Waka Kotahi – Catch the wave, not the wait: Plan ahead for SH23 delays during Raglan surf event
Road users are advised to plan ahead as traffic is expected to swell on State Highway 23 (SH23) while Raglan hosts the World Surf League Championships from Friday 15 May to Monday 25 May. If you’re heading to Raglan, it pays to ride the tide and allow a bit of extra time.
SH23 is the main route between Hamilton and Raglan and will be under pressure throughout the event, particularly at peak travel times and on competition days. Expect the traffic to come in sets, with congestion likely near Raglan township and popular beach access points.
There will be no public parking at Manu Bay on event days, so don’t bank on cruising straight to the break. Spectators travelling from outside Raglan will need to use the park‑and‑ride service from Raglan Airfield, with traffic management and temporary access controls in place on key local roads.
Even if you’re not attending the event, you should still expect delays on SH23 and allow extra time for your journey. Everyone travelling is encouraged to follow temporary signage and check the NZTA journey planner for the latest traffic conditions before setting off.