The New Zealand Transport Agency is encouraging everyone to plan ahead and check the Labour Weekend hotspots before heading away.

The hotspots maps collate information from previous Labour Weekend journeys on the times where traffic is heaviest.

NZTA journey manager Nigel D'Ath says people should consider avoiding travel during the times of heaviest congestion or at least be forewarned on what to expect.

'Increased traffic volumes, tiredness and driving in unfamiliar environments can make driving over these long weekends more stressful.

'Remember you're sharing the road with many others you have a responsibility to be courteous and patient to ensure you look after yourself, your families and other road users.”

For personalised information about driving conditions on their frequently used routes, motorists can sign up to ‘On The Move' at www.onthemove.govt.nz

For real time information on highway conditions and incidents or to report issues on the network visit www.nzta.govt.nz, call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS.

NZTA Tips for Labour Weekend

• Allow plenty of time – make your journey part of the holiday.
• Rest stops are important for the driver and passengers.
• If possible, share the driving.
• Wear your seat belt and check your passengers are belted up after every break.
• Keep left of the centreline.
• Take extreme care if overtaking - ensure you have plenty of room to pass safely. Alternately, if cars are banked up behind you, pull over at a safe spot and relieve the pressure. If you are following a slower vehicle, give them room and keep everyone's stress levels down.
• Maintain a 3 second gap when following vehicles in front
• Take the time to check your vehicle is safe –tyres/ spare tyre, indicators, windshield wipers, lights – before you head away.

Hotspots in Waikato and Bay of Plenty

SH29 – Kaimai (west of Tauranga)

SH2 – between Paeroa and Tauranga

SH2 – around Mangatawhiri and Maramarua

SH25A – around the intersection with SH26 near Kopu

SH1 Taupiri (north of Hamilton)

SH1 Karapiro (south of Cambridge)