Armed offenders were seen on Jessie St in the Wellington CBD on Tuesday afternoon.
A cordon was in place but was lifted just before 5pm and the street reopened.
Police are speaking to two men in relation to the incident, and no injuries have been reoprted.
Police could not confirm whether the incident was related to reports of a suspicious man in Wellington earlier on Tuesday.
At least eight officers were seen on Jessie St, some with rifles and heavy cutting equipment.
Dogs and handlers were also at the scene near the entrance to Ebor St.
When the cordon was in place, people in nearby buildings had been advised not to leave and to stay away from the windows.
Newshub.