Traffic problems

Delays and accidents on SH1 between the Ōtaki roundabout and Hokio Beach Road in calendar year 2020

The purpose of this page is to record ‘events’ along SH1 between Ōtaki and Levin, and also nearby, especially through Ōtaki. Sometimes the stretch of road between Waikawa Beach Road and Levin is completely blocked by accidents, many with fatalities. Congestion is an ongoing problem, especially around holidays.

Information is drawn from the NZTA Wellington Twitter feed: @NZTAWgtn. Items between Levin and Ōtaki are marked with ☛ .

Oldest dates are at the bottom of the page. Also see the Traffic problems 2019 page.

Friday, 17 July 2020 💤 🚑 (at Manakau)

☛ SH1 LEVIN TO ŌTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 4:25PM Due to increased southbound traffic, there is CONGESTION between #Levin and #Ōtaki, with queues back to Mokena Kohere St. Please plan your journey accordingly & expect significant delays if heading south. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 5:25PM Southbound traffic on SH1 remains CONGESTED between #Levin and #Ōtaki, with queues back to South Manakau Rd. Please continue to expect significant delays or consider delaying your journey if possible. ^EH

☛ FINAL UPDATE 6:15PM Southbound congestion on SH1 between #Levin and #Ōtaki has EASED. Tēnā koe mō tōu manawanui (Thank you for your patience). ^EH

☛ SH1 MANAKAU, NORTHBOUND – SERIOUS CRASH – 7:25PM We have reports of a serious crash BLOCKING the northbound lane near the intersection with Gleeson Rd. All emergency services & contractors en route. Updates will be posted as soon as new information becomes available.^EH

☛ FINAL UPDATE 8:15PM This crash on SH1 #Manakau has been CLEARED and the road is fully OPEN in both directions. Haumarutia tō haere (Drive safe). ^EH
Sunday 12 July 2020 💤 (Rugby match in Wellington) 🚑 at Ōhau

☛ SH1 MANAKAU TO ŌTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 1:25PM We are currently experiencing significant DELAYS between Manakau and Ōtaki, with southbound queues back to Mokena Kohere St. Please plan ahead or delay your journey if possible. ^AP

☛ UPDATE 2:25PM Southbound traffic on SH1 remains CONGESTED between #Manakau and #Ōtaki, Queues remains back to Mokena Kohere St. Please continue to expect significant delays or delay your journey if possible. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 3:30PM Southbound traffic on SH1 continues building and it is now CONGESTED between #Levin and #Ōtaki, Queues are currently back to Buller Rd in Levin. Please consider delay your journey if possible. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 3:35PM Southbound traffic remains CONGESTED between #Levin and #Ōtaki with queues almost back to Queen St in Levin. Please consider delaying your journey if possible. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 4:35PM Southbound traffic remains CONGESTED on SH1 between #Levin and #Ōtaki with queues almost back to Queen St in Levin. Please consider delaying your journey if possible. ^EH

☛ 🚑 UPDATE 5:20PM Due to a crash, SH1 in Ōhau is currently BLOCKED in both directions near Vista Rd. Southbound traffic remains CONGESTED between #Levin and #Ōtaki with queues back to Makomako Rd in Levin. Please delay your journey and avoid the area if possible. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 6PM SH1 in Ōhau is OPEN to northbound traffic, following a crash. Southbound remains CLOSED near Vista Rd, please detour via Bishops Rd, Muhunoa East Rd, Arapaepae Rd & Queen St. Please continue to expect delays & allow extra time for travel. ^EH

☛ FINAL UPDATE 6:15PM SH1 in #Ōhau is now fully OPEN in both directions, following a crash. Thank you for you patience as congestion eases. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 6:20PM SH1 #Ōhau crash has been CLEARED and the road is OPEN in both directions. Southbound traffic is now free-flowing through #Manakau and #Ōtaki but is still heavy heading out #Levin. Please expect delays & allow extra time for your journey. ^EH

☛ FINAL UPDATE 7PM Southbound congestion on SH1 between #Levin and #Ōtaki has mostly EASED. Thank you for your patience. ^EH
Saturday 11 July 2020 💤

