 | SH1, Motutere, Lake Taupō – 90% of the 751 submitters saw positive benefits in reducing the speed from 100km/h to 60km/h on an 850m section of SH1 in Motutere. Key stakeholders, including local iwi, Taupō District Council and NZ Police were also very supportive of this change.There was a 6-week period of public consultation with partners, stakeholders and the community from August to October this year. The enforcement of the new speed limits will become legal once the new signage is in place, expected to happen before Christmas. People felt the lower speed limit would improve safety for pedestrians (82% of all submitters), with many mentioning the children and families who cross the road section between the lake and campground areas. People commented on how busy the area is during summer and other holiday periods and noted how a reduced speed limit would improve safety for all road users including permanent residents, campers, boaties, people who attend the marae, holiday makers and tourists.People also noted the lower speed limit would help make it easier and safer to get in and out of the boat ramp, campground (particularly for vehicles towing boats or caravans) and side roads including Waitapu Road.Background
Under the 2024 Speed Rule, NZTA was required to reverse speeds limits on some state highways by 1 July 2025. This included the 4.31km stretch of SH1 between Halletts Bay and Motutere/Te Pōporo Bulli Point, where the speed limit was raised from 60km/h to 100km/h on 22 May 2025.This stretch was classified as an interregional connector and was therefore subject to the mandatory speed limit reversals as required by the Rule. We were able to consult to understand if local road users and communities supported keeping the lower speed. The 2024 Speed Rule standardises road classes and their speed limits, specifying speed limit ranges for each road type.Further investigation was undertaken after considerable feedback came in once this reversal was made. We were able to reclassify the 850 metre stretch of SH1 from 425m each side of the Motutere Holiday Park entrance as a Stopping Place under the Rule’s road classification schedule. The new Rule describes Stopping Places as rural destinations that increase activity on the roadside and directly uses the road for access. The speed limit range for this classification is 50-80km/h.Reasons for this change in designation/ classification at Motutere included:The Motutere Holiday Park straddles SH1. The holiday park has users setting up on both sides of the road, with the main area being on the opposite side of the road to the lake, meaning many people cross SH1 on foot to access the lake.There are many vehicle stopping and turning movements along with pedestrian movements in the area.The Motutere boat ramp is also a well-used stopping point and provides access to Lake Taupō.The area sees considerable year-round traffic.
New speed limit
Location: SH1 Motutere – approximately 425m on each side of the entrance to the Motutere Holiday ParkLength: 850 metres Current speed limit: 100km/h
New speed limit from when signs are changed shortly: 60km/h | |
