Police have released new information regarding the case of a two-year-old girl who was discovered alive inside a suitcase beneath a bus earlier this week.

The toddler, originally from New Zealand, was found inside a suitcase stored in the luggage compartment of a bus traveling through Kaiwaka.

The bus was en route from Whangārei to Auckland.

During a scheduled stop shortly before, a passenger requested the driver to access the luggage area.

Upon opening the luggage compartment, the driver reportedly noticed movement inside one of the suitcases and decided to take a closer look.

The suitcase was promptly opened, revealing the child inside.

Detective Chief Simon Harrison, who later addressed the media, stated that the girl was 'very hot, but otherwise seemed physically unharmed'.

The toddler was found in a suitcase in the luggage compartment (Getty Stock Photo)

A significant development in the investigation occurred as a 27-year-old woman was arrested and charged with the ill-treatment or neglect of the child.

The woman was denied bail during her second appearance at the North Shore District Court on Monday (4 August).

She has also been referred to a mental health unit while in custody and has yet to enter a plea.

Reports indicate that the woman stood with her head bowed, facing the wall during her court appearance.

The relationship between the woman and the child remains unknown at this time.

The child was discovered underneath an InterCity bus (EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)

Following the discovery, the toddler was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where she stayed for medical evaluation throughout the day.

Entrada Travel Group, which operates New Zealand's national bus line InterCity, later confirmed to NBC that the child was found on one of its buses.

The travel group explained in an official statement: "Police were notified and are conducting an investigation into the incident.

"No injuries occurred during the event, and the service continued as normal."

The driver discovered the child when he saw the bag moving (Getty Stock Photo)

The bus line noted that children aged two can travel for free on a guardian's lap, while those over three require a discounted ticket.

In a statement, New Zealand Police added: "The driver became concerned upon noticing movement in the bag. Upon opening the suitcase, the two-year-old girl was found inside.

"The little girl was reported to be very hot but otherwise seemed physically unharmed. We would like to recognize and commend the bus driver for noticing something was amiss and taking swift action."