☛ SH1 ŌTAKI, CONGESTION – 12:15PM We are currently experiencing heavy congestion at Ōtaki. Southbound DELAYS are back to Te Waka Rd and northbound queues are prior to Forest Lakes Rd. Please plan ahead or consider delaying your journey. ^AP

☛ UPDATE 12:50PM Northbound congestions have now eased on SH1 Ōtaki. We are currently experiencing southbound DELAYS at Ōtaki with queues prior to Atkins Rd. Please plan ahead or consider delaying your journey. ^AP

☛ UPDATE 2:05PM Southbound traffic at SH1 #Ōtaki remains congested with queues back to South Manakau Rd. Please continue to expect significant delays and allow extra time for your journey. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 3:10PM Southbound traffic at SH1 #Ōtaki remains congested and queues remain back to South Manakau Rd. Please continue to expect significant delays and allow extra time for your journey. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 4:15PMTraffic heading south on SH1 remains CONGESTED between #Manakau and #Ōtaki with queues back to Gleeson Rd. Please continue to expect significant delays and allow extra time for your journey. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 5:45PMSouthbound congestion on SH1 between #Manakau and #Ōtaki continues to ease & queues are currently back to Forest Lakes Rd. Please continue to allow extra time for your journey. ^EH

☛ FINAL UPDATE 6:05PMSouthbound congestion on SH1 between #Manakau and #Ōtaki have now EASED. Tēnā koe mō tōu manawanui (Thank you for your patience). ^EH
Friday 10 July 2020 💤

☛ SH1 LEVIN TO ŌTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 4:15PM Due to increased southbound traffic, there is CONGESTION between #Levin & #Ōtaki, with queues back to North Manakau Rd. Please plan your journey accordingly & expect significant delays if heading south. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 5:30PM Traffic heading south between #Levin & #Ōtaki remains CONGESTED with queues back to Waikawa Beach Rd. Please continue to expect significant delays and allow extra time for travel. ^EH

FINAL UPDATE 6:40PM Southbound congestion between #Levin & #Ōtaki has now EASED. Thank you for your patience. ^EH
Saturday 13 June 2020 💤

☛ SH1 MANAKAU TO ŌTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 11:40AM We are currently experiencing congestion between Ōtaki and Manakau. Southbound queues are currently back to the intersection with Atkins Rd. Please be patient while congestion eases and expect delays along this route. ^AP

☛ UPDATE 1:10PM These congestions remain unchanged on SH1 between Ōtaki and Manakau. Southbound queues are back to the intersection with Atkins Rd. Please be patient while congestion eases and expect significant delays along this route. ^AP

☛ UPDATE 2PM Southbound #SH1 traffic remains CONGESTED with queues back to South Manakau Rd, easing south of #Ōtaki. Please allow extra time and continue to expect southbound DELAYS this afternoon. ^CR

☛ UPDATE 3PM Southbound #SH1 congestion remains with queues now south of Atkins Rd, easing south of #Ōtaki. Please allow extra time and continue to expect southbound DELAYS this afternoon. ^CR

☛ UPDATE 4PM Traffic is heavy but easing southbound on #SH1, between Manakau and #Ōtaki. Queues are currently south of Forest Lakes Rd. Please allow extra time and expect southbound DELAYS. ^CR

☛ FINAL UPDATE 5PM Southbound congestion on #SH1 has EASED and traffic is now free-flowing between Manakau and #Ōtaki. Drive safe. ^CR
Monday 01 June 2020 Queen’s Birthday Weekend 💤

☛ SH1 MANAKAU TO OTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – HOLIDAY CONGESTION, 12:05PM Due to holiday congestion, we are experiencing significant delays between Manakau and Otaki. Please allow extra time or delay your journey if possible. ^AP

☛ UPDATE 1:35PM Southbound holiday traffic remains congested on #SH1 between Manakau and #Ōtaki. Please take extra care and continue to expect significant DELAYS this afternoon. ^CR

☛ UPDATE 2:35PM Southbound holiday traffic on #SH1 remains congested, with queues now forming north of Manakau and easing after #Ōtaki. Please consider delaying your travel until congestion has eased, or expect significant DELAYS this afternoon. ^CR

