Police received reports a man was intimidating traffic staff on the Southern motorway just after midnight.
The Eagle helicopter followed a suspect driving at high-speed to Auckland Airport, before they crashed into a tarmac security gate.
He allegedly ditched the car and threatened Police with the knife before being tasered and arrested, with an officer hit in the face.
The 46-year-old has appeared in Manukau District Court, facing a list of offences.
He'll next appear on August 17.
