Two drivers are in hospital with serious injuries after a wrong-way crash on the Northern Motorway near Wainui early this morning.

Around 6.20am, a stolen Toyota Aqua—being tracked by the Police Eagle helicopter—entered the motorway from the Wainui off-ramp, driving against traffic for about 50 metres before colliding head-on with another car.

“The car travelled roughly 50 metres before it collided with an unsuspecting member of the public, who’s effectively had no time to react,” said Inspector Danny Meade.

The vehicle had been stolen overnight from Constellation Drive and was first spotted in Westgate around 5.35am.

After failing to stop near Oteha Valley Road, the driver fled at speed.

Police did not pursue, but Eagle kept watch as the vehicle moved through Wainui.

While police on the ground prepared to deploy spike strips, the driver unexpectedly turned onto the motorway in the wrong direction.

“It is incredible that nobody died,” said Inspector Meade.

The motorway was closed for two hours while the Serious Crash Unit examined the scene.

It reopened just after 8.15am.

An investigation is ongoing, and charges are being considered against the youth allegedly behind the wheel.

For Coasties commuting south from Wainui and Ōrewa, the incident caused early morning disruption—and served as a chilling reminder of how quickly danger can unfold on familiar roads.

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