☛ UPDATE 3:35PM Southbound holiday traffic remains congested on #SH1, with queues now forming north of Ohau and easing after #Ōtaki. Please consider delaying your travel until congestion has eased, or expect significant DELAYS this afternoon. ^CR

☛ UPDATE 5:40PM Southbound holiday congestion on #SH1 is beginning to ease with queues now south of #Ohau, clearing after Ōtaki. Please continue to take extra care and expect DELAYS while travelling south this evening. ^CR

☛ UPDATE 6:35PM Southbound holiday congestion has EASED on #SH1 between Ohau and #Ōtaki, and traffic is now free-flowing. Thanks for your patience this evening while everyone made their way to their destination. Drive safe. ^CR
Sunday 31 May 2020 Queen’s Birthday Weekend 💤

☛ SH1 MANAKAU TO ŌTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – HOLIDAY CONGESTION – 4PM Increased southbound holiday traffic is heavy on #SH1, with CONGESTION Between #Manakau & Ōtaki. Queues are building near Atkins Rd. Please plan ahead & expect significant DELAYS if heading south this evening. ^CR

☛ UPDATE 5PM Southbound holiday congestion remains on #SH1, from #Manakau through to Ōtaki. Traffic is also heavy southbound when approaching Paekākāriki. Please plan ahead, take extra care and continue to expect DELAYS this evening. ^CR

☛ UPDATE 6PM Southbound holiday traffic on #SH1 remains heavy but is easing near #Ōtaki. Further south, traffic is again heavy at Paekākāriki. Please continue to expect southbound DELAYS this evening. ^CR

☛ FINAL UPDATE 6:20PM Southbound #SH1 traffic between Manakau and #Ōtaki is now free-flowing. Further south, traffic is heavy but easing at Paekākāriki. Thanks for your patience this evening, drive safe. ^CR
Saturday 30 May 2020 💤 Queen’s Birthday Weekend

SH1 WAIKANAE BEACH TO ŌTAKI, NORTHBOUND – HOLIDAY CONGESTION – 11:35AM Due to increased northbound holiday traffic, there is CONGESTION between Waikanae Beach & Ōtaki, with queues back to Peka Peka overbridge. Please plan your journey accordingly & expect significant delays. ^EH

UPDATE 12:30PM Traffic heading north remains CONGESTED on SH1 between Waikanae Beach & Ōtaki. Queues are now south of Peka Peka overbridge. Please expect significant delays and allow extra time for your journey. ^EH

UPDATE 1:50PM Due to increased northbound holiday traffic, #SH1 remains congested from #Waikanae Beach to Ōtaki. Queues are currently just north of Peka Peka overbridge. Please plan ahead and continue to expect northbound DELAYS. ^CR

UPDATE 2:45PM Northbound holiday traffic on #SH1 has eased slightly north of Peka Peka overbridge but remains heavy between Te Horo and #Ōtaki. Please continue to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel this afternoon. ^CR

UPDATE 3:45PM Northbound #SH1 traffic is now free-flowing at Peka Peka, but remains congested at #Ōtaki. Please continue to take extra care and expect northbound DELAYS this afternoon, as holiday congestion eases. ^CR

FINAL UPDATE 4:45PM Northbound holiday congestion on #SH1, between Waikanae Beach and #Ōtaki has now EASED. Thanks for your patience this afternoon. Drive safe. ^CR
Friday 29 May 2020 💤 Queen’s Birthday Weekend

☛ SH1 PEKA PEKA TO LEVIN, NORTHBOUND – HOLIDAY CONGESTION – 2:30PM Due to increased northbound holiday traffic, there is CONGESTION between Peka Peka and Levin. Please plan your journey accordingly and expect significant delays if heading north today. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 3:40PM Northbound traffic remains CONGESTED on SH1 between Peka Peka and Levin, with queues building towards Waikanae. Please continue to expect significant delays and allow extra time for your journey. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 4:30PM Northbound traffic remains CONGESTED on SH1 between Waikanae Beach and Levin, with queues back to Ngarara Rd. Please avoid the area or delay your journey, if possible. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 5:25PM Traffic heading north remains CONGESTED but is easing on SH1 between Waikanae Beach and Levin. Queues are currently back to Smithfield Rd. Please continue to avoid the area or delay your journey, if possible. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 6:20PM Traffic heading north continues to EASE on SH1 between Waikanae Beach and Levin, with queues back to Peka Peka overbridge. Please continue to expect significant delays and allow extra time for your journey. ^EH

