Holidaymakers faced a long, slow trip back to the capital tonight, with traffic flows slow from Waiouru to Wellington.
A police central communications spokesman told NZPA it was "pretty chaotic" and "pretty congested" as people tried to get back to Wellington following the Easter break.
Those trying to get back to Auckland faced similar woes, with police urging motorists to be patient.
"It's just as busy as expected for an Easter Monday," Inspector Peter Raynes told NZPA.
"Just be patient and drive to the conditions."
Traffic around Christchurch was extremely busy, while Dunedin was moderate, police said.
Five people have died on the roads since 4pm last Thursday.
NZPA