A daring overnight operation brought a dangerous driver to justice after a high-speed joyride through Wellsford.

Coasties can breathe a sigh of relief as the 39-year-old man, who recklessly drove with stolen plates, faces court today.

At approximately 4:15 am, police received reports of a vehicle speeding down State Highway One, sparking a swift response from the Police Eagle helicopter.

The chopper tracked the driver, who accelerated rapidly and drove erratically, prompting concerns for public safety.

Senior Sergeant Roger Small praised the coordinated effort, saying, "Eagle observed the vehicle's dangerous manoeuvres, and spikes were successfully deployed near Greville Road."

The driver continued driving in the wrong direction on the motorway, narrowly avoiding several oncoming vehicles, before eventually stopping and being taken into custody without incident.

The driver faces multiple charges, including reckless driving, failing to stop, and unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle.

Waitematā North Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Roger Small, emphasised the potential risks, stating, "These reckless actions had the potential to cause a serious crash and put other road users at risk."