☛ FINAL UPDATE 7:30PM Northbound congestion on SH1 between Waikanae Beach and Levin has now EASED. Thank you for your patience. Drive safely. ^EH
22 March to 13 May 2020

In this period we had Levels 4 and 3 of the Covid-19 alerts and no traffic problems to note. Above here we were in Level 2.
Sunday, 23 February 2020 🚑 💤 🚑

SH1 ŌTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – CRASH – 1:45PM A crash is currently BLOCKING the southbound lane at the intersection with Lawlors Road. Please take extra care while passing and expect DELAYS. ^EH

FINAL UPDATE 1:55PM This crash north of Ōtaki has now been CLEARED and all lanes are OPEN. Haumarutia tō haere (Drive safe). ^EH

☛ SH1 MANAKAU TO ŌTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 2:50PM Traffic heading south is currently CONGESTED between Manakau and Ōtaki, with queues back to the intersection with South Manakau Rd. Please take extra care through the area and expect significant DELAYS. ^EH

☛ UPDATE 3:45PM Southbound traffic remains CONGESTED between Manakau and Ōtaki with queues currently back to Mokena Kohere St. Please continue to expect significant DELAYS (me takaroa rā ka tika). ^EH

☛ UPDATE 4:50PM Southbound traffic remains CONGESTED but is easing from Manakau to Ōtaki. There is also a crash on SH1 in Ōtaki currently blocking the passing lane near Forest Lakes Rd. Please take extra care while passing & continue to expect DELAYS. ^EH

UPDATE 5:15PM The crash in Ōtaki is now CLEAR and all lanes are OPEN. Southbound traffic remains CONGESTED but continues to ease. Queues are now north of Gleeson Road. Please continue to expect DELAYS. ^EH

☛ FINAL UPDATE 6:10PM Southbound delays between Manakau and Ōtaki have now EASED. Tēnā koe mō tōu manawanui (Thank you for your patience). ^EH
Sunday, 16 February 2020 💤

☛ SH1 MANAKAU TO ŌTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 3:40PM Due to weekend congestion, expect significant DELAYS between Manakau and Ōtaki on #SH1. Please be plan your journey ahead and allow extra time along this route. ^AP

☛ UPDATE 4:30PM Weekend congestion on #SH1 remains between Manakau and Ōtaki. Current southbound queues are backed to Waikawa Beach Rd, with congestion easing after Ōtaki. Please be patient as congestion eases this evening. ^AP

☛ FINAL UPDATE 6PM Congestion on #SH1 between Manakau and Ōtaki has now eased. Thank you for your continued patience this evening. ^AP
Sunday 09 February 2020 💤

☛ SH1 MANAKAU TO ŌTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – HOLIDAY CONGESTION – 12:30PM Southbound traffic is currently CONGESTED between #Manakau & #Ōtaki. Please plan ahead and consider delaying your journey if possible, or expect southbound DELAYS this afternoon. ^CR

☛ UPDATE 2:25PM The southbound congestion is now between Ohau and Ōtaki, due to holiday traffic. Current southbound queues are backed to Boulton Rd. Due to prior crash on SH1 Paekakariki, south of Poplar Ave, expect significant southbound delay. ^AP

☛ UPDATE 3:55PM Southbound congestion on #SH1 is now between Levin to Paekakariki. Current queues for southbound vehicles are back to Hokio Beach Rd. Please be patient as holiday congestion is expected to ease later this evening. ^AP

☛ UPDATE 5:15PM Southbound congestion on SH1 remains from Levin to Ōtaki with queues south of Makomako Rd. Expect significant delays on SH1 from Poplar Ave to Paekakariki. Please be patient as holiday congestion is expected to ease later this evening. ^AP
Saturday 08 February 2020 💤

