Crashes slow holiday traffic in several regions

As vacationers make their way back from their holidays, traffic in Waikato, Wellington, and at the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound has been affected by a few accidents.

Tragic Crash Closes State Highway 3

A fatal crash has led to the closure of State Highway 3 near Mokoia Road. The incident, involving two vehicles, occurred at 5:15pm.

Regrettably, one person lost their life, and five others sustained injuries, two of which are severe. The road will remain closed as investigations take place.

Detours have been set up at Gladstone Road in Hawera and Whakamara Road just south of Mokoia.

• Summer Snow and Ferry Cancellations Due to Cold Snap

Accident Blocks Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound via SH94

Following an earlier crash, the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound has now reopened.

Emergency services were alerted to a two-car collision on State Highway 94 in Fiordland at around 3:45pm on Sunday, as per a police statement.

The Homer Tunnel serves as the sole access route to and from Milford Sound.

Initial reports from St Johns to RNZ suggest injuries have been sustained, varying from moderate to serious.

Collision on Kāpiti Expressway Causes Delays

Reports received after 4pm on Sunday indicated a crash north of Wellington resulting in traffic congestion on State Highway 1 near Raumati Beach. Motorists were advised to divert through Paraparaumu and Waikanae using the old highway.

Traffic Slowdowns in Waikato Following Accidents

Earlier on Sunday, two separate crashes in Waikato affected traffic flow, with the first being a two-car collision on State Highway 1 and Maungatautari Road at Karapiro reported to authorities at 11:35am. Another two-car crash occurred nearby at the intersection of State Highway 29 and Totman Road, reported to police at 12:40pm on Sunday.

Although injuries were not reported to be severe in either incident, traffic was impacted significantly.

NZTA Urges Caution for Safe Journeys

Authorities have emphasized the importance of cautious driving this summer to ensure safe travel for all. NZTA has advised drivers to remain patient and utilize the online Journey Planner tool to monitor traffic build-up and explore alternative routes.

During the holiday season, the provisional road toll stands at 13 fatalities between 24 December and 3 January. The provisional road toll for the entire year of 2024 is recorded at 291 deaths, the lowest in a decade.