"We have been advised by health officials that while there are still a range of unknowns in the way the virus is being transmitted, we should take a precautionary approach and temporarily stop travel into New Zealand from mainland China, and of people who have recently been in China," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement.

"It is critically important that we both protect New Zealanders from the virus and play our part in the global effort to contain it."

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters stressed this is not a decision that has been taken lightly.

"Ultimately, this is a public health decision. The outbreak has been well-managed by China, and these temporary measures are to reinforce work being done to try and reduce human to human transmission," he said.

"New Zealand has not had a confirmed case of the virus and the risk of outbreak is low and we want to keep it that way. The health and safety of New Zealanders is our main priority.

"I have been in close contact with my Chinese counterpart on New Zealand's decision and have conveyed New Zealand's willingness to assist with China's efforts to control and defeat the virus."