Queues build as shoppers line up for IKEA's Auckland opening

Auckland has managed to avoid a predicted IKEA stampede and traffic jams as the first shoppers entered the new store at Mt Wellington in Auckland.

Despite warnings of motorway gridlock and potential delays finding a carpark, traffic was free flowing in the area with Google Maps showing a 16-minute trip from Auckland CBD and no congestion at the Mt Wellington off-ramp.

Eager shoppers gathered outside the Mt Wellington store, with some telling RNZ they arrived as early at 4.45am.

Drivers were warned to expect 40-minute queues today, with traffic analysts expecting crowds of up to 20,000 a day to visit the store.

They're predicting a 40-minute crawl on the nearby motorway and another 40 minutes to find a car park.

The Swedish furniture store opened officially at 11am, while the carpark was opened to shoppers at 8.30am.

An RNZ reporter at the store estimated around 800 were gathered outside including Bernie, who had driven over two-and-a-half hours from Papamoa, saying he and hsi wife had waited six years for the opening.

"We chose to open at 11am so that we avoid the morning traffic," IKEA's NZ manager Johanna Cederlöf said.

Other shoppers told RNZ traffic had not been as bad as anticipated, and the carpark was not yet full.

What will the roads be like?

Auckland Transport and NZTA have encouraged road users to plan ahead for the day and allow plenty of extra time for their journeys.

Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC) Manager Claire Howard said substantial crowds were expected at IKEA for weeks or even months which would have a substantial effect on the transport network across Auckland.

"Surrounding streets in Mt Wellington will also be busy, with forecast delays of up to 40 minutes on Mt Wellington Highway in peak traffic."

ATOC - a joint Auckland Transport and NZTA venture for managing the network in real time - has been working with the retail giant to ensure their traffic management plan minimises the traffic impact as much as possible. It would be actively managing light signals and diverting traffic where possible as congestion levels increase.

Congestion was expected to be at its worst during peak hour during the week and on Saturdays between 1 and 4pm - particularly heading northbound from South Auckland toward Mt Wellington.

Staff would be on the ground at Sylvia Park Train Station to help direct people to the store who were travelling by train.

IKEA's NZ manager Johanna Cederlöf, said for anyone who wasn't in Auckland or who wanted to avoid the opening day crowds, they could shop online from midnight as a way to beat the crowds.

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