First-class skiing, wine tasting and road-tripping await, with New Zealand announcing the reopening of its borders to Australians. From Tuesday, April 12 at 11:59pm, Australian visitors can travel to Aotearoa without self-isolation, provided you produce a negative test before flying. A negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) will also be required on arrival on day five or six.
The date is earlier than expected, as back in February, the New Zealand government had suggested tourists might be able to return in July — though, it did say the date was likely to be moved forward.
“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 announced at a presser on Wednesday, March 16.
“We’re ready to welcome the world back,” she said. “New Zealand will be ready with open arms.”
The country will open to international visitors from VISA waiver countries, including the US and the UK, from Sunday, May 1 at 11:59pm. They will need to be vaccinated and have tested negative in a pre-departure test, but won’t be required to isolate upon arrival.
“We can’t wait to welcome Australians back to Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Andrew Waddel, General Manager Australia of Tourism New Zealand.
“From the warmth of the people to the breath-taking beauty of the natural surroundings, we’re looking forward to reconnecting and sharing the unique embrace of New Zealand.”
Added Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive René de Monchy: “New Zealand has plenty to offer international visitors from breathtaking landscapes, rare and remarkable wildlife to our rich culture and heritage; our people and place are what make us unique, and we look forward to sharing this with the world again.”
We’re already booking flights.
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