It is one of three unmarked Toyota land cruisers to be delivered to police around New Zealand this month at a cost of $1.23 million. The other two will be based in Auckland and Wellington.
They will provide specialist protection for police during some incidents, particularly call-outs involving firearms.
But police said the land cruisers will not be used for patrols.
It comes as police run the armed response team trial.
Each team includes three armed offenders squad members. They patrol parts of New Zealand - including Canterbury - in a trial project to address the heightened security concerns after the mass shooting in Christchurch on March 15.
The teams already use specialist vehicles equipped with tactical options, and focus on responding to significant events, executing high-risk search warrants and prevention activities.
"These vehicles provide protection for staff in the same way their ballistic body armour does and will enable them to safely carry out their jobs, keeping themselves and the public safe," a police spokesman said.
The vehicles will be used at incidents which may require an extra level of protection, he said.
The vehicles do not carry arms, but officers in the vehicles will be armed.
The budget for the three vehicles, training, and ongoing maintenance is $1.23 million.
The vehicles can be deployed across New Zealand as required.
The Police Association has also revealed it will investigate the suitability of body and/or vehicle cameras for all frontline staff.
