New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is encouraging rugby fans to plan ahead for extra traffic and potential delays as thousands descend on Dunedin for the test match between the All Blacks and France this Saturday.

“A lot of people will be travelling to the city ahead of the big match, particularly on State Highway 1 from Christchurch, and with it also being school holidays, the roads are going to be busy. So, give yourself plenty of travel time,” says NZTA Otago journey manager Nicole Felts.

“If you are travelling from outside of Dunedin, be aware of the weather forecasts and check out our Journey Planner site so you know about any state highway closures or restrictions in place. It looks at this stage like there might be some rain about Dunedin leading into match day. And at this time of year, there’s always a chance of snow, ice, or flooding from heavy rain causing disruption on roads leading to Dunedin.”

“Remember in winter driving conditions to think about adjusting your speed and travelling distances, being visible and avoiding sudden braking or turning movements.”

Find more winter driving advice here.

The areas in and around Forsyth Barr Stadium and Dunedin’s Octagon and hospitality areas will also be busy in the lead-up to the test match.

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“Parking restrictions will be in place around Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday, including the temporary closure of parts of Anzac Avenue, Frederick Street and Ward Street,” Miss Felts says.

“Remember the closer you park to the stadium, the longer it will take you to leave the area after the match.”

Otago Regional Council and Dunedin City Council are providing a variety of free buses and parking facilities for rugby fans on the day of the match.

Free buses for match ticket holders will be available on four Orbus services that stop near the stadium. Free buses from the Octagon will run in a loop from outside the Dunedin Public Art Gallery to the Forth Street Bus Hub starting at 4.30pm, and continuing until kick-off. Return trips to the Octagon will begin at 9.30pm from the Forth Street Bus Hub. Train, and Park and Ride services, will also be available.

More information about event travel is available here, and more on other rugby-related activities in Dunedin can be found here.

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