A councillor says bored Aucklanders are rubbernecking in hard-hit areas of the west coast after Cyclone Gabrielle caused widespread destruction.
Coastal communities in the west were hit hard by the cyclone with several roads closed and thousands still without power.
On the weekend the Auckland Council urged people to stay away from damaged areas while they recover.
But it seems not everyone got the message with councillor Ken Turner saying people have been regularly showing up on his street, which is closed, to have a look at the damage.
"Well, I live out at Huia and I live on [a road that is closed] and I am past the closed sign… and I was on the side of the road clearing trees yesterday and I suppose maybe not 100 but there were a lot of people," Turner told AM's Ryan Bridge on Monday.
He said while most had accidentally driven down the road, some had come out for a look because they didn't have anything better to do.
"Most of them turned around but there were a couple I had a chat with and a couple were just determined to go have a look.
"They are Aucklanders who don't have much else to do and decided to get out of town... most of them were pleasant enough people."
Turner said some people just aren't aware of all the road closures and got stuck on closed roads. But he urged people to take heed of road closures.
Muriwai was one of the areas hit hardest with huge landslips destroying homes and blocking roads. On Sunday Auckland Council asked people to stay away from the west coast beaches while repairs are carried out.
The Council said many people are still without power and urged people to stay away from Karekare, Piha, Te Henga Bethells and Muriwai unless they are residents.
"With the better weather this weekend, beachgoers may think it a good idea to head to the beaches out west to help relief efforts or for leisure. We urge the public to continue staying away from Karekare, Piha, Te Henga Bethells, and Muriwai this weekend and until further notice," said duty controller Adam Maggs.
Maggs said the areas are "off limits" to keep people safe and ensure emergency crews can access the communities.
"The cordons set up to manage access to these areas are to be strictly adhered to – please do not attempt to talk your way through a cordon, claiming to be a resident, or part of the emergency response. This behaviour puts unnecessary strain and pressure on communities that are already struggling to deal with their basic needs," Maggs said.
Cyclone Gabrielle battered the North Island early last week, completely isolating communities and destroying homes and crops.
So far 11 deaths are linked to the cyclone but officials warn this figure is likely to rise.
