Boxing Day madness: Traffic near Auckland's Sylvia Park backed up as far as the eye can see

Boxing Day traffic has well and truly driven part of Auckland to a halt this morning as shoppers head to the malls.

Not only is the day expected to bring wet weather across the country, shopping madness and frustrating traffic queues are also forecast.

Already traffic has been heavy around Mount Wellington Highway as shoppers head to Sylvia Park Mall.

NZTA are urging motorists to avoid the area or expect delays.