Documents sourced by RNZ show that government ministers pressed for a dedicated MIQ facility to accommodate international sports teams.
Officials were told by Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins and Sports Minister Grant Robertson to check out locations in Queenstown, Rotorua and Wellington.
Each time, the ministers were told it was too costly, largely impractical and risked a public backlash.
Reporter Katie Todd has been looking into the story.
