Tamaki Drive open after king tide flood

Both lanes on Auckland's Tamaki Drive have reopened following a king tide that caused significant surface flooding along the waterfront route.

Police had urged motorists not to use the road tonight because of a risk of flooding when the king tide was due to peak at 8.45pm.

They urged motorists to avoid the area altogether or take alternative routes.

The floodwater on Tamaki Drive. Photo / Chris Loufte

A Herald photographer saw significant surface flooding but it did not prevent vehicles from passing through.

He said roading authorities were monitoring the situation.

A police spokeswoman said one lane was briefly closed but had since reopened and there had been no crashes reported as a result of the flooding.

A Fire Service spokesman said they, too, hadn't had any calls relating to the flooding.

King tides are especially high tides that occur when a new or full moon coincides with the time that it is at its closest to Earth.

Tamaki Drive. Photo / Chris Loufte