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Protest march to disrupt public transport and traffic in the Auckland city centre this morning – updated information Protest march to disrupt public transport and traffic in the Auckland city centre this morning – updated information

Date: 13 September 2025

Auckland Transport urges people to plan ahead before travelling through the city centre this morning.

A protest march is expected to result in significant disruptions and delays to bus services and traffic in the Auckland CBD and impact access to and from Downtown, the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter. 

Protestors are beginning to gather at Aotea Square, with a crowd of up to 15,000 expected to march down Queen Street to Customs Street, along Fanshawe Street, and to conclude at Victoria Park between roughly 10am and 11.30am. 

This new march replaces the previously planned march across the Auckland Harbour Bridge which has been postponed due to predicted high wind levels. 

AT’s priority is ensuring customers and travellers are kept safe and informed of the disruptions so they can plan. 

There will be a mix of one-way and full road closures as the march moves through sections of Queen Street, Customs Street and Fanshawe Street between 10am and 12pm. 

Heavy congestion is expected in the city centre, particularly on Queen Street, Victoria Street, Wellesley Street, Customs Street, Fanshawe Street.

Downtown, The Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter will be difficult to access.  

Motorists should avoid travelling through the city centre and use the motorway if they can. If travel through the city centre is unavoidable motorists can use Karangahape Road or Mayoral Drive but should expect heavy delays.  

Buses in this area will also be heavily impacted between 9.30am and 12pm. Detours, delays and cancellations are expected.  

  • Over 40 bus routes are set to be delayed and/or detoured throughout the morning and early afternoon, including: 
  • Queen Street corridor: 18, 105, 11T, 11W, WX1, 195, 25B, 25L, 30, 295, 309 
  • Wellesley Street corridor: 22N, 22R, 24B, 24R, OUTERLINK, 75 
  • Fanshawe/Beaumont corridor: 95B, 95C, 97B, 97R, NX1, NX2, 20, 82, 923 
  • Customs Street corridor: 70, INNERLIN 
  • The City Link has been cancelled for the duration of the march. 
  • Key bus stops that will be closed include: 
  • Lower Albert Street (Stops A–D) 
  • Auckland Town Hall 
  • Wellesley Street West and East 
  • Victoria Park, Convention Centre, and SkyCity 
  • AUT and Auckland Universities 
  • Fanshawe Street and Daldy Street 

Customers are advised to use the AT Mobile App or real time AT Journey Planner to check for any bus service changes of time or route. 

Congestion and bus delays will take time to clear after the protest concludes. 

Weather Warning Impact 

The high winds forecast for Saturday 13 September may affect ferry services as well as buses that use the harbour bridge. 

These high winds may cause short duration closures and lane reductions to the bridge throughout the day. 

Strong wind gusts of up to 80–85 km/h are forecast between 7am and 11am, especially around exposed areas like the Harbour Bridge. NZTA has issued warnings for possible bridge disruptions, urging caution for motorists. 

Please expect delays and cancellations on bus routes NX1, NX2, 866, 802, 82, 95B, 95C, 939, 923, 97R, 97B, 966, 931, 933, and all ferry services. 

Check the AT Mobile app for delays or cancellations to buses and ferries, and the NZTA highway conditions page to see if the bridge is open or closed www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/auckland.