If you're heading north from Orewa from Monday 26 May, you might notice the signs have changed—State Highway 1’s Northern Gateway Toll Road will now have a new speed limit of 110km/h.

The new limit applies to a 5.5km stretch between north of Orewa and just before the Johnstones Hill Tunnels, as confirmed by Transport Minister Chris Bishop this week.

It follows a public consultation late last year that drew over 7,900 submissions, with 93% supporting the increase—including a strong 91% who were firmly in favour.

Bishop said the change aligns with the Government’s focus on economic growth and productivity, highlighting the road’s role in moving both people and freight efficiently.

With 11,000 vehicles travelling the route each day—including a sizable 9% of heavy vehicles—it’s a key link between Auckland and Northland.

“The Northern Gateway Toll Road is a crucial corridor for road users, freight, and tourists,” said Bishop.

“It’s been built to high safety standards, and NZTA has deemed it safe for the higher limit.”

For Coasties heading north, this means quicker trips through one of the most well-used parts of the network.

The road features two lanes in each direction, median separation, and a mostly straight layout—factors that contributed to the NZ Transport Agency’s decision to greenlight the higher speed.

The speed through the Johnstones Hill Tunnels themselves will remain at 80km/h due to their enclosed nature and unique safety risks.

There are no plans to change that section.

But here’s the odd part—strangely, this speed increase does not apply to the newly built section of SH1 further north.

Despite being brand new and built to modern standards, that stretch remains at 100km/h, raising eyebrows for locals who travel the route regularly.

Police will enforce the new 110km/h limit just like any other, and patrols may be visible at any time.

For Coasties commuting north or heading off for a long weekend, the change might shave off a few minutes—but more than that, it signals that our part of SH1 is being prioritised for smarter, faster travel.

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