13 April, 2022

New Zealand starts to open up for tourists......

New Zealand opens its doors to tourists from Australia….



After a virtual lockdown for nearly two years, New Zealand has finally opened its doors to allow some tourists back in the country.  Vaccinated Australian tourists and permanent residents can now travel in and out of New Zealand as the border rules were relaxed.

However,  there are still some conditions, that may limit the appeal for the casual tourists as well as being double-vaccinated, Australians also need to show proof of a negative covid test before departure, take another again on arrival and then another on the 6th day of their stay, although there will be changes to these requirements from next week.

Face masks are still required in many locations throughout New Zealand, including on public transport and commercial aircraft.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: “Our borders have been open for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents to come back and forth for a while, today is the big day because this is when it is open for Australian tourists.”

Speaking directly to Australians, she commented: “You are our extended family, it means a lot to us to be able to welcome you back to your second home, because it is probably how we see ourselves and in many ways, it is how we see you.

It is more than just economic for us, it is a big part of who we are to be welcoming to people to our shores.”

Plans are still going ahead for travellers from those countries on the visa-waiver list – including the UK, to be allowed back in New Zealand from 1st May, however, this remains subject to change according to officials.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Health reported 9,495 new cases of COVID-19 infections and 15 deaths, many of the infections were based in Auckland and there are over 600 people in hospital with the virus.


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An intimate 4.5 star apartment style hotel which is within 200 meters of the harbour right in the heart of Auckland's central business district and downtown shopping precinct. 36 well-appointed 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments enable guests to choose the convenience of hotel services or savour the independence that only apartment-style accommodation can deliver.






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This magnificent city hotel is located in the vibrant heart of Auckland city just minutes away from major businesses and the shopping and entertainment districts of Queen Street, the Viaduct Harbour and Ponsonby. Auckland International Airport is just 23 kms away. This oasis of luxury offers an elegant style brought to life with vibrant, contemporary influences. The guest rooms exude lavish decadence and uncompromised comfort with bright colours offset against crisp white bed linen. Offering the utmost in indulgent luxury, the hotel Spa invites guests to enjoy revitalising Spa treatments and massages. The chic restaurants offer guests the ideal settings in which to be wined and dined in style with sumptuous specialities just waiting to be enjoyed.


Experience the very best of modern luxury at Sofitel Auckland, here you can indulge in a decidedly chic encounter that combines the spirit of our Viaduct Harbour location with the French Art de Vivre. Sofitel offers tailor-made services and splendid facilities that are stylish and cosmopolitan. Authentic and lively culinary experiences in the restaurant, soothing wellness journeys in the spa, and exquisitely designed spaces that exude chic design with a hint of the French touch. The unmistakable influence of fashion has imbued Sofitel with a couture approach to service, from the fine attention paid to the smallest detail, to the elaborate flourishes that enchant and delight guests. As proud “Ambassadors” of l'Art de Vivre around the world, we are committed to delivering hospitality excellence and heartfelt service, in a manner that is tailor-made to you.



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