Traffic chaos as thousands attend Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Thousands of people have poured into the Waitangi Treaty grounds this morning, leaving traffic snaking back several kilometres.

Vehicles were at a stand still along the back road from Haruru Falls to Waitangi, with the queue stretching back beyond the Mount Bledisloe turnoff.

An RNZ reporter in the area said Waitangi Bridge was closed at 4am so everyone was forced to take the back road which was narrow and unsealed.

He said there didn’t appear to be an accident, just a large amount of traffic, including stall holders, using the back roads.

Police have issued advice for to those trying to head to the area.

“Those heading to celebrations at the Treaty Grounds today are asked to travel via Puketona, and take advantage of the parking and shuttle buses into Waitangi from Bledisloe Domain,” police said in a statement.

“Please be patient and expect delays.”