The New Zealand Defence Force's bomb disposal team has disposed of an inert hand grenade after it was discovered at a Wellington property this morning.

Police were called to a residential address in the suburb of Kilbirnie around 10.45am where "historical ordnance" was located.

"Police assessed the item and advised the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team from the New Zealand Defence Force," a spokesperson said.

The EOD team investigated and identified the item as an "inert hand grenade", which was removed and disposed of in a safe manner.

"Anyone who discovers a potentially dangerous item should always exercise caution until the item is deemed safe by an expert," a spokesperson said.

The EOD team was also called out in Canterbury on Tuesday following a report of "historic ordnance" discovered in a Waimate garage.