In line with the opening of the safer, more resilient and reliable Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway, the new speed limits for the corridor have been certified.

In November and December 2022, we held a formal consultation through the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan. We asked the public for feedback on a number of proposed new speed limits including those for the Ara Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth corridor. 

A total of 66 public submissions were received for the Tamaki Makaurau region and 6 submissions were provided specifically in relation to the Ara Tūhono - Pūhoi to Warkworth corridor.

Consultation summary [PDF, 980 KB]

Consultation submissions [PDF, 139 KB]

Based on the feedback received through the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan consultation, the following speeds have been set as the new permanent speed limits.

These new permanent speed limits will take effect on the day SH1 Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway opens.

Reference Location Existing speed limit New speed limit
1-2 Wellsford North
Northern entrance to Warkworth
80km/h 60km/h
1-3 Pūhoi to Warkworth mainline 60
End of motorway, for approach to roundabout – northbound only
N/A 60km/h
1-4 Pūhoi to Warkworth (VSL at north end of motorway)
Variable speed limit to allow smart management of traffic to roundabout – northbound only
N/A Various (30km/h, 40km/h, 50km/h, 60km/h, 70km/h, 80km/h or 100km/h)
1-6 Pūhoi northbound off-ramp N/A 80km/h
1-7 Pūhoi southbound on-ramp N/A 80km/h
1-8 Pūhoi to Warkworth mainline N/A 100km/h

Map of new permanent speed limits

Map showing speed limits along SH1 between Puhoi and Warkworth

View larger map [PDF, 2.4 MB]

A review is underway to assess if the Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway is suitable for 110km/h speed limit. The review will consider the operating speeds following the opening of the new motorway.

Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is still working through the final decision on speed limits for the remainder of the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan. We will notify the public as soon as they are available and at this time the Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan consultation summary will also be published. 

Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan

For more information on speed management, email us on speedmanagement@nzta.govt.nz