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After months in lockdown because of coronavirus, New Zealand racing is set to return earlier than planned.

The resumption of racing in New Zealand has been brought forward after trainers indicated they will have horses ready to race earlier than anticipated.

A race meeting at Pukekohe on June 20 has been announced by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing as the new start date, two weeks earlier than intended.

Racing in New Zealand has been in lockdown due to coronavirus since March 24 and the first meeting back will be held with owners on course.

"We are delighted we can resume earlier than originally expected," NZTR chief executive Bernard Saundry said.

"Our first race meetings since lockdown will be held with owners being able to attend and, with the expectation that the country may soon move to level one, it might be that full crowds will be able to be on course from the outset."

The new start date came after feedback from trainers they had horses ready to return to racing earlier than anticipated.

Racing was to kick off at Riccarton on July 3. That meeting has been brought forward to June 27.