NZ border reopening brought forward for Aussie travellers

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern announced this morning that vaccinated Australians will be able to travel to New Zealand without mandatory quarantine measures from 11.59pm on April 12, 2022. 

Ardern also said that from 11:59pm on May 1, 2022, vaccinated travellers from visa waiver countries and those with valid visitor visas can travel to New Zealand. 

The PM mentioned that New Zealand had “the lowest death rate in the OECD over the past two years” of the pandemic, stating that the country is “a safe place to visit, and New Zealand will be ready with open arms.”

“In particular, I look forward to welcoming back our trans-Tasman travellers, who have historically made up 40% of our international arrivals - around 1.5million Australians,” said Ardern. 

The reopening aligns with Australian school holidays and just in time for New Zealand’s winter ski season. 

If you’re one of the many Aussies already planning their trip across the ditch, there’s a couple of things you should be aware of. 

First off, you should be thinking about getting a travel insurance policy. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide for New Zealand travel insurance, so give that a read if you want the details. But generally you should be looking for cover that includes:

  • Flight delays and cancellation 
  • Loss of luggage or personal belongings
  • Medical expenses
  • Personal liability.

If the thought of skiing and snowboarding on some of the world’s favourite mountains peaks your interest (pun intended), then make sure you find a policy that offers snow travel insurance as an add-on, or inclusion.

Compare travel insurance policies - last updated 9 December 2023

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