Travel Briefing List

2026-02-16

New Zealand Travel Briefing

Published: 2026-02-16 10:11 · Views 7

Daily New Zealand travel briefing with flights, roads, weather, safety, and tourism updates.

🔥 Key takeaways

  • A storm has led to flight cancellations, highway closures and power outages across parts of the country (notably the North Island).
  • SH1 Desert Road is being closed at times for essential roadworks; Waioweka Gorge remains shut for several weeks, affecting freight and roadworks.
  • Visitor numbers from Australia and China are driving a record surge in tourism nationwide, which may affect bookings and availability.

✈ Flights

  • Region: North Island & nationwide
  • Impact: Storm conditions have caused flight cancellations and delays.
  • What to do: Check your airline and airport for the latest status and review rebooking or refund policies before travel.

🚗 Roads

  • Region: Nationwide (SH1 Desert Road; Waioweka Gorge)
  • Impact: SH1 Desert Road closures for essential works; Waioweka Gorge closed for several weeks with impacts on freight and local roadworks.
  • What to do: Confirm road closure notices, plan alternative routes, and allow extra time for journeys or reschedule freight movements.

🌦 Weather

  • Region: North Island and Wellington
  • Impact: Heavy gales, storms and large swells (Wellington reports up to 7m) with associated flooding and power cuts.
  • What to do: Monitor official weather warnings, avoid exposed coastal and flood-prone areas, and postpone outdoor plans if warnings are in effect.

🎉 Tourism & events

  • Region: Nationwide
  • Events: Reports indicate a record-breaking surge in visitors from Australia and China boosting overall tourism demand.
  • Impact: Increased demand may tighten availability for accommodations, tours and transport.
  • Recommended places: [What to do] If you need to secure lodging or tours this week, book now and confirm cancellation terms.

🧭 Practical tips

  • Verify flight status shortly before heading to the airport and enable carrier alerts.
  • Check Waka Kotahi and local council notices for road closures and diversions.
  • Pack power-bank, flashlight and basic emergency supplies in case of outages.
  • Avoid coastal routes during high swell and follow local safety advice.
  • For freight or long-haul driving, factor in the Waioweka Gorge closure and SH1 work when planning timing.

🔗 Sources

Note: Check each source and official agency pages for live updates and operational notices before you travel.