Australia and New Zealand ease restrictions, people flock to beaches and cafes

Dozens of eager surfers jumped railings and hit the water even before the beach officially opened at 7:00 am, five weeks after police sealed the area off because of large crowds ignoring social distancing orders.

More ruly swimmers and boarders lined up patiently and cheered as council workers moved fences aside to allow them through.

The re-opening of Bondi and a couple of neighbouring beaches came as several of Australia's states began slowly easing restrictions on public gatherings, spurred by a slowing of confirmed coronavirus cases around the country.

Although there were large numbers in the sea, the sand remained largely empty as people are still barred from sunbathing or gathering on the shore.

"Surf and go" signs urged people to move on when they had finished in the water.

Despite the early fence-hoppers, most people at Bondi Beach appeared to be embracing the added freedoms while sticking to distancing guidelines.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said the nation had won the battle against "widespread, undetected community transmission".

New Zealanders indulged in fast food and coffee-shop treats for the first time in five weeks as the country eased its strict lockdown that banned any form of takeaway.

New Zealand is set to ease restrictions from "level four" to "level three" -- that goes into effect at the start of Tuesday. It will allow businesses to partially reopen with some restrictions, including requiring physical distancing of two meters outside of home.