May 3, 2022by Will Payne
New Zealand’s international borders reopened to fully vaccinated travelers from all visa-free countries, including the UK, on Monday (May 1).
Fully vaccinated travelers from visa-free countries can now travel to their destination without needing to be quarantined upon arrival, providing proof of a negative test performed prior to departure. onion. A negative antigen test is still required on arrival and on June 5.
Air New Zealand’s NZ5 was the first flight to arrive from LA. Passengers are greeted with a unique manaakitanga performance (hospitality or kindness/respect) through the traditional Maori Waiata (Maori songs) performed by Haka the Legend.
Tourism New Zealand chief executive, Rene de Monchy, said: “It is an exciting day to see international visitors return to New Zealand’s shores.
“We were eager to extend our warm welcome at airports around the country through gestures like a Maori.”
Before Covid-19, international visitors contributed NZD 17.2 billion a year to the New Zealand economy.
The Tourism Board says there has always been strong travel demand to New Zealand from the UK, and before Covid-19 disrupted travel, the UK was the fourth largest international visitor market, accounting for 6% total number of visitors.
