New Zealand's decision to open a two-way trans-Tasman travel bubble was a step towards "international normality", the Morrison government said, but it risked coming too late for Australian tourist operators to benefit from an influx of Kiwis for the summer holidays.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Monday that travellers from Australia would be allowed to enter New Zealand without having to quarantine before the end of March 2021 but the start date will not be known until some time in the new year.