Anti-mandate protesters are gathering on Auckland's North Shore and at Victoria Park in the city ahead of a protest event which will see them attempt to march across the Harbour Bridge – potentially causing traffic chaos for motorists.

The protest – organised by Destiny Church's Freedom and Rights Coalition – starts at Onepoto Domain at 11am.

From there, protesters plan to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge. That includes many people saying they will march across the bridge, while others are posting on social media saying they will drive over it.

The protest event is set to end at Victoria Park, where organisers will outline what is next planned."

Police are on high alert ahead of the event. They warn they will "engage" with anyone who tries to cross it on foot.

"The safety of all road users, our police staff and the protesters is our priority and our focus will be around public safety and ensuring that the disruption to the public is kept to a minimum.

"There will be a significant police presence around this protest, and we will be actively engaging with those present to prevent them crossing the harbour bridge due to the significant safety risks posed for those involved and the wider public."

Yesterday, Waka Kotahi NZTA said there were no plans to close the Auckland Harbour Bridge, despite anti-mandate demonstrators flagging they planned to traverse the landmark structure on foot.

A spokesperson said the road agency had not been contacted by organisers of the demonstration and there were no plans to close the bridge to traffic.

The bridge spanning Auckland's central CBD and the North Shore was one of the busiest stretches of motorway in New Zealand and it would be hugely dangerous if people attempted to walk over it without proper precautions having been set up to keep vehicles and marchers separated, he said.