Christchurch roundabout rabbits may be culled or caught

One of up to 20 living on the Anzac Drive roundabouts. A large passing truck shows the safety concerns many people have for those wishing to cross the busy intersection to see the rabbits.

Rabbits on the Anzac Drive, New Brighton and Travis Rds roundabouts could be culled or caught and released elsewhere.

The New Zealand Transport Agency is yet to make a decision on their future.

However, an NZTA spokeswoman said the highway maintenance team is putting in place a rabbit control operation over the coming weeks.

"In the meantime, we encourage people to take their safety responsibilities and that of the other drivers on this busy road seriously and concentrate on the road and safe driving," she said.

"People should not be venturing on to the traffic island for their own safety and the safety of other drivers."

About 20 black rabbits have been spotted at the busy roundabouts.

Some motorists posted their concerns on the People's Independent Republic of New Brighton Facebook page about people wanting to view the rabbits.

The concerns raised were about motorists driving slowly to look at them and others parking up and crossing the road with children to get to the roundabouts.

Transport for Christchurch posted a video on its Facebook page of the rabbits with a safety message.

"It is not a good idea to take (children) across the road onto the roundabout," the post said.

"We all know how unpredictable young children can be when over-excited, this could also endanger the rabbits and scare them into running on to the road. This is a state highway and heavily used by large trucks."