Confirmation direction sign on the Southern Mwy (SH1) at Goodwood Heights showing an Urban Route. Image © Dean Sherry

New Zealand's Urban Routes are major connector roads between state highways in selected cities (such as Auckland, Hamilton and New Plymouth). These routes managed by local territorial authorities. Urban routes are often former State Highways.

Urban routes are uniquely numbered to avoid duplication with the State Highway network. Urban route shields are commonly displayed on signage at motorway interchanges and major urban intersections but also appear on directional signage, which is normally blue in colour. These shields are accompanied by supplementary plates featuring arrows to guide road users along the designated route. In some cases, multiple urban route shields may appear on a single signpost.¹ Additionally, freestanding urban route shields are placed between intersections to reassure drivers that they are still on the correct route.

To view each gallery, click or tap on a route number or preview image below.