Maarten Holl

Traffic delays in Kapiti as the long weekend starts.

Motorists attempting to escape Wellington for Waitangi weekend encountered major delays on State Highway 1 on Friday.

Shortly after 7:30pm the New Zealand Transport Agency advised the delays had eased significantly, down to 10 minutes in some parts of Kapiti. 

Earlier in the evening the 26km stretch of highway between Pukerua Bay and Waikanae, which is normally a 20 minute drive, was taking an hour and 45 minutes.

The New Zealand Transport Agency had begun warning motorists at midday to expect delays and drive patiently.

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Were you stuck in holiday traffic? Send your pics to newstips@stuff.co.nz.

 - Stuff