A fire at a Hamilton hostel meant 47 tourists were stranded on a street, leaving Police with a mission to find them beds for the night.
Police said in a statement staff tried to find accommodation late on Monday night but were running out of options.
"[The tourists were] standing on the footpath with nowhere to go at midnight while the fire was being put out and they could not return," Senior Sergeant Chris McRae said.
He said damage at the hostel meant it looked like it could be shut for some time.
McRae called Kirikiriroa Māori Wardens head, Gloria Dornan, who contacted Hui Te Rangiora Marae.
The caretaker at the marae, Dennis Rangi, was woken up just after midnight.
He opened up the marae meeting house to provide a safe, comfortable space for the tourists to sleep, police said.
Meanwhile, Police staff transported the tourists to the marae, which was set up with mattresses, bedding and a hot cup of tea.
Snr Sgt McRae said Police are proud of helping with the response, working with partners, and achieving their purpose to ensure everybody "can be safe and feel safe."
"Without Dennis and Gloria, we would still be looking for a place for the tourists to sleep," he said.
Police staff stopped off at the marae on Tuesday morning to ensure all was well, with koha to thank Rangi for his help and for use of the marae.
Police and FENZ have said the fire was not suspicious.
