An over-height parade from Auckland Zoo to the port this morning is likely to stop traffic.

Two-year-old giraffe Shira is being transported by sea to Timaru, bound for a new home at Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Park.

She's on the road now ... and the top of her crate has been opened so she can peer out as she travels through St Lukes, Mt Eden and the city.

The young female is being relocated for the Australasian zoos’ regional breeding programme.

A second Auckland Zoo female, Mdomo, will follow early next year.