Car hits livestock on South Auckland road: 'There are dead cows everywhere'

Around six cows were killed early this morning in a traffic accident in Karaka. Photo/Duncan Brown

A driver who ploughed into a rogue herd of cows early this morning escaped unhurt, but six cows died - including two that had to be put down by police.

The accident happened around 12.20am on Karaka Rd in Pukekohe, about 300m south of the Pukekohe Golf Club, according to a police spokeswoman.

The driver encountered some 20 cows that had escaped into the road, hitting at least six of them, she said.

The ensuing carnage blocked both sides of the road.

The driver - the only occupant of the car - was uninjured.

They called emergency services, telling them there were "dead cows everywhere".

Waiuku police and a fire crew from Pukekohe took more than an hour to clear the road of cows.

A cordon was put in place between State Highway 22 and Glenbrook Rd while the road was cleared.

It is not known if the owner of the herd has been notified or whether they face charges.