Show's a traffic-stopper

French visitor Matthieu Boullie provided some entertainment for motorists waiting at the traffic lights in Whangarei yesterday. Photo / John Stone

Travelling Frenchman Matthieu Boullie has employed a bit of a Kiwi can do attitude and delighted motorists in central Whangarei by busking in bumper-to-bumper commuter traffic with a glass ball.

The talented 27-year-old showed off his skills while motorists were stopped at the traffic lights at an intersection on Hatea Dr about 8.15am yesterday.

The glass ball whizzed around in the hands of Mr Boullie and then rolled up his arms.

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The ball then appeared to dance in his fingers above his head before slaloming down his arms.

On finishing his 40-second routine he tipped his well worn black top hat and then approached motorists for a tip.

Drivers applauded, gave the thumbs up and there were numerous toots of appreciation for the short but impressive performance.

It seemed motorists were keen to reward the international traveller and his 60 minutes of work generated enough funds to pay for his accommodation and expenses for the day in Whangarei.

However, police in Auckland were not so impressed and forced Mr Boullie off the road back on to the footpath when he did his tricks there.

"They told me I couldn't do it, that I was disturbing the people and could cause an accident."

Mr Boullie, who comes from a village near Marseille, said he worked in a circus in France as a clown, juggler and magician. He was backpacking around the world had arrived in New Zealand in January.

While in Queenstown he performed some shows, which proved to be lucrative, and now he had ventured north. Mr Boullie said he was headed for Paihia before flying to Australia on Sunday.