Expensive sports car stolen and ditched in South Auckland, police helicopter searching for runaway driver

Police are hunting for the person who stole an expensive sports car and ditched it in South Auckland.

A stolen Audi R8 was found by police at Southgate Shopping Centre on Walters Rd in Takanini just after 10am.

The car had been stolen on Tuesday night from Hobson St in central Auckland.

A police spokeswoman said the driver has fled the scene, and the police and Eagle helicopter have been searching but are yet to find the suspect.

A 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus will set you back $355,900 according to Audi's New Zealand price list.