A large climate protest in Wellington has closed off all access to MBIE's Stout Street building

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment says staff should work from home or from another ministry office today if possible.

Dozens of activists with the international group Extinction Rebellion are intermittently blocking Lambton Quay and Whitmore Streets as part of rallies planned for 60 capital cities around the world.

Buses are also being diverted through through Whitmore Street, along the waterfront then re-joining Courtenay Place through Taranaki Street.

People are being urged to avoid the area.