A teenager has been arrested for pointing lasers at aircraft flying above Auckland - he was caught while "lasering" police officers searching for him.

Counties Manukau police spokesman Detective Inspector Dave Lynch said the 18-year-old was arrested after pointing the laser at three separate aircraft as they came in to land at Auckland Airport yesterday - temporarily blinding air crew.

He then pointed the laser at the police Eagle helicopter which had been sent out to find where the laser light was coming from.

Staff on the helicopter also suffered "flash blindness" as a result, Lynch said.

The teen faces four charges of endangering transport - three relating to private aircraft and the fourth to the helicopter incident.

Each charge carries a term of 14 years imprisonment.

"The actions as alleged are treated very seriously by police," he said.

"People may think the act of pointing a laser at an aircraft is a bit of a joke, however the pilots involved were all affected by the laser which has potential to endanger the aircraft, especially on a landing approach."

Police said the arrest should be a warning for anyone who had done this in the past or who considered doing it in the future.

"They will become subject to immediate investigation and face very serious charges when caught."

Police encourage individuals who may witness this type of offending to all police immediately on 09 261 1300 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.