Traffic is stalled north of Auckland due to a crash. Photo: Screenshot / NZTA
State Highway 1 north of Auckland has reopened fully, after a man who allegedly stole a vehicle was involved in a multi-vehicle crash, with two people injured.
NZ Transport Agency said just after 3pm on Sunday the Northern Motorway was closed from Oteha to Silverdale due to a crash on the in the northbound lanes
At one point, Google Maps said traffic was backed up as far as Albany.
The road was reopened by 7:15pm after the serious crash unit carried out a scene investigation.
Stolen car involved in serious motorway crash - police
A man who was involved in the multi-vehicle crash near Dairy Flat on the Northern Motorway was arrested for stealing the vehicle in Point Chevalier, police said.
At about 2:40pm on Sunday, officers responded to Walmer Road, Point Chevalier, after a man tried to steal a vehicle from an elderly woman, they said in a statement. He then stole a vehicle from a second person on the same road. Luckily no one was seriously injured in the incidents.
Police used their Air Support Unit as well as traffic cameras to monitor the vehicle on the Northern Motorway.
Inspector Daniel Meade said a formal pursuit using police cars was not used due to safety concerns. Instead, officers tried to spike the vehicle's wheels - however the driver did not stop.
"At around 3pm the driver came to a stop following a multi-vehicle crash where the vehicle has rolled," Meade said.
Two people, including the offender, received moderate injuries.
"While the offender was travelling along the northern motorway he has allegedly damaged a number of vehicles and knocked a motorcyclist off of their bike," Meade said.
St John confirmed two people were transported to North Shore Hospital with moderate injuries.
NZTA earlier warned those travelling in the area should "expect long delays travelling northbound in the area."
Drivers should avoid the area and consider using Dairy Flat Highway as an alternative route.