New Zealand reopens borders to Australians from April 12

“We’re ready to welcome the world back,” Ms Ardern said.

“New Zealand will be ready with open arms.”

It means the borders will be open to coincide with Australian school holidays and the ski season.

From May 1, vaccinated travellers from visa-waiver countries can also come to New Zealand.

Tourists will not need to isolate on arrival.

Australians account for 40 per cent of tourists to New Zealand.

“I am proud that New Zealand as a country is able to provide a safe place for tourists to return to,” she said.

Tourists will be required to pass a COVID-19 before arrival, either a supervised RAT or a PCR test.

They will also be required to pass a rapid antigen test upon arrival.

A new tourism campaign will be launched in Australia to attract visitors to New Zealand, Tourism Minister Stuart Nash said.

“We are ready to roll out the green and gold carpet for our Australian neighbours,” Mr Nash said.

“We have missed you.”

Mr Nash said he did not expect tourists to immediately compare to pre-COVID numbers.

“We’re not expecting pre-COVID numbers in a great hurry,” he said.

“The thing we know about Australians is they are the nation that travels the most for skiing.”

Ms Ardern said visitors should be ready to isolate if they do test positive while in New Zealand.

“I’d like to consider that New Zealand has a gold standard regime for caring for people with COVID at home,” she said.

“Be prepared if you need to stay in one place if you’re sick.”