Teen spotted joyriding on Auckland's main street, with police hotfooting it behind.

Police officers on foot have chased down a teenager who allegedly stole a forklift and drove it up Auckland's main street.

The forklift was taken from a construction yard in central Auckland on Thursday night before being driven the wrong way down Darby St, central Auckland, and onto Queen St where it was spotted by police and the driver instructed to stop.

"The driver failed to stop and officers gave chase on foot," a police spokeswoman said.

Craig Doolan and James Battson. Cruising down Auckland's main street.

"After seeing he was being chased the driver has swerved trying to hit the officers who have had to jump out of the way to avoid injury.

"The two chasing officers have then climbed into the cab of the forklift and removed the driver while a third officer has applied the brakes to stop the forklift and avoid a collision with a parked car."

The 17-year-old forklift driver was arrested at the scene and has been charged with burglary, unlawful taking, dangerous driving and two charges of aggravated assault.

Craig Doolan and James Battson A teenager went for a drive up Auckland's Queen St in a forklift he allegedly took from a construction site.

He was expected to appear in the Auckland District Court on Friday morning.