times," NZTA Auckland Operations Manager Rua Pani said in a statement.
"But if everyone leaves plenty of time for their journey, drives to the conditions and plans ahead before leaving home, holidaymakers can concentrate on arriving safely at their destination."
