Detective inspector Simon Harrison said the woman had been charged with ill-treatment and neglect of a child.

Police were called to a bus depot in Kaiwaka – 100km north of Auckland – after the bus driver became concerned about a bag moving during a scheduled stop.

“When the driver opened the suitcase, they discovered the two-year-old girl,” Harrison said.

“The little girl was reported to be very hot, but otherwise appeared physically unharmed.”

The luggage had been stored beneath the bus passengers, in a separate compartment.

Harrison said the girl is in hospital undergoing an extensive medical assessment.

A 27-year-old woman was arrested.

Harrison said the driver prevented “what could have been a far worse outcome”.

He said further charges are possible.

New Zealand’s minister for children, Oranga Tamariki, had been notified.