After pandemic lockout of more than two years, New Zealand is fully opening its borders starting from 11:59 p.m. on July 31, with cruise ships allowed to come back to ports on the same day. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the news today adding that the opening of New Zealand to the world is two months earlier than the previous time frame.

The news that cruise ships will soon return to New Zealand ports without restrictions has been greeted by the cruise industry with a sense of optimism and relief.

CLIA Australasia has welcomed the confirmation that New Zealand’s maritime border will reopen ahead of the upcoming cruise season beginning in October.

“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 CLIA Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz. “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.”

The reopening means cruise companies can start confirming port calls and preparing ships with certainty, said New Zealand Cruise Association Chair Debbie Summers. 

“New Zealand is an important destination for cruise lines and with worldwide demand for cruising strong again, combined with excellent regional dispersal, this sector ticks every box for value. 

After two years of hardship, hundreds of local suppliers and tourism operators can start rebuilding their businesses, helping communities that have suffered during the past two years.

The long absence of cruise ships means that the opening of the borders is just the beginning of rebuilding the cruise sector which will require a commitment and extremely hard work from ports, tour operators, and local suppliers.