New Zealand Opens to More Visa-Waiver Countries
New Zealand is finally welcoming tourists from the U.S., Canada, Britain, Japan, and more than 50 other countries for the first time in more than two years after dropping most of its remaining pandemic border restrictions.
All travelers entering New Zealand are required to have a COVID-19 test taken and a negative result returned within 48 hours of their first scheduled international flight.
Before the pandemic, more than 3 million tourists visited each year, accounting for 20% of New Zealand’s foreign income and more than 5% of the overall economy, according to Travel Weekly.
The country opened its border to tourists from Australia three weeks ago, and this week, it opened it welcomed back tourists from 60 visa-waiver countries, including much of Europe. Most tourists from India and other non-waiver countries are still not allowed to enter.
The border reopening will help boost tourism ahead of the country’s upcoming ski season, but the real test of how much the tourism industry rebounds will come in December when the peak summer season begins.
The country has long been renowned for its breathtaking scenery and adventure tourism offerings such as bungy jumping, jet boating, skydiving, and zip-lining. But tourists can also enjoy the country’s wide-open spaces and explore the country’s golden coastlines fringed with Pohutukawa trees, follow walking trails to waterfalls hidden in beech forests, or cycle through picturesque vineyards.
And for more adventurous travelers, you can take a multi-day trek to discover destinations such as Stewart Island/Rakiura, Fiordland, or Tongariro National Park.
How could you not take advantage of its two islands (North and South Islands), 14 national parks, dozens of diverse cities, and so much more!
Check out Tourism New Zealand’s website for more information about their COVID-19 travel requirements and safety information as well as Visa and entry requirements and airlines offering direct flights to the country.
