Road closures for half marathon

Motorists are being warned of road closures in the Kerikeri area this weekend, which will also impact the airport, as hundreds of runners hit the road for the annual half marathon.

The 21.1km course starts at Ōkaihau this Saturday (22 November) and finishes at the Kerikeri Domain. The temporary road closures begin at 5.30am and end at approximately 11.15am.

Road closures will mainly affect Waiare Road, Wehirua Road, and Wiroa Road. While the event is taking place, airport access will be one way from the State Highway 10 intersection, heading westbound along Wiroa Road towards the airport entrance. To exit the airport during these times, head west along Wiroa Road and follow diversions towards Waimate North Road.

Roads that intersect with the marathon route may also be disrupted. Those are Lodore Road and Waimate North Road, State Highway 1 at Ōkaihau and State Highway 10 at the Kerikeri roundabout.

Motorists should allow extra time for their journey, follow all instructions from race officials, slow down around the marathon route, and look out for runners.

The annual Kerikeri Street Party, which follows the half marathon, takes place at the Old Packhouse on Kerikeri Road from 5pm to 9.30pm. Enjoy a variety of food vendors and live music across two party zones. Entry and parking at the venue is free.

The street party event was granted $4807 in funding from the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board at its August meeting.