Covid 19 coronavirus: Traffic returns as Kiwis head to work

New Zealand's main centres are buzzing for the first time in almost five weeks.

About 400,000 people are returning to work today, as the country transitions to alert level 3.

Cars returned to Auckland's Southern Motorway, which has been mostly empty during five weeks of level 4 restrictions to eliminate the deadly coronavirus.

Timesaver Traffic's Rebecca Apolosi says it's clearly visible on Auckland roads.

"Overlooking Spaghetti Junction, I can see plenty of cars coming and going in all directions.

Increased traffic level at alert level 3, Auckland CBD. Photo / Michael Craig

"The Southern Motorway is the most active, heading south. Even then, no hold-ups to report.

"There's the usual trucks, buses and courier vehicles that have been operating as normal under alert level 4.

"However, there's plenty of tradie vans and utes whizzing past as well this morning."

There was noticeably more traffic on the main roads into Wellington city from the eastern suburbs, but traffic was still light and there remained a visible police presence.

Caffeine hunters were also spotted buying takeaway cups at open cafes in Oriental Bay.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says people should continue to work from home if they can, but businesses can reopen if they have safe-practice measures in place.

Construction resumes at alert level 3, workers wait for access to building site, Britomart. Photo / Michael Craig

Industries like construction, forestry and manufacturing can get back to work, but staff have to make sure they keep 1m between each other, record who they interact with, have good hygiene practices and make sure surfaces are disinfected.

Construction workers are injecting a little bit of life back into central Auckland.

One construction worker, who asked not to be named, said he's very glad the level 4 lockdown is finally over.

"I'm quite excited about it to be honest. It's been a long five weeks, so it would be good to get back into it and into finishing our project.

"We sort of made a plan last week on what we're going to do to get back to work. We've implemented that and we should hit the ground running today."