A man has been arrested after a two-hour motorbike police chase across South Auckland.

The 41-year-old man, who had two warrants for arrest, will appear in Manukau District Court today.

He is charged with dangerous driving and failing to stop, as well as several other charges, after he recklessly rode through reserves and walkways in South Auckland.

Police observed a motorbike travelling along Great South Rd, Takanini, with a lapsed licence dating back to 2019, at around 9.15pm yesterday.

Counties Manukau South area prevention inspector Matt Hoyes said officers attempted to stop the motorbike to inquire into the registration.

“The rider has failed to stop and instead performed a U-turn on Manuroa Rd and fled.

“The Police Eagle helicopter has quickly gained observations of the motorbike as it drove dangerously across South Auckland for nearly two hours.”

Hoyes said the rider drove through a number of reserves and walkways before getting stuck in wet grass in Sharland Park.

“He has then attempted to flee on foot before eventually giving up and being taken into custody.

“Other road users and members of the public should not expect to have their safety put at risk as it was last night.

“This is a good example of great police work from staff across Tāmaki Makaurau who brought this incident to a safe conclusion and held this person to account for their reckless actions.”