Police have praised Aucklanders for their compliance as the city scrambled to prepare for alert level 3 lockdown.
Following four confirmed COVID-19 cases without a link to overseas travel, Auckland has been shut down so the cases can be investigated and contact-traced.
As part of the lockdown, police set up nine checkpoints around the city and stopped every single car which passed. Anyone who did not have a valid reason for travelling was turned away.
In a statement on Wednesday night, police said they were pleased with how people reacted.
"People are generally being compliant and are heeding the restrictions that have been put in place to prevent a re-emergence of COVID-19 in the community," said a spokesperson.
"Police would like to thank motorists for their patience and cooperation."
The nine checkpoints will remain in place on Thursday, and police say congestion is expected to ease as Aucklanders stay at home to prevent the spread of the virus.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Tuesday night the level 3 lockdown would last until Friday night, however this could be extended. The rest of the country is currently at alert level 2.
At level 3 all non-essential travel is banned, schools are closed except for the children of essential workers and cafes can only open for takeaways.
