Hundreds of New Zealanders in Italy have been caught up in the country's new nationwide lockdown.

Travel and public gatherings are restricted across the country, with authorities threatening to jail anyone who breaks the rules.

Many airlines are also preparing to stop flying in and out of Italy.

Annabella Garwood, a New Zealand journalist in Italy, told Kate Hawkesby the lockdown goes against Italy's way of life.

"Italians are really warm, social people. When they greet, they hug, they kiss. I think these restrictions could take a few days to sink in."

Garwood has spoken to a bakery owner today, who said sales haven't dropped off.

"Business is pretty steady because people here buy their bread everyday, although people are coming one at a time into the shop, rather than all queuing up."

She said many airlines are also preparing to stop flying in and out of Italy, leaving New Zealanders in Italy in an uncertain situation.

"In the next couple of days there's going to be a stop to those flights. Those people who maybe still can get out will be getting out."

Nicky Meo, another New Zealander in Italy, said authorities appear to be ramping up their enforcement of the lockdown.

She told Mike Hosking she now needs to carry a stamped permission slip every time they drive to work.

"They seem to be saying they'll do road checks, and if you're outside your zone you'll be fined or imprisoned, so they're making it quite clear they mean it."

Meo said most Italians are broadly supportive of the restrictions and are willing to put up with the inconvenience they cause.

"People are afraid, and they're saddened by it, and if you speak to elderly people, they're frightened by it. They want it to go away and they want it to stop."