Her Covid-19 infection comes as a big week in Parliament gets under way.
Ardern was not well enough to chair Cabinet remotely on Monday or to deliver her speech virtually during the lockup for Monday's pre-Budget release of the landmark Emissions Reduction Plan.
A spokesman said Ardern's participation in events this week - including the Budget - would depend on whether she was well enough each day.
Last week while Ardern was isolating but before she tested positive for Covid-19 she chaired Cabinet remotely and took part in Parliament's proceedings.
Ardern had been symptomatic since Friday.
"Despite best efforts, unfortunately, I've joined the rest of my family and have tested positive for Covid-19," she said.
The Prime Minister will be required to isolate until the morning of Saturday, May 21.
Travel arrangements for her trade mission to the United States are unaffected at this stage.