Protesters led by Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki have been blocked from entering the motorway by police, before retreating as part of an anti-immigration rally in Auckland's Victoria Park.
Waitematā District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan said the Destiny Church-affiliated Freedom and Rights Coalition protesters had moved from the central city park to the cordon where they met a visible police presence at the Fanshawe St on- and off-ramps.
"A majority of this group have now moved away back towards Victoria Park."
A temporary stoppage of all southbound traffic on State Highway 1 had been in place from the Onewa Rd off-ramp to allow additional police resources to move into the Auckland CBD, she said, adding the road closures and police cordon were a "precautionary measure".
"Our focus is to ensure there is no unlawful access to the motorway network."
The protest had originally intended to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge, but NZTA denied a permit in December as the traffic management plan did not meet "strict criteria".
Police previously warned they would run a large-scale operation to prevent the protest from crossing the Harbour Bridge.
The group had been "clearly advised" that access would not be allowed, Hassan said, and officers would be "well placed" to respond to any attempts.
"Anyone attempting this will be subject to enforcement action, and we strongly urge anyone considering taking part to think about their actions."
Police reiterated that people have the right to protest, provided it is peaceful and lawful.
A separate rally was planned at Te Komititanga Square from around midday, followed by a hīkoi up Queen St to Myers Park.
Inspector Jacqui Whittaker said numbers were expected to swell from mid-morning, with participants dispersing from Myers Park in the afternoon.
"Police will be monitoring the hīkoi as it progresses up Queen St, and our focus is on ensuring this is completed safely."
She asked the public to remain patient around the central city.
Auckland Transport said the Onewa southbound off-ramp was closed at about 9.30am due to protest activity.
Bus routes 95B, 95C, 97B and 923 are detouring via Lake Rd, College Rd and Akoranga Dr, with further "significant" detours expected throughout the day.
Hassan advised people travelling near Victoria Park, the city centre, and Ponsonby to prepare for delays.
Waka Kotahi NZTA also warned that protest activity was likely to cause "significant disruption" across the state highway network and urged motorists to allow extra time, be prepared for detours and check traffic updates.
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