South Wairarapa District Speed Changes 2026
Overview and upcoming speed limit changes
South Wairarapa District Council is implementing speed limit changes progressively across the district this year following the approval of the Speed Management Plan (the Plan) by the Director of Land Transport in November 2025.
The Plan is designed to improve road safety across the district, with a particular focus on roads where there is a higher potential safety risk.
Approach and key focus areas
The Council’s approach prioritises speed management in locations where reduced speeds are expected to make the greatest safety impact. These include:
- Areas around schools and marae
- High-risk routes where lower speed limits are considered appropriate
- Peri-urban roads with high levels of walking and cycling activity
- Coastal settlement roads with residential use and limited footpaths
- Unsealed roads, which make up approximately 30% of the district’s roading network
Progress to date
The first phase of The Plan was implemented in January 2026 with variable speeds before and after school bell times, supported by new signage, to better protect students and families during busy pick-up and drop-off periods.
These measures reflect the Council’s priority to improve safety for children and families.
The changes outlined below represent the next stage of this phased approach.
Upcoming speed limit changes and implementation
Martinborough – 26 March to 1 April 2026
Princess Street and Ponatahi Road, Martinborough
(from New York Street to Johns Way (Huangarua Bridge)
Speed reduction from 100km/h to 60km/h, changes on 26 March
White Rock Road, Martinborough
(between Lake Ferry Road and 50km south of Lake Ferry Road)
Speed reduction from 100km/h to 60km/h, changes on 1 April
Memorial Square, Martinborough
Speed reduction from 50km/h to 30km/h, changes on 1 April
Nelson Road, Martinborough
Speed reduction from 70km/h to 40km/h, changes on 1 April
Martins Road
(between Hinekura Road and Puruatanga Road)
Speed reduction from 100km/h to 60km/h, changes on 1 April
Cambridge Road, Martinborough
(between 50m north east of New York Street and Puruatanga Road)
Speed reduction from 70km/h to 60km/h, changes on 1 April
Puruatanga Road, Martinborough
(from Cambridge Road to 35m northeast of Regent Street)
Speed reduction from 70km/h to 60km/h, changes on 1 April
Puruatanga Road, Martinborough
(between 35m northeast of Regent Street)
Speed reduction from 100km/h to 60km/h, changes on 1 April
Hinekura Road, Martinborough
(between 50m south of Martins Road and Todds Road)
Speed reduction from 100km/h to 60km/h, changes on 1 April
Todds Road, Martinborough
(between Puruatanga Road and 100m west of New York Street)
Speed reduction from 100km/h to 60km/h, changes on 1 April
New York Street, Martinborough
(between Todds Road and 50m south of Regent Street)
Speed reduction from 100km/h to 60km/h, changes on 1 April
Shooting Butts Road, Martinborough
(between 50m south of Todds Road and 50m east White Rock Road)
Speed reduction from 100km/h to 60km/h, changes on 1 April
Regent Street, Martinborough
(from 100m northeast of New York Street to Puruatanga Road)
Speed reduction from 100km/h to 50km/h, changes on 1 April
Lake Ferry Road, Martinborough
(between 50m southwest of White Rock Road and 850m southwest of White Rock Road)
Speed reduction from 100 to 80km/h, changes on 1 April
Jellicoe Street, Martinborough
(between 90m northeast of Ferry Road and 50m southwest of Ferry Road)
Speed reduction from 70km/h to 50km/h, changes on 1 April
Jellicoe Street, Martinborough
(between 50m southwest of Ferry Road and 75m southwest of Campbell Drive)
Speed reduction from 70km/h to 60km/h, changes on 1 April
Jellicoe Street, Martinborough
(between 75m southwest of Campbell Drive and 50m southwest of White Rock Road)
Speed reduction from 100km/h to 60km/h, changes on 1 April
Campbell Drive, Martinborough
(between Jellicoe Street and end of road)
Speed reduction from 50km/h to 40km/h, changes on 1 April