Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has lifted all restrictions across the country except in coronavirus hotspot Auckland as the number of new infections continue to slow down.

Some restrictions were also eased in Auckland to allow gatherings of up to 100 people, but the country’s biggest city needed more time before all curbs could be lifted, Ms Ardern said.

“Our actions collectively have managed to get the virus under control,” she told reporters in Auckland on Monday.

“This was the centre of the outbreak and that’s why that caution is needed here.”