New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday said New Zealand will reopen its borders much earlier than expected, with Australians allowed to travel there from 12 April.
Travellers from countries with visa waiver arrangements including Ireland, the US and the UK can enter from 1 May. The change applies to vaccinated travellers and those with valid visitor visas.
Ms Ardern says the move will spur economic recovery over the remainder of the year. "We are sending a very clear message that we are accelerating our economic recovery," she said.
Ms Ardern said the government had received guidance in relation to the country's handling of the Omicron wave that it was safe and manageable to open borders again and welcome back tourists. "In short, we are ready to welcome to world back," she said. "We are a safe place to visit and New Zealand will be ready with open arms," Ms Ardern added.