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New Zealand to open border next month, to Australians ONLY

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced the country will reopen its borders to vaccinated Australians next month.

On April 12 at 11.59pm New Zealand will welcome tourists from Australia without the need for isolation, provided they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Travellers from Australia will be required to have a pre-departure test and then two rapid antigen tests —one on the day of arrival or the next day, and another on day five or six.

Ms Ardern said the announcement came after the government received advice about it being safe to bring forward the reopening for tourists.

Pictured is New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
New Zealand's border will open to fully vaccinated tourists from Australia at 11.59pm on April 12. Source: Getty Images

"In doing so we are sending a very clear message that we are accelerating our economic recovery," Ms Ardern said.

"Closing our border was one of the first actions we took to stop Covid-19 over two years ago and its reopening will spur recovery, throughout the remainder of the year."

Reopening to Australia brought forward by months

The reopening date is months ahead of what the prime minister had flagged earlier this year.

Ms Ardern said at the beginning of February Australian tourists would be welcomed no later than July.

Currently, only Kiwis, regular residents and some critical workers are able to enter NZ without spending a week in quarantine.

Historically, Australians tourists account for 40 per cent of international arrivals.

Visitors from other visa waiver countries such as the US and UK will be permitted entry into New Zealand from 11:59pm on May 1. Source: Getty Images
Visitors from other visa waiver countries such as the US and UK will be permitted entry into New Zealand from 11:59pm on May 1. Source: Getty Images

New Zealand has kept its border tightly shut throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, however, the Omicron variant resulted in local cases skyrocketing, lessening the need to keep Covid out.

Other countries to be allowed in NZ from May

On May 1, vaccinated travellers with valid visas or coming from visa waiver countries, including USA, UK and Canada, will be allowed to enter New Zealand.

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash said Wednesday's announcement was the most exciting moment for the industry in two years.

"We are ready to roll out the green and gold carpet ... we have missed you," he said.

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