Sylvia Park shopping centre overwhelmed by crowds

Traffic queueing at the Mt Wellington shopping centre today. Picture / Greg Bowker

Police closed access to the new Sylvia Park shopping centre in Auckland for a time today due to congestion in the area.

The Warehouse Extra hypermarket-style store opened at the Mt Wellington site today.

Inspector Matt Sillars later said police had put in place controlled access into the shopping centre and were "continuing to do everything possible to improve the traffic situation".

The Southern Motorway was now open.

Mr Sellars said police requested members of the public avoided adding to the congestion by not visiting the area unless necessary.

Transit earlier said a large queue formed at the Mount Wellington offramp on the Southern Motorway.

Acting regional manager Peter Spies says they were anticipating extra traffic on the opening day, but nothing like this.

He said the carparks at Sylvia Park were all full and people should avoid the area.

Motorists heading from the central city to east Auckland should go via the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway.

People heading south of Mount Wellington should use Great South Road.

- HERALD ONLINE STAFF, NEWSTALK ZB