Cyclone Vaianu – Transport update for Auckland from AT and NZTA Cyclone Vaianu – Transport update for Auckland from AT and NZTA
Date: 11 April 2026
Aucklanders are being advised to delay all unnecessary travel on Sunday due to the impact of Cyclone Vaianu, says the Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC).
Teams at ATOC have activated an Incident Management Team and are closely monitoring the impacts of the weather system on Auckland’s transport network.
ATOC is a joint venture between Auckland Transport (AT) and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and is responsible for managing the transport network in real time, working closely with partner agencies including MetService, Auckland Emergency Management (AEM), and Emergency Services to prepare for Tropical Cyclone Vaianu.
Prolonged transport disruption expected on Sunday
Zane Davidson, ATOC Incident Controller, says the current forecast suggests the Auckland Harbour Bridge is most at risk of closure from midday Sunday, and surface flooding across the region could start to occur from late evening Saturday.
“Based on the current forecast, we expect there could be periods of extended closures of the Auckland Harbour Bridge between Midday Sunday until late evening.”
“I would strongly advise checking the status of the bridge before you travel from now onward, as the wind trajectory can change quickly and we may see strong gusts from this evening. You might want to take State Highways 16 and 18 regardless, to avoid the risk of a short notice closure.”
“If you do need to travel, please drive extra carefully and avoid areas where there is flooding. Take extra care in low lying coastal areas which are prone to flooding, such as State Highway 1 heading southbound after Esmonde Road.
Davidson confirmed that AT and NZTA are adding extra resources to support the response.
“ATOC monitors, responds, and communicates incidents and disruption on Auckland’s transport network 24/7, 365 days a year.”
“Activating an Incident Management Team ensures we have extra resources on hand to a weather event that has the possibility of having a significant impact on our transport network.”
“We will be working closely with partner agencies including MetService, Auckland Emergency Management (AEM), and Emergency Services.”
“Our contractors have secured construction sites and loose debris where possible ahead of the Cyclone’s arrival. They are on standby and to respond to increased flooding events and to keep a close watch on locations where slips may occur.”
Public Transport
Cancelled from 11pm Saturday night until at least 9am Sunday: Devonport, Waiheke, Half Moon Bay, and Hobsonville Point ferry services. Waiheke bus services.
Cancelled from 3pm today for the remainder of Saturday: Pine Harbour Ferry services.
Cancelled for Sunday 12 April: Rakino Island ferry services.
We expect further delays and cancellations to public transport as the weather impacts increase. Check the AT Mobile App or visit at.govt.nz for up to date information.
Fullers360 will provide an update on Waiheke ferry services on Sunday morning following an operational review at 8am. Please stay up to date with the latest travel information for Waiheke services via the Fullesr360 app.
Auckland Harbour Bridge
Due to significant wind forecast, the Auckland Harbour Bridge is highly likely to close for extended periods from midday Sunday to late evening Sunday.
There may also be large gusts from Saturday evening so we strongly advise checking the status of the bridge before travelling all weekend. If the bridge is closed, drivers will need to detour around State Highways 16 and 18.
You can check for real time updates before you travel on the NZTA Highway conditions page: Highway conditions for Auckland | NZTA Journey Planner.
Roads and state highways
We are preparing for the possibility of road closures across the region. As road impacts such as flooding, slips, fallen trees or downed powerlines are reported, they will be updated on the following page for the Auckland region: Severe Weather: Flooding and Road Incidents April 2026
For up to date information on State Highways: Journey planner | NZTA Journey Planner
Report flooding
To report flooding happening now on roads or footpaths, phone Auckland Council: 09 301 10101
If the flooding is on a highway or motorway, call Waka Kotahi | NZ Transport Agency on 09 969 9800.
If there is an immediate risk to life on private property or public land, call 111