New Zealand to FINALLY reopen

New Zealand is opening back up to fully vaccinated citizens from January 17 next year.

From January 17, 2022, fully vaccinated Kiwis can come from Australia to New Zealand without going through MIQ and instead go through seven days of home isolation.

From February 14, 2022, New Zealand citizens can visit from most other countries, except those considered ‘very high risk’, and also go through the home isolation requirement.

And from April 30, 2022, New Zealand is set to open back up for foreign nationals and international visitors in stages.

The New Zealand government is allowing fully vaccinated New Zealand residents to enter the country without hotel quarantine from January 17 (pictured: NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern)

On Wednesday, Covid-19 response minister Chris Hipkins confirmed the opening dates and added passengers would still need a negative pre-departure test, proof of vaccination, and a travel history declaration. 

‘This is about opening the borders in a progressive and safe way,’ he said.

Currently, overseas New Zealanders must win a place in a quarantine lottery – with limited places available – and spend 10 days in isolation before entering the community.

This has caused much angst, with many locked out of their own country, and with thousands of separated families.

‘When it comes to COVID-19, there are often no easy decisions. We’ve often been faced with the task of making the least worst decision… the border is clearly an example of that,’ he said.

About 20,000 people are affected by cancelled Air New Zealand flights until January, with the airline offering refunds (pictured: Sydney Airport in November)

The announcement provides some clarity to those wanting to return to or visit New Zealand after 1,000 flights were cancelled by Air New Zealand this week due to the ‘ongoing uncertainty’ over the border closure.

The airline cancelled almost all flights to and from Australia until December 31. 

At least 20,000 travellers have booked tickets on the flights with all of them expecting the countries would reopen to each other before Christmas.

The moved followed Jacinda Ardern’s government making recent statements that they would be unlikely to lift harsh travel restrictions before the new year, throwing travel plans for families and holidaymakers alike into chaos. 

Air New Zealand chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty said the airline was left with little choice but to cancel the flights – dashing long-awaited reunion plans for thousands. 

‘This will be particularly tough news for families and friends who were hoping to catch up over Christmas,’ Ms Geraghty said. 

‘I appreciate how difficult this news will be, but our hands are tied until border restrictions ease, and we receive further clarity from the New Zealand Government.’ 

Customers who are affected should be able to get a refund on their tickets or hold the fare cost in credit with the airline.

New Zealand’s travel ban has been in place since July after Jacina Ardern slammed the borders shut to Australians