Earlier this week, the city council said it would resume parking enforcement from Thursday, May 14, under alert level 2.
But it now plans to waive central city parking fees until at least May 28.
Motorists using on-street parking meter pay-by-plate car parks or the Lichfield St and Christchurch Art Gallery parking buildings do not need to pay.
But anyone parking in time-restricted, on-street parking spaces will need to adhere to the time limit or face a ticket. Time restrictions on pay-by-plate spaces will also be enforced.
Enforcing time limits ensures that parking in the central city turns over, which supports businesses, a city council spokesperson said.
City councillors will decide on a date to re-start parking charges when they meet on May 28.