☛ SH1 ŌTAKI TO MANAKAU, SOUTHBOUND – CONGESTION 2:45PM Due to holiday congestion, expect delays on #SH1 between Ōtaki and Manakau. Please allow extra time for your journey. ^AP

☛ UPDATE 4:05PM Southbound traffic remains heavy on SH1 from Manakau with queues backed to Gleeson Rd. This holiday congestion eases after Ōtaki. Please continue to plan ahead and expect DELAYS along this route. ^AP

☛ FINAL UPDATE 6:15PM The southbound holiday congestion on #SH1 between Manakau and Ōtaki, has now eased. Thank you for being patient, have a nice weekend. ^AP
☛ Wednesday 05 February 2020 💤

Comment: Queen concert in Wellington.

☛ SH1 MANAKAU TO ŌTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 3:20PM Southbound traffic is currently CONGESTED between Manakau & Ōtaki. Based on previous years’ travel trends, heavy traffic is not expected to ease until after 8pm. See our Holiday Journeys tool for more: http://nzta.govt.nz/holidayjourneys

☛ UPDATE 5:20PM Southbound traffic remains CONGESTED but is easing between Manakau & Ōtaki. Please continue to expect DELAYS. Queues are currently back to Ohau. To help plan ahead this weekend, check out our holiday journeys tool: http://nzta.govt.nz/holidayjourneys ^EH

☛ FINAL UPDATE 6:20PM Southbound congestion has now EASED between Manakau & Ōtaki. Thank you for your patience. ^EH
☛ Sunday 26 January 2020 💤 🚑

☛ SH 1 LEVIN TO OTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 3:40PM Due to weekend congestion, road users travelling between Levin & Otaki can expect delays of 15-30mins when traveling through this area. Plan your journey accordingly & allow extra time. More: http://ow.ly/G8mX50y4Zvt. ^MF

SH1 OTAKI, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 6:00PM A crash has CLOSED northbound lanes on #SH1 in Otaki between Arthur Street and Mill Road. Northbound traffic use Mill Road, Dunstan Street then onto Arthur Street. Please note the southbound lane remains OPEN. http://ow.ly/SI9j50y50KJ. ^MF

☛ 6:50PM FINAL UPDATE has EASED southbound between Levin and the Otaki Township. ^MF

FINAL UPDATE 7:05PM The northbound lane closure in Otaki has been LIFTED and the road has fully reopened. ^MF
Monday 20 January 2020 🚑

SH1 KAPITI XPWY, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 8:30 A #crash is partially blocking a northbound lane south of the Peka Peka on-ramp. Police are on-site. Please take extra care while passing. ^CR

UPDATE 9:20 This #crash on #SH1 Kapiti XPWY has been CLEARED but he lane remains BLOCKED while crews ensure the crash site is safe. Please continue to take extra care while passing. ^CR

UPDATE 9:20 This northbound #crash on #SH1 Kapiti XPWY has been CLEARED but a southbound lane remains BLOCKED while crews work in the median. Please continue to take extra care while passing. ^CR

FINAL UPDATE 9:55 Crews have finished working in the median following a prior #crash and #SH1 Kapiti XPWY is now CLEAR. Drive safe. ^CR
Sunday 19 January 2020 💤

☛ SH1 MANAKAU TO ŌTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 3:20 PM Due to holiday traffic, there is HEAVY southbound congestion heading into Ōtaki with a queue back to Manakau. Please expect significant #delays. ^EW

☛ UPDATE 5:30 Congestion on #SH1 is beginning to ease, with the queue now south of Manakau. Please continue to expect delays. ^EW

☛ FINAL UPDATE 6:15 This congestion on #SH1 is now CLEAR. Thank you for your patience, drive safe. ^EW
Saturday 18 January 2020 💤

SH1 PEKA PEKA TO ŌTAKI, NORTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 10:50 Due to holiday traffic, there is significant #congestion heading northbound from Peka Peka to Ōtaki. Expect delays and plan your journey accordingly. ^AP

UPDATE 12:05 Northbound congestion between Peka Peka and Ōtaki remains. Queues are currently south of Peka Peka on-ramp. Please continue to expect delays and allow extra time along this route, thank you for being patient. ^

