Smell of smoke in Air NZ plane cabin triggers emergency reponse at Christchurch Airport

A report that the cabin of an Air New Zealand plane smelt of smoke triggered an emergency response at Christchurch Airport on Saturday afternoon.

Air NZ chief operations officer - Ground and Inflight - Katie Boyer says Flight NZ630 from Queenstown to Auckland was diverted to Christchurch.

"The aircraft landed safely, and as per standard operating procedures emergency services met the aircraft.

"Passengers disembarked as normal and we'd like to thank them for their understanding and patience as we work to get them to their destination as quickly as possible."

Boyer said engineers will assess the plane.

The plane took off at 2.15pm and had been due to land in Auckland after 4pm. It landed in Christchurch about 3.30pm.

Several fire trucks could be seen on the runway at Christchurch Airport, with police also in attendance.

Earlier, a fire truck approached the plane and appeared to conduct a visual inspection, before the aircraft continued to taxi to the gate. Several police cars were waiting on the tarmac.