Coronavirus: Jacinda Arden announces border re-opening dates for tourists and other travellers

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced New Zealand is "ready to welcome the world back" with new dates to open up our borders.

Vaccinated Australians will be able to come to New Zealand without isolating from 11.59pm on Tuesday 12 April.

Fully vaccinated travellers from visa-waiver countries will be able to enter the country from 11.59pm on Sunday 1 May.

About 60 countries and territories, including Canada and the United States, are on the visa waiver list.

"We have now received guidance that it is safe to significantly bring forward the next stage of border reopening work, bringing back our tourists," Ardern said today.

"In short, we're ready to welcome the world back."

Ardern said the border was already open to New Zealanders - and on Monday eligible critical workers were allowed in without isolating.

People already with visa visitors, but outside the visa waiver list, would become eligible to enter New Zealand on May 1.