AKL - Auckland – Expected Delivery Delays on Thursday, 4 December (IKEA Opening Traffic Disruptions)

Please be advised that significant traffic congestion is expected across Auckland on Thursday, 4 December, due to the grand opening of the new IKEA Auckland store in Sylvia Park.

Local authorities and media outlets have issued multiple warnings indicating that major delays are likely, particularly around State Highway 1, Sylvia Park, Mt Wellington, and surrounding arterial routes.

What We Know (Verified From NZTA & RNZ)

• NZTA and Auckland Transport have formally urged motorists to plan ahead, use public transport, and expect heavy delays and long queues throughout the day.

• RNZ reports businesses in the area are “preparing for mayhem,” noting that IKEA openings overseas have caused multi-hour traffic jams.

• Drivers have been told to expect 40-minute queues, severe congestion around Sylvia Park, and potential delays across the wider motorway network.

• Electronic motorway signs have been displaying advance warnings since the weekend.

Impact on KLN Deliveries

Due to this significant traffic event:

• Deliveries in the Auckland region, particularly those moving through or near Mt Wellington, Sylvia Park, SH1, and surrounding corridors, may experience extended delays.

• Some delivery timeslots may require adjustment or resequencing depending on live traffic conditions.

• Our team will do everything possible to minimise impacts, but delays are highly likely and beyond operational control.

Customer Guidance

• Please allow additional transit time for deliveries scheduled on Thursday, 4 December.

• If you have time-sensitive cargo, you may wish to discuss alternative delivery windows with your KLN representative.

• Our team will keep monitoring NZTA and AT traffic updates throughout the day and will communicate any major disruptions directly.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as Auckland prepares for one of the largest retail events of the year.