Lockdown protesters gather in Wellington to march to the NZ Parliament

Thousands of protesters have brought Wellington's CBD to a standstill as they march to the NZ Parliament in a challenge to COVID restrictions.

The NZ Herald reports that a group of around 100 motorbikes has now arrived at Parliament, followed by protesters shouting "freedom now!"

Those in the crowds include young and old, and a diverse mix of ethnicities. Protest signs range from anti-vaccine to "Trump 2020", alongside tino rangatiratanga and United Tribes flags.

[Protesters gather at Te Ngākau Civic Square in Wellington on Tuesday morning. Photo: KEVIN STENT/STUFF]

The Freedoms and Rights Coalition are marching to Parliament this morning to present their demands, which include an end to COVID restrictions and vaccine mandates.

Parliament's Speaker Trevor Mallard said security had never been as tight as it was today.

He said the Parliament grounds are crawling with police and security and they have blocked off all entrances apart from one.

National Party leader Judith Collins also said she had never seen so much security, but hoped the protests would be peaceful.

Parliament's main entrances are all locked down and some protestors have set up ahead of the main march arriving.

[Protesters led by motorcyclists on Willis Street make their way through Wellington. Photo: KEVIN STENT/STUFF]

A contingent of police are also on the grounds, but are so far keeping a low profile.

[Source: NZ Herald]