A motorist is in hospital with serious injuries after being shot in the face while travelling on an Auckland motorway.

Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

Police said a woman was travelling east on SH16, under the Royal Road overbridge, when a bullet from high powered rifle went through her windscreen and struck her in the face.

She has serious injuries and is in a stable condition at Auckland City Hospital.

Police said they don't believe the vehicle was specifically targeted.

They also want to hear from anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour in the area.