Emergency services attend the scene of a crash on the Waikato Expressway. Photo / SuppliedA motorist heading north said traffic was queued for several kilometres.
The closure could affect the travel plans of rugby fans heading to FMG Stadium in Hamilton to watch the All Blacks take on Tonga at 2.35pm.
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A small detour had been put in place, the NZ Transport Agency said, but advised motorists they would face delays, which were expected to grow.
Southbound traffic would take the Hampton Downs off-ramp before using the on-ramp to rejoin SH1, the agency said.
Police asked motorists to delay their travel or avoid the area if possible.
NZTA warns the road is blocked and motorists should delay their journey. Photo / NZTAMeanwhile, one person has been injured in a two-car crash in Waipukurau, Hawke's Bay.
A bystander said a person had been "hanging out the window" at the time of the crash and "gone flying".
Elsewhere, a burning vehicle sent plumes of white smoke into the air aon SH1 at Takanini.
Right southbound lanes were blocked for a time, but NZTA reports all lanes are now open.
Motorists through the area can expect delays from Manukau to Takanini.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said the blaze was extinguished quickly by crews.
Motorists heading north on the Southern Motorway faced delays this morning after a crash near Ellerslie.
A police spokeswoman said officers arrived about 10.30am after reports of someone with moderate injuries.
The three-car nose-to-tail blocked the Green Lane East off-ramp northbound, NZTA reported.
Motorists travelling north could expect to face delays and were asked by the agency to pass the scene with care.
No detour was given on the agency's website.
