AUCKLAND - New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced the partial easing of coronavirus restrictions in the country's largest city, Auckland - but has warned that more cases could be on the way.

Auckland was put back into lockdown two weeks ago after a cluster of new cases emerged.

"The tail of this cluster will be long," Ardern said, adding that it was "highly likely" that more infections would emerge as further testing takes place.

As some restrictions are lifted from Sunday evening, social gatherings will now be allowed, but limited to 10 people.

"I cannot stress how important this is, much of this cluster has stemmed from social gathering, if we want to stop the spread we have to stop socialising for a time," she said.

She added that face coverings will be compulsory on public transport across the country.

"If you are in Auckland, I strongly encourage you to wear a mask, if you take public transport you must wear a mask."

New Zealand has registered just two new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, both linked to clusters in Auckland.(FA)