Key Takeaways
- Auckland’s motorway network experienced heavy traffic on Boxing Day due to bargain hunters heading out for shopping
- State Highway 16 and State Highway 1 were particularly congested, with travel times increasing significantly
- Auckland Airport advised travelers to allow extra time for traffic due to temporary road closures
- New Zealand Transport Agency urged people to plan ahead and allow extra time for traffic
- Shopping centers such as Sylvia Park and the newly opened Ikea furniture store were major contributors to the traffic congestion
Introduction to Boxing Day Traffic
The day after Christmas, known as Boxing Day, is a popular shopping day in many countries, including New Zealand. This year’s Boxing Day saw a massive influx of bargain hunters hitting the roads, resulting in slow-moving traffic on Auckland’s motorway network. As the sun rose over the city, State Highway 16 was already experiencing significant congestion, with traffic building up quickly. The usual quick commute from the central city to the Manawa Bay shopping Outlet Centre near the airport was taking around 45 minutes, almost double the usual time of less than half an hour on a good traffic day.
Traffic Congestion and Road Closures
The traffic congestion was not limited to State Highway 16, as other major roads such as State Highway 1, near the Mt Wellington Highway off-ramps, were also experiencing heavy traffic. This was largely due to shoppers heading to the country’s biggest mall, Sylvia Park, and the newly opened Ikea furniture store. Additionally, both State Highway 20A and State Highway 20B around Auckland Airport were busy, making it a challenging day for travelers. To make matters worse, Auckland Airport had some temporary road closures in place, including the closure of Nixon Road and access along Jimmy Ward Crescent from the south. However, Tom Pearce Drive remained open, providing some relief for travelers.
Planning Ahead to Avoid Traffic
With many stores running sales, it was expected that shopping areas would be crowded, and one shopper told RNZ that she got going early to beat the crowds. She arrived at the shopping center at 9:30 am and, although it was difficult to find a park, she was able to take advantage of the good deals on offer. The key to a successful shopping trip on this busy day was planning ahead and allowing extra time for traffic. The New Zealand Transport Agency advised people to do just that, urging them to plan their routes and allow extra time for traffic to avoid disappointment. By doing so, shoppers could minimize their stress levels and make the most of their shopping experience.
Expectations for a Big Shopping Day
Sylvia Park centre manager Shahyad Asdollah-zadeh said that they were expecting a huge day, with foot traffic through the mall anticipated to be higher than last year. The morning had already gotten off to a good start, with many shoppers taking advantage of the sales on offer. Asdollah-zadeh was confident that the day would be great for both retailers and customers, with many stores offering significant discounts and promotions. The newly opened Ikea furniture store was also expected to be a major drawcard, attracting many shoppers to the area. With so many stores offering sales, it was no wonder that the roads were congested, and shoppers were out in force.
Conclusion and Advice for Future Shopping Days
In conclusion, the Boxing Day traffic in Auckland was significant, with many roads experiencing heavy congestion. However, by planning ahead and allowing extra time for traffic, shoppers could minimize their stress levels and make the most of their shopping experience. The key takeaways from this day were the importance of planning ahead, allowing extra time for traffic, and being aware of any temporary road closures. By doing so, shoppers can avoid the chaos and enjoy their shopping experience, even on the busiest of days. As the holiday season continues, it is essential for shoppers to be aware of the potential for traffic congestion and plan accordingly to avoid disappointment.