Cyclone Vaianu – preparation and travel advice from AT and NZTA Cyclone Vaianu – preparation and travel advice from AT and NZTA

Date: 10 April 2026

How we are preparing 

The Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC), which is a joint venture between Auckland Transport (AT) and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) for managing the transport network in real time, is working closely with partner agencies including MetService, Auckland Emergency Management (AEM), and Emergency Services to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Vaianu. 

ATOC is activating an Incident Response team to monitor and respond 24/7 to transport network impacts, including disruption to public transport services.  

Zane Davidson, ATOC Incident Controller, says AT and NZTA staff and contractors are supporting the response.  

“They are securing construction sites and ensuring any loose debris such as traffic equipment and signage are properly secured or safely packed away. Ahead of the Cyclone’s arrival, they are monitoring and clear hotspots for leaf fall and regularly check key drainage areas to help prevent flooding. 

“Additional maintenance crews are on standby, ready to respond to increased flooding events and to keep a close watch on locations where slips may occur.” 

Staying informed 

Mr Davidson says there will be multiple channels used for keeping Aucklanders informed about impacts to the transport network leading up to Cyclone Vaianu’s arrival and during the event.  

“These will include real-time updates on Google Maps, the NZTA Journey Planner website and electronic signs for state highways - including the Auckland Harbour Bridge, AT website for local roads, and the AT Mobile app and website for public transport information and NZTA/AT social media channels.” 

Travel Advice 

Driving: When there is heavy rain and wind, there is a higher safety risk. Drive to the conditions by slowing down, allowing more space between cars, putting your lights on when visibility is low, ensuring all passengers are wearing seatbelts and staying alert.  

Do not drive through flood waters. There might be debris or hazards you can’t see. 

Drivers might want to consider avoiding or postponing unnecessary travel, but if they are out driving and conditions suddenly worsen, they should consider pulling over somewhere safe and waiting out the weather before continuing. Drivers should also think about giving themselves plenty of time to slow down early. 

Auckland Harbour Bridge: High winds create a risk that gusts of wind may blow vehicles into the bridge structure or the path of other vehicles. Drivers should expect the bridge may need to be fully closed if wind gusts get too high. It is also likely that there will be lane closures and reduced speed limits in place.  

If the bridge is closed, drivers will need to detour around State Highways 16 and 18. Several bus routes cross the bridge, which may mean delays if buses are detoured or cancelled. Motorists should pay attention to the electronic signs on the motorway, allow extra time and check traffic levels on navigation apps before you leave.  

You can check for real time updates before you travel on the NZTA Highway conditions page: Highway conditions for Auckland | NZTA Journey Planner. 

Public Transport: Severe weather can cause delays and cancellations for buses, trains and ferries. Severe weather can cause obstructions or flooding on roads and train tracks and require ferries to travel at slower speeds.  

 Allow extra time when travelling on public transport during severe weather in case there are delays during your journey. Before taking public transport check the live departures feature in the AT Mobile app. 

Advice for boaties from the Harbourmaster 

Auckland Harbourmaster Andrew Hayton is advising people with boats to prepare now for the bad weather. 

“Go out today, don’t wait for the weather to get worse and make sure your vessel is secure. Ensure your mooring lines are in good condition and run extra lines if necessary. Make sure loose sails are tied down and that there’s nothing loose on deck.  

“If your boat is on a mooring in an exposed location, consider moving it somewhere safer such as a mariner in a sheltered bay if possible.  

“There are 3,500 boats on swing moorings in the Auckland region, and those are the ones that are most at risk from the bad weather. After every storm we always get some that break off and come ashore, and we don’t want to see too many of those this time around. 

“In general, make sure your vessel is ready to encounter some very strong winds over the weekend.”