Central district's road policing manager Dave White wants motorists to take their time during holiday travel.

As people prepare to head off on summer holidays, the region's top traffic cop has issued a safety warning for motorists.

The central district road policing manager, Inspector Dave White, wants people to be safe and plan their journey ahead of this weekend, as they go away for their Christmas break.

"From this weekend onwards you should expect to take longer than normal. Take your time and enjoy the journey.

"It's better to arrive late than never arrive. That's been this week's message. If you are travelling away it will take longer and you need to prepare for that and don't panic to get there."

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He said traffic wasn't just busy for one or two days during the holiday period any more and State Highway 1 was always busy, as holidaymakers go to and from Wellington.

White said Peka Peka, and the road north of Ōtaki and north of Levin, as well as SH2 north of Norsewood were particularly busy areas.

"Get prepared before you go and don't be surprised if it's going to take longer. Taupō is about three hours usually, it might take 3½ instead."

White also recommended people had their trailers and caravans checked for safety before travelling.

The New Zealand Transport Agency provides information on its website about areas with roadworks or traffic congestion.

The agency notes SH1 from Taihape to Waiouru as an area with traffic congestion during the holiday period.

Northbound traffic is expected to be busy from Saturday to Monday December 30 between 8am and 5pm.

Southbound traffic is expected to be busy from Thursday January 2 to Sunday January 5 between 10am and 5.30pm.