The Ports of Auckland backlog is now affecting the roads - and the next week will be a logistical challenge for the transport sector

A ship carrying over a thousand containers was diverted to Northport, to avoid the delays in Auckland.

But that means there'll be one truck every five minutes on the roads between Whangarei and Auckland for a week from tomorrow, as the goods are transported.

National Road Carriers chief executive David Aitken says the trucks typically travel within a 30 kilometre radius.

Now, they will be travelling 150 kilometres up to Northport and back again.

David Aitken says most truck will get one or two trips in, compared to their usual five.