SWALLOW2

We are coming to NZ in a couple of weeks time. I've got a job in Whangarei but are going to be living in Dargaville (a long and complicated tale!) for approx 6 months. So obviously will be commuting by car. I see from the map,the road from Dargaville to Whangarei appears a straight one. Does anyone have any experience of this road in terms of traffic, how busy, and can you put your foot down a bit, so I can get home sharpish etc? I believe it could take 40 mins? Many thanks.

P2L

Only driven it once, with no drama.

However I would advise you against 'putting your foot down' over here; NZ police are very proactive and are quite ingenious in finding ways of catching you

whitesand

You'll have no trouble on that road. It's a really pleasant one. You find that the roads running east to west are much better than the ones running north-south as there is less traffic going across than up and down. If you go down from Dargaville you see the hills in front on you and it is really lovely. Was up there over the holidays and the scenery reminded me of parts of Scotland.

If you want a really pleasant drive when you get settled - try the Twin Bridges road To Kaikoe (sp) which is off that road. Well worth the drive.

ginabridget

Hi, I think 40 minutes is a realistic commute time from Dargaville to Whangarei, I used to live in Whangarei and have done the trip a few times, the only issue is if you do get stuck behind traffic (or a tractor) is finding a decent place to pass.

HTH
Gina

P18PPS

Once you hit Whangarei you might hit traffic - especially in holiday/summer season. It took us ages to skirt the city last time we were up there