UPDATE 1:50 This northbound congestion between Peka Peka and Ōtaki remains, easing after Ōtaki. Please allow extra time for your journey. Thank you for your continued patience. ^

FINAL UPDATE 3:10PM Congestion in Otaki has eased. Thank you for your patiences. ^MF
Friday 17 January 2020 💤 🚑

SH1 PEKA PEKA TO ŌTAKI, NORTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 2:40 PM Due to holiday traffic, there is significant #congestion heading north between Peka Peka and Ōtaki. Please expect delays and plan your journey accordingly. ^EW https://twitter.com/NZTAWgtn/status/1217984483112124418/video/1

UPDATE 3:50 PM Northbound #congestion on #SH1 between Peka Peka to Ōtaki remains. Queues are currently south of Peka Peka on-ramp. Thanks for your continued patience, along this route this evening. ^AP

UPDATE 5 PM The northbound #congestion on #SH1 remains south of Peka Peka, easing after Ōtaki. Thanks for your patience this evening. ^AP

SH1 TE HORO, NORTHBOUND – CRASH – 5:30 PM A #crash is BLOCKING northbound lanes, south of School Rd. All emergency services and a helicopter are en route. Please expect additional northbound DELAYS along this route. ^CR

UPDATE 5:55 PM Emergency services and contractors are now at this serious #SH1 #crash near Te Horo. Traffic management in place. Please continue to expect additional DELAYS along this route this evening. ^CR

FINAL UPDATE 6:45 PM This #SH1 crash near Te Horo is now CLEAR and all lanes are OPEN. Congestion has also EASED between Peka Peka and Ōtaki. Thanks for your patience this evening. ^CR

FINAL UPDATE 6:45 PM Northbound congestion has now EASED on #SH1 between Peka Peka and Ōtaki. Thanks for your patience this evening. Use our Holiday Journeys Planner to help decide when to make the return trip this long weekend: http://journeys.nzta.govt.nz/holiday-journeys/wellington-anniversary-2020/ ^CR
Saturday 04 January 2020 💤

☛ SH1 MANAKAU TO ŌTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 3:30PM Traffic is heavily congested on #SH1 heading south between Manakau and Ōtaki. Please expect significant #delays and allow extra time for your journey. ^EW

☛ UPDATE 5:30 Traffic remains HEAVY on #SH1 southbound to Ōtaki. Please continue to expect significant delays and allow extra time for your journey. ^EW

☛ UPDATE 6:25 This congestion on SH1 is beginning to ease. Please continue to expect delays heading south. ^EW

☛ FINAL UPDATE 6:50 Congestion on #SH1 has now EASED. Thank you for your patience! ^EW
Friday, 03 January 2020 💤

☛ SH1 LEVIN TO ŌTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 3:30 Expect southbound delays of about 15 to 30 minutes on #SH1 between Levin to Ōtaki due to holiday congestion. Plan ahead & allow extra time for your journey. For more info visit:http://ow.ly/540K50xM6bL. ^SJ

☛ UPDATE – 04:00 Expect southbound delays of about 30 to 45 minutes on SH1 between Levin to Otaki due to holiday congestion. ^SJ

☛ FINAL UPDATE – 07:00 The traffic is now moving normally on SH1 between Levin and Otaki. ^SJ
Thursday, 02 January 2020 💤

☛ SH1 MANAKAU TO ŌTAKI, SOUTHBOUND – CONGESTION – 2:50 Expect significant southbound delays on #SH1 between Manakau & Ōtaki due to holiday congestion. Plan ahead & allow extra time for your journey.
Check our Holiday Journeys page to avoid delays: http://journeys.nzta.govt.nz/holiday-journeys/summer-holidays-2019/ ^EW

☛ UPDATE 5:00 Traffic remains heavily congested on #SH1 heading southbound to Ōtaki. Please expect significant DELAYS in the area. ^EW

☛ UPDATE 6:50 Traffic southbound on #SH1 is beginning to ease, however significant congestion remains. Please continue to expect delays. ^EW

FINAL UPDATE 7:20 Congestion southbound on SH1 has now cleared. Thank you for your patience! ^EW

See Holidaymakers returning to Wellington cause delays.