By
Alex Smith |
The Government of New Zealand is to lift restrictions on its maritime borders to allow cruise ships to return to the country on 31 July.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the plans, which will see New Zealand fully reopen its borders two months earlier than previously planned.
“Overall, these announcements mean we have brought forward our complete reopening by two months, and we are giving enough time for our cruise ship industry to prepare for the next big season starting in October,” said Ardern. “I know this will be welcome news, and it’s a phase we are ready for.”
International cruise ships have not been able to call in New Zealand since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic over two years ago. The government also plans to remove requirements pre-departure testing by the time final restrictions are lifted.
“Today’s announcement is a huge breakthrough for the many New Zealanders who depend on cruise tourism, including travel agents, tour operators, food and produce providers, port workers and many other industry suppliers,” said Joel Katz, managing director of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia. “The suspension of international cruising over the past two years has had a huge impact on the New Zealand travel industry and we now have an opportunity to work on a revival.”