new zealand reopening border

New Zealand Plans to Start Reopening for Tourism from February 27

New Zealand will start reopening its international borders on Feb. 27, 2022.

Suggested: Safest countries in the world to visit in 2021 (According to CDC)

The government expects to resume the reopening as soon as a significant number of the population has gotten a booster vaccine.

Related:
When is Australia reopening for tourism?
When is Bali opening for tourists?
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New Zealand Reopening – Newest Updates

February 11 – Dozens arrested during New Zealand’s protests against COVID-19 restrictions 

On Tuesday, demonstrators blocked streets of the capital with trucks, cars, and motorcycles and set camps outside parliament.

Some 120 people were arrested in New Zealand only on Thursday, as police dispersed the protest against COVID-19 vaccine measures outside the parliament building in Wellington.

On Friday, New Zealand deployed extra police officers to put an end to the fourth day of anti-vaccine protests.

“It must take a toll on politicians, [that] more and more people seem to be feeling comfortable about [threating their lives] which just a few years ago you almost never heard,” said Chris Wilson is a senior lecturer in politics and international relations at the University of Auckland.

Who can enter New Zealand now?

New Zealand

New Zealand is only allowing tourists from Australia and the Cook Islands. Other people permitted to enter the country, either by air or sea, are those who belong in the following categories:

  • Citizens and permanent residents of New Zealand. Some exemptions may be made for non-permanent residents
  • Partners and dependent children of citizens and residents
  • Those who hold a diplomatic post in New Zealand
  • All citizens and residents of Australia 
  • All citizens from the Cook Islands

Other exemptions may be made for critical health and humanitarian workers, for citizens of Australia who normally live in New Zealand, for Samoans and Tongans under some circumstances, and for those with student visas under some circumstances.

For those who enter the country, a Covid-19 test is mandated as is a 14-day quarantine.

Can Americans visit New Zealand?

Unless they belong to one of the categories above, U.S. citizens are not allowed entry into New Zealand. 

Is it safe to visit New Zealand?

New Zealand is one of the safest places to visit during COVID-19 due to its low infection rates. (CDC.gov).

COVID-19 situation in New Zealand

The Lowy Institute’s COVID Performance Index has ranked New Zealand as the world’s most effective COVID-19 pandemic handler.

So far, the country has recorded only 19,313 cases and 53 deaths.

Why do tourists love New Zealand?

New Zealand is a nature-lovers paradise. It has beautiful beaches and offshore islands as well as subtropical forests, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, fjords, volcanoes, hot springs, beautiful rolling hills, and areas of flat plains.

There is so much diversity here for those who love nature, not only in terms of the landscape but also in terms of the flora and fauna.

New Zealand

New Zealand is home to plant and animal species, such as the kiwi, that can be found nowhere else. This small, flightless bird has become New Zealand’s national symbol and the friendly natives also often call themselves Kiwis. There are also unique plants such as the ancient, towering kauri trees and the nikau palms.

The country has an inviting camper culture for those who want to set out and explore all of these natural wonders on their own. The roads are well marked and towns all have information centers to advise tourists. There is also a bus network if you don’t want to drive.

There is ample opportunity for outdoor adventure as well. Bungee jumping was invented here and there are many locations where adventurers can give it a try, as well as places to go surfing, skiing, kayaking, and sailing. Visitors can take a hot-air balloon ride over Hobbiton, where the Lord of the Rings was filmed, or explore mammoth caves, as well.

Travelers can also check out the distinctive Maori culture, or try some world-class wine. Because the country is so sparsely populated, it has a very friendly, small-town feel once you leave Auckland, which is the largest city, and the best place to find diversity. Fans of ethnic restaurants will definitely want to spend some time there.

New Zealand has taken halting the spread of the coronavirus seriously. Because of its strict measures, the country is now operating as normal, for the most part.

However, the government remains vigilant so that, for the time being, travel into this island nation is severely limited. When it does open up, however, it provides much to attract those who love adventure, nature, and distinctive culture.