UPDATE 5.38PM: Relief for motorists stuck on Auckland's Southern Motorway.
The northbound lanes have reopened after a truck and trailer unit jackknifed, blocking all traffic just before 2.30pm.
Recovery teams have pulled the truck to the side of the motorway and cleaned up a diesel spill but Police say traffic is still backed up for several kilometres and could take some time to clear.
Transport Agency is still advising motorists to avoid the area if possible.
A temporary lane had been opened to clear vehicles stuck behind the truck.
Traffic is now heavily congested from Drury with southbound traffic also congested from Manukau because of rubber-necking, the New Zealand Transport Agency said.
Great South Rd is also crawling as traffic is diverted on to it.
SH1 STHN MWY NORTHBOUND - ALL LANES BLOCKED - CRASH - 2:25PM
There is currently a truck roll #blocking all lanes on the Sthn Mwy travelling northbound shortly after Papakura. Please #AvoidTheArea and expect #delays ^TY pic.twitter.com/zSw0UfOkUz
— NZTA Akld & Nthlnd (@NZTAAkl) December 11, 2017
The NZTA said police were trying to get traffic out via a worksite next to the crash.
The NZTA was asking motorists to leave the motorway when possible and use the Drury/ Ramarama and Great South Rd off-ramps. Delaying non-urgent travel was also recommended.
No one was injured in the crash but NZTA and the police were advising motorists avoid the area and to expect delays.
"Motorists heading south should expect some delays due to rubber-necking," NZTA said.
Detours are in place for northbound motorists who are being told to use the Papakura off-ramp and travel via Great South Rd.
A crane was being organised to lift the trailer from the road, a police media spokesperson said.
"We ask them to be patient while we clear the scene."
Southbound traffic was still flowing.
A breakdown after the Victoria Park Tunnel was also causing further traffic chaos.
The NZTA said the breakdown was partially blocking the left lane heading north. Traffic was heavy between Tristram Ave and Upper Harbour Highway going north.
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