NZTA is pausing most of the state highway works around the region from Saturday, August 30, to Friday, September 5.

This is to help minimise traffic disruption with more than 14,000 athletes and thousands of supporters heading to Tauranga for the Zespri Aims Games.

The roading agency is encouraging locals and visitors to plan ahead and make the most of the free Zespri AIMS Games buses running throughout the week.

“It’s going to be a buzzing week across the city,” said NZTA Bay of Plenty journey manager Simon Sinclair.

“We’re asking everyone to allow extra time for travel and check our Journey Planner for real-time updates before heading out.”

If you’re heading to events around Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa, the free loop bus service is a great option.

Buses will run every 30 minutes on a continuous loop between key venues, including Gordon Spratt Reserve, Mercury Baypark, Baywave, Blake Park, the Mount Hot Pools, and Mount Mainstreet.

The free bus loop service, provided by the Tauranga City Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, is designed to help athletes, supporters and the community move easily between venues while supporting sustainable transport choices.

To find out more about the service, visit https://www.nzaimsgames.co.nz/buses.

To help minimise disruption to traffic while the Zespri AIMS Games are on, NZTA has paused any planned road works on state highways around the city, however, the Tauriko Enabling Works project will continue as normal.

Zespri Aims Games are being held from August 30 to September 5.