A video of Christchurch Police escorting a duck and its ducklings across a busy intersection has become an instant hit on social media.

Detective Sergeant Mike Freeman said he and two other officers from the Canterbury Police family violence team were returning to Christchurch Central Police station from a meeting near Christchurch Hospital at about noon on Monday when the rescue took place.

They first provided protection for the duck family as it crossed the road near the hospital.

JOHN HAWKINS A video of a duck and its ducklings getting a police escort to cross a busy intersection in Christchurch has been a social media hit.

As they continued towards the station, the ducks began walking with them, along Antigua St towards the St Asaph St intersection.

When the ducks decided to cross the road to get to a large puddle on the other side, the officers stepped in, while Freeman caught the good deed on video.

"The intersections were busy so in order to avoid the duck and ducklings getting hurt and prevent any road related incidents caused by drivers trying to avoid them the officers took action to stop the cars and ensure they reached their watering hole safely," he said.

The video was posted on Canterbury Police Facebook page on Tuesday afternoon.