Auckland’s busiest shopping destinations are bracing for a surge in traffic ahead of Black Friday and the festive season.

Shoppers are being urged to plan their travel, with malls like Sylvia Park and Newmarket already beginning to clog due to the early kick-off of Black Friday sales.

Auckland Transport said the city’s top shopping hotspots and the surrounding streets aren’t expected to begin to clear until after Christmas.

Many major events and after-work celebrations will also be putting extra pressure on roads, parking facilities and public transport.

Teams from Auckland Transport (AT) and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) are working to manage the transport network in real time.

AT said the joint team are working with mall operators to encourage them to proactively manage their parking facilities ahead of the rush.

Auckland’s busiest shopping areas are bracing for a surge in traffic and demand. Photo / Alex Burton

Advice for shoppers

Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC) manager Claire Howard said shoppers who are planning to drive to a shopping destination over the next few weeks should check the latest traffic conditions and allow extra time.

“All of Auckland’s major shopping streets, town centres and malls are also served by frequent bus services or train lines, so if you aren’t planning on a big shopping haul, it might save you time, money and a parking headache to take a bus or train,” Howard said.

Busy event season to put pressure on roads

Many major events are fast approaching in Auckland over the next month that will add to the traffic chaos.

Some of the largest include the Farmers Santa Parade, Christmas in the Park, The Others Way festival, Rufus Du Sol concert, Auckland FC games, Motat and Franklin Rd Christmas Lights, and the Ikea opening.

Many major events are fast approaching in Auckland over the next month, including the opening of Ikea. Photo / NZ Herald

“All of these exciting community events draw big crowds and many require road closures, so visitors and local communities should always expect more traffic, busy car parks and longer journey times,” Howard said.

“Public transport is often a faster option and means avoiding parking hassles and long queues.

“For major events, ATOC works with organisers to put on extra services that can often get you right to the door.”

Getting home

Howard said she encouraged Aucklanders to be patient and considerate when they are going to and leaving events or popular destinations.

“We’d also like to encourage everyone going to Christmas parties and after-work celebrations to plan how you’re going to get home safely before you go out.

“Whether it’s one of the many late-night bus services, a rideshare or organising someone to pick you up, make sure you’ve got a safe ride home before you head out,” Howard said.

AT said last week’s Metallica concert saw nearly half of the fans take public transport home.