New Zealand has maintained tight border restrictions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with borders remaining shut for a large part of two years.
The Omicron variant sent local cases skyrocketing and thus lessened the need for a hard border to keep the virus out.
The country’s tourism minister, Stuart Nash, stated it was the most exciting moment for the industry in two years, adding that “We are ready to roll out the green and gold carpet; we have missed you.”
From 11.59 pm on April 12, vaccinated Australians can travel into New Zealand without quarantine.
