A motorcylist who was pulled over during a routine traffic stop in Papatoetoe on Thursday then jumped off her bike before stealing a police car.

Acting Counties Manukau District Commander Inspector Jared Pirret said about 10:15am, officers pulled the woman over on Dennis Rd.

But when an officer approached her, she got off her bike before getting into the empty police car, locking it and driving away.

Insp Pirret said an armed response team and the Eagle Helicopter conducted an extensive search. The police vehicle was then located abandoned on Hamilton Rd about 12:35pm.

The alleged offender, a 31-year-old woman, was then found at an address on Tui Rd about 1:05pm.

The woman is likely to face a number of charges including unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

"An investigation into the circumstances of the incident will be undertaken."

Insp Pirret said the Independent Police Conduct Authority has been notified.

"This is a concerning incident involving an offender who has taken extremely reckless measures to avoid being detained.

"I would like to commend the work of officers who acted to find and apprehend her and retrieve the stolen police car.

"An investigation into the circumstances of the incident will be undertaken."