A carload of teens has driven the wrong way down Auckland's motorway, only stopping after they crashed into a police dog ute and a truck.

Photo: NZTA

Police say they tried to stop the stolen car near Pukekohe shortly after 10am this morning.

But after police abandoned the pursuit over safety fears, the driver headed the wrong way down the southern motorway, reaching speeds of more than 100km/h.

The car - which was being tracked by the Eagle helicopter, then left the motorway at Ramarama before exiting and getting on the right side, heading north.

When the driver realised there was heavy traffic, they did a u-turn and crashed into a police vehicle that was trying to find the car.

After turning back the right way, the car crashed into a truck.

A member of the public then helped the police dog unit hold the driver and two passengers of the vehicle.

Two girls, aged 18 and 12, and a 15-year-old boy are in police custody.

Police said it was lucky no one was injured in the incident.

Counties Manukau South Area Commander Dave Glossop says this was an absolutely terrifying incident for all motorists who will have witnessed this vehicle.

"We have said this multiple times, but this type of behaviour has to stop as it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed.

"Hundreds of members of the public going about their daily business were put in immense danger and it is simply unacceptable."