With an influx of visitors expected for the annual Zespri AIMS Games, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises residents and visitors to plan their city journeys.

People are also urged to consider taking advantage of free Zespri AIMS Games buses from Saturday, September 7, to Friday, September 13.

“As Tauranga will be welcoming over 13,000 young athletes and their supporters, we encourage people to allow sufficient time to travel around the city and check NZTA’s Journey Planner for real-time updates,” said NZTA Bay of Plenty system manager Sandra King.

“If you’re travelling around the Mount, free Zespri AIMS Games buses will run every 30 minutes on a continuous 30-minute loop around the major Mount and Papamoa venues, so it’s a great choice for those attending.

“While the AIMS Games are on, there are also roadworks around the outskirts of the city so drivers should be prepared for delays and allow more time before they set off to and from the AIMS Games.”

Tauranga City Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council are providing free Zespri AIMS Games buses to help athletes and supporters get around and encourage uptake in more sustainable transport.

The hop on/hop off bus service will be available for the duration of the Games, travelling between Gordon Spratt Reserve and the Mount Hot Pools, stopping at Mercury Arena, Baywave and Blake Park. To find out more about the service visit https://www.nzaimsgames.co.nz/buses

For up-to-date information on road works, traffic, detours and delays, please use the NZTA Journey Planner at journeys.nzta.govt.nz or Google maps.

- SunLive