The same day the Government announced an earlier-than-expected phased border reopening for tourists, ads have been launched hoping to quickly get Australians across the Tasman Sea for a holiday.
Tourism New Zealand launched a 'New Zealand, within your wildest dreams' campaign which is said to "highlight some of the most popular experiences sought out by Australian visitors".
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday announced that as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes and Omicron surges in the New Zealand community, vaccinated Australