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New Speed Cameras in NZ 2026: Complete Guide to the NZTA Expansion

5 min readBy NZ Speed Camera Map
new cameras2026average speednztaexpansion

New Zealand's speed camera network is undergoing its largest expansion in years. Waka Kotahi NZTA is rolling out 17 new average speed camera sites across the country through 2026, with plans to expand the network to around 200 cameras by 2027.

Overview of the Expansion

In July 2025, Waka Kotahi NZTA completed its takeover of around 150 speed cameras from NZ Police. This transfer marked a significant shift in how speed enforcement is managed in New Zealand, bringing camera operations under the same agency responsible for road safety strategy and infrastructure.

As part of this transition, NZTA has committed to expanding the camera network with a focus on average speed (point-to-point) cameras. The 2026 rollout includes 17 new average speed camera sites across both the North and South Islands, targeting corridors with high crash rates.

The current plan is to grow the network to around 200 cameras by 2027.

2026 Average Speed Camera Locations

The following table lists all 17 new average speed camera sites planned for 2026, along with their current status.

LocationRegionStatusExpected Date
Matakana Road, WarkworthAucklandOperationalDecember 2025
Kahikatea Flat Road, Dairy FlatAucklandUnder ConstructionLate March 2026
Pine Valley Road, Dairy FlatAucklandUnder ConstructionApril 2026
Whitford Road, WhitfordAucklandUnder ConstructionApril 2026
East Coast Road, AucklandAucklandPlanned2026
Glenbrook Road East, AucklandAucklandPlanned2026
Glenbrook Road West, AucklandAucklandPlanned2026
SH2 Pokeno-MangatawhiriWaikatoUnder ConstructionApril 2026
SH2 Te Marua-Brown Owl, Upper HuttWellingtonConstruction StartingMarch 2026
SH2 Te Hauke-PakipakiHawke's BayConstruction StartingMarch 2026
SH8 Lake Tekapo-TwizelCanterburyConstruction StartingMarch 2026
Kaitaia-Awaroa RoadNorthlandPlanned2026
SH2 MatataBay of PlentyPlanned2026
SH5 TumunuiBay of PlentyPlanned2026
SH1 Sanson-FoxtonManawatu-WhanganuiPlanned2026
SH1 Allanton-WaiholaOtagoPlanned2026
SH6 Kingston-Five RiversSouthlandPlanned2026

The first site at Matakana Road in Warkworth went live in December 2025, serving as a pilot for the broader rollout. Several Auckland sites and the SH2 Pokeno-Mangatawhiri corridor are currently under construction, with more sites entering the construction phase through March and April 2026.

How Average Speed Cameras Differ from Spot Speed Cameras

Traditional spot speed cameras measure your speed at a single point. Average speed cameras work differently -- they use two camera points separated by a distance and calculate your average speed between them.

This means you cannot simply brake before a camera and accelerate afterwards. The system measures your overall travel time between the entry and exit points, making it a more effective deterrent for sustained speeding.

For a full explanation of how average speed cameras work, see our guide to average speed cameras in New Zealand.

Stricter Speed Tolerances

Alongside the camera expansion, enforcement tolerances have been tightened. NZTA does not publicly disclose the exact tolerance threshold, but it is understood to be significantly lower than the 10 km/h tolerance that was in place before 2024. The safest approach is to drive at or below the posted speed limit.

For more on how tolerances work, see our speed camera tolerance guide.

View Camera Locations on the Map

You can view all current speed camera locations -- including average speed camera sites -- on our interactive map. Use the camera type filter to show only average speed cameras and see exactly where the entry and exit points are.

Fines and Penalties

Exceeding the speed limit at any camera site, including the new average speed cameras, will result in an infringement notice. Fines range from $30 for minor infringements to $630 for more serious offences. Note that camera-detected fines do not carry demerit points.

See our full breakdown of speed camera fines in New Zealand for the complete fee schedule.

View New Cameras

For the latest updates on new camera installations and recently activated sites, visit our new cameras page. This page is updated as new cameras come online and existing sites change status.

What This Means for Drivers

The expansion of average speed cameras across New Zealand represents a shift toward sustained speed compliance rather than point-based enforcement. Drivers should expect to encounter more of these camera corridors on state highways in the coming years.

The most straightforward approach is to drive at or below the posted speed limit consistently, rather than trying to manage your speed around specific camera locations.


This content has been fact-checked against official sources but may contain inaccuracies. This is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Data updated daily from Waka Kotahi NZTA.