Fully vaccinated Australians will be able to enter New Zealand without completing 14 days of quarantine from January 16.
The border will open in three steps, with travellers required to return a negative pre-departure test, provide proof of being fully vaccinated, conduct a test on arrival, complete seven days of home isolation and return a final negative test before entering the community.
Double-dosed New Zealanders and eligible travellers from all other countries will be able to return under the rules from February 13, with the reopening staged over time, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said on Wednesday.
All fully vaccinated individuals will be able to travel to New Zealand from April 30 onwards,
“Closing our border was one of the first steps we took to keep our country safe from COVID-19, and it’ll be the last thing we open up,” Hipkins said.
“We have a clear, simple and safe plan, including a mandatory period of self-isolation.”