Every holiday period and long weekend, we see large numbers of people heading out of the city to the Matakana Coast, and this can cause queues and delays.

To help alleviate these problems, we recommend planning your travel well in advance and travelling outside the busiest periods. To make this easier for you, Auckland Transport have created an interactive traffic prediction map for holiday periods. 

The map shows when we expect traffic to be heavy based on travel patterns from previous years.

Queen's Birthday weekend traffic predictions

Because predicted peak times can change based on incidents, weather and even driver behaviour, we suggest that you also check the real-time Journey Planner before you leave for the latest information on road works, traffic, road closures and delays.

Journey Planner

The weather for Saturday isn't looking too bad, with some clouds, a chance of showers, and strengthening northerlies. Unfortunately things take a turn for the worse on Sunday, with northeasterlies and a few showers, then rain from evening which will carry on through Monday. 

Whats On

Friday

Long Weekend Super Bash, Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 8:00 p.m.

Three epic bands hit Leigh Sawmill to rock the stage and make you dance all night! For only $15.00 on the door, you can be a part of the best party the long weekend has to offer! Doors open at 8.00 p.m., so don't miss out.

Big Tasty is a nine-piece funk party ready to shake your socks off! Led by diminutive powerhouse front woman Manuela Ovalle Herrera and backed by a full horn section, Big Tasty lays down some hard-hitting dance music and will make you groove!

The Rvmes is one of Auckland’s most eclectic bands on the current music scene. Taking every genre into their consideration, they have based the essence of their band on the interesting, worldly and diverse, pulling inspiration from soul/blues, rock n roll right through to Middle Eastern European inspired melodies.

Bruci Jordan is a rock/reggae fusion Brazilian artist based in Auckland. Mixing rock, reggae, blues and funk, Bruci Jordan brings some groovy vibes through his tunes making people show their moves on the dance floor!

Saturday

Eighties Forever, The Leigh Sawmill Cafe, 8:00 p.m.

12XU presents Eighties Forever: 1980s Dance Party. It if came out in the 80s and you can dance to it, they might play it! Cheesy pop, synth pop hits, goth, indie, hair rock, hip hop +

More!!!

To make this an extra *special* night, costumes, leather, vinyl, lace, masks wigs, giant hats, overly hair-sprayed 80s hair, Bowie channeling face makeup and the weird are encouraged. But so you feel (somewhat) comfortable, you are also encouraged to dress however you want! Advance tickets available on Undertheradar.com

Sunday

Tawharanui Planting Day, Tawharanui Regional Park, 9:00 a.m.

Join with TOSSI on this planting day. Parking is in the main car park, then follow signs to the meeting place. BYO spade, covered shoes / gumboots, gloves, hat, drink in a re-useable bottle. Food will be provided following the planting. Please register via the ticket link here: www.trybooking.co.nz/GGZ.

A Clear Dawn Meets Robin Hyde, Art Matakana Gallery, 2:30 p.m.

Celebrate our New Zealand writers among like-minded individuals, within the ambient surrounds of Art Matakana - Fine Art Gallery.

Dr Paula Morris, professor of creative writing at Auckland University, becomes the subject of inquiry for ex-BBC journalist Juliet Robieson. Paula talks about her new illustrated book tracing the footsteps of NZ author adventuress, Robin Hyde titled Shining Land. This talented Auckland author descends from our own local Iwi, Ngāti Manuhiri, Ngāti Wai

and Ngāti Whatua.

Why not spend the day, or even the weekend? Enjoy your Queens Birthday Monday with an extra special discounted entry to Sculptureum as an added gift on entry.