In an effort to contain the spread of Covid-19, New Zealand has officially gone into lockdown. With people instructed to stay at home, streets, parks, playgrounds and roads have rarely been so empty. Here, we present a selection of the best images (Note: All photos were taken while practising physical distancing)

• For the must-know rules around the lockdown, click here. 
• For a list of essential services, click here.
• For other lockdown-related questions, click here. 

Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images

Auckland’s usually bustling Queen Street has effectively been shut down – March 26

Photo: Ollie Wall

Auckland’s motorways heading to and from the CBD, now empty – March 26

Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Wellingtonians going for a (physically distant) stroll along the waterfront – March 26

Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images

A playground in Auckland cordoned off from use – March 26

Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images

“This facility is temporarily closed” – March 26

Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images

A solitary cyclist against the backdrop of Auckland’s skyline – March 26

Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images

A solitary runner along a jetty on Auckland’s Tamaki Drive – March 26

Photo: @Colin_R_Gale via Twitter

The new 8am rush hour on Dunedin’s southern motorway – March 26

Photo by Bradley White/Getty Images

Queues to enter a supermarket in Auckland’s CBD – March 26

Photo: Ollie Wall

Empty roads in Ponsonby, Auckland – March 26

Photo: Sanka Vidanagama/NurPhoto

Police officers walking (quite closely) through an empty street in Christchurch – March 26

Photo: Marty Melville/AFP

Auckland’s deserted State Highway One – March 26

Photo by Bradley White/Getty Images

A motorway which goes over Auckland’s Victoria Park is deserted on day one of the mandated lockdown – March 26

Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images

A sign blocking access at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch – March 26

Photo: Tara Ward

Empty roads and streets in New Plymouth – March 26

Photo: Bradley White/Getty Images

Campervans lined up at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds for those returning from overseas with nowhere to self-isolate – March 27

Photo: Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images

Inspired by the children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, teddy bears and other soft toys have been popping up in windows to give children something to look forward to on their neighbourhood walks during the lockdown. This one is from Christchurch – March 29