By Lucy Craymer

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on Friday said he was back on the election campaign trail, after he tested negative for COVID-19 earlier in the day.

New Zealand is just a week out from the Oct. 14 general election, which the ruling Labour party is unlikely to win. Labour faced a new challenge on Sunday when Hipkins tested positive for COVID and had to work remotely while isolating.

Hipkins told TVNZ's 1News on Friday he was feeling good.

"I'm always chipper, even when I'm not," he said.

"But I'm very much looking forward to getting back on the campaign trail."

The government removed its last COVID restrictions in August, but health authorities still recommend people stay home for five days if feeling unwell or if they test positive.

(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Tom Hogue)