Vaccinated Australians, from next month, will be able to travel to New Zealand without quarantining.
Today, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern revealed that vaccinated Aussies will be able to visit the Land of the Long White Cloud from April 12, three months sooner than expected.
The original ban was set in place until July, but Ms Ardern also revealed that visitors from other countries that New Zealand has visa wavier arrangement with, will be able to travel to New Zealand from May 1.
Ms Ardern said: “Closing the border was one of the first actions we took against COVID-199 more than two years ago.
Its reopening will spur our recovery throughout the remainder of the year. We said the dates could change in response to your own Omicron wave…that is now the situation we find ourselves in. We are ready to welcome the world back, New Zealand will be ready with open arms.”
This means Australians will be able to travel to New Zealand for the Australian school holidays, likely providing a significant boost to New Zealand’s ski season.
Ms Ardern further explained the new rules.
“While we have removed all travel isolation so that tourists will be able to experience the sights and sounds immediately, they will be required to have a pre-departure test.”
While COVID is still significant in New Zealand with a seven-day rolling average of 19,226 cases, New Zealand has maintained an extremely low death rate of only 115 deaths since the pandemic began. 95% of those aged 12 and older are fully vaccinated and 72% have had a booster shot.
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash said: “We are ready to roll out the green and gold carpet to our Australian neighbours, and in time for the school holidays.
We have missed you.”
Explore more: newzealand.com
