Brenton Harrison Tarrant, 28, is now believed to be being held at Paremoremo, the maximum security section of Auckland Prison.

"We worked closely with other agencies to securely transfer this prisoner into Corrections custody following his appearance in court in Christchurch," a Corrections spokeswoman confirmed on Sunday.

Tarrant had been held at the Justice and Emergency Services Precinct in Christchurch, a compound encompassing the police station and courts.

The New Zealand Herald reported that Tarrant had been flown to Auckland by the NZ Defence Force.

Conditions are strict for the man accused of gunning down 50 people at Masjid al Noor and Linwood Masjid during Friday prayers a week ago.

He is charged with one count of murder, though more charges are expected to be laid when he returns to court.

"The individual is segregated from other prisoners and able to be observed 24 hours a day, either directly by staff and/or via CCTV camera," the spokeswoman said.

"At this time he has no access to television, radio or newspapers and no approved visitors."

It's not clear where Tarrant's next court appearance, scheduled for April 5, will be held.

Australian Associated Press