The Government plans to invest $38.7 billion in the country's roads over the next decade, Radio New Zealand reports.
Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee said the spending would boost economic growth in both the regions and main centres.
The draft policy statement outlines continued funding for Roads of National Significance and a $375 million interest-free loan for Auckland motorways, and focuses on making roads safer, and maintaining regional roads.
Labour and the Greens both say the Government needs to look more towards public transport and rail freight.
Green Party transport spokesperson Julie-Ann Genter said the Government needs to step into the 21st century when it comes to transport policy.
She said the number one priority must be safer walking and cycling, and then improved public transport, which would ease congestion by having fewer people using cars.
Mr Brownlee told Radio New Zealand's Morning Report programme cycleways get local as well as central government funding.
"Cycleways and cycleway strategies inside the transport network are primarily going to be on local roads which are not part of the Government's direct responsibility. I'm not trying to shirk it - we put money into it and we'll continue to do that."
The AA and the Road Transport Forum for the most part support the proposals.
AA general manager of motoring affairs Mike Noon said with $270 million going to roads in the regions, those areas will prosper. Mr Noon says it was aimed at unlocking the potential of the regions whether through freight or through tourism.
The public have until 11 August to make submissions on the policy, which comes into effect from July next year.