Irish passengers that have been patiently waiting to visit family and friends in New Zealand will be able to start planning their 2022 trips after the latest announcement.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed that fully vaccinated international travellers will be allowed to enter the country from April 30.
Vaccinated New Zealanders and residence visa holders in Australia will be able to travel to New Zealand from January 16.
Meanwhile, vaccinated citizens of New Zealand and residence visa holders from most other countries will be allowed in from February 13.
The timeline means that New Zealand will keep its borders shut to most international travellers for another five months as they opt for a cautious approach to the reopening.
Mr Hipkins said: "A phased approach to reconnecting with the world is the safest approach to ensure risk is carefully managed.
"This reduces any potential impacts on vulnerable communities and the New Zealand health system."
Although there will be no mandatory state quarantine, passengers will be expected to carry out self-isolation for seven days on arrival.
On top of this, passengers must have a negative pre-departure test, proof of being fully vaccinated, and a Covid-19 test on arrival.
Meanwhile, Australia will reopen to foreign visa holders from the start of December, according to Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
The Australian government opted to shut its international border back in May 2020 and allowed permanent residents and essential travellers to enter in a bid to slow the spread of Covid-19.
The first relaxation of rules came just weeks ago when foreign family members of citizens were allowed to enter.
In a bid to boost the economy, Morrison said this will be ramped up from December 1 to allow vaccinated students, business visa holders and refugees to arrive.
Irish passengers will have to wait a little longer for access to Australian coasts as an announcement on “leisure travellers” is yet to come.
