Police have carried out a motorcade training exercise in Christchurch on Thursday morning, leaving some locals wondering what was happening.

A police spokesperson told chrislynchmedia.com the exercise was part of formal motorcade training, led by the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC), to ensure officers are prepared to safely escort visiting internationally protected persons, government guests, and VIPs.

The training was scheduled outside peak traffic times to reduce disruption on the roads.

Police thanked motorists for their patience during the exercise, which is designed to maintain a high level of protection capability.