New Zealand reopens borders: How new travel rules will work

New Zealand is reopening its borders to Aussie travellers, but it comes with conditions. Here’s what you need to know.

It’s the news Aussies and expats have been waiting for — New Zealand is set to reopen its borders to fully vaccinated Australians in April.

Speaking after New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the new travel rules, Air New Zealand’s CEO said the past two yeas had been “extremely turbulent for people”.

“It’s also been incredibly hard for our tourism operators around the country. Today’s announcement will help them get back to what they do best – welcoming international visitors to Aotearoa,” Greg Foran said.

An Air New Zealand plane at Sydney Airport. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

“Flights across the Tasman have been particularly popular, especially over the Easter period where we have added over 90 flights to keep up with demand over that period.

“Pre-Covid-19, Australia was the largest tourism market for both our airline and New Zealand. We know a lot of tourism operators have been missing international visitors so we’re looking forward to playing our role in New Zealand’s recovery.”

In a jobs boost, Air New Zealand has rehired about 700 flight attendants and pilots with more opportunities on the horizon over the next six months when international passenger flying starts to increase.

Here’s what you need to know about the reopening of New Zealand’s borders.

NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been under pressure over her harsh border measures. Picture: Getty Images

WHEN WILL NZ REOPEN ITS BORDERS?

The government will reopen the New Zealand border to vaccinated Australian tourists from 11.59pm on April 12 (9.59pm on April 12 AEDT).

Tourists from visa-waiver countries like the US and UK will be able to arrive from 11.59pm on May 1.

The wider opening to the rest of the world is also likely to be brought forward from October.

WILL THE BORDERS BE OPEN IN TIME FOR THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS?

The opening to Australia aligns with school holidays in many Australian states.

“Reopening in time for the upcoming Australian school holidays will help spur our economic recovery in the short term and is good news for the winter ski season,” New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

The reopening of the borders will come in time for ski season at resorts including popular Queenstown.

WHY HAS IT TAKEN SO LONG?

New Zealand has had several plans for opening its border delayed or changed in the last year, as first Delta and then the Omicron variant shifted the Ardern Government’s thinking. The New Zealand government has been under pressure to open the border more fully in recent months.

WHAT DO AUSSIES NEED TO KNOW?

Australian passengers will need to show their International Covid-19 Vaccine Certificate to board an Air New Zealand or Qantas international flight.

Proof of vaccination will need to be shown at the airports.

The New Zealand government requires proof of a negative RAT, LAMP or PCR test before departure.

All passengers will be required to fill out the New Zealand Travel Declaration before departure.

Visitors from visa-waiver countries will need to hold a NZeTA before they travel.

Air New Zealand is asking passengers to allow three hours for the airport check-in process and the verification of all travel documents.

Passengers will need to be fully vaccinated and have a negative Covid-19 test.

WHAT ABOUT DEPARTING NZ?

Aussies departing New Zealand will need to show their Covid-19 International Vaccine Certificate to board an Air New Zealand or Qantas international flight.

Different countries have varying entry requirements (pre-departure testing and travel declarations) so check these before getting to the airport.

Again, allow three hours for the lengthy airport check-in process.

Originally published as New Zealand reopens borders: How new travel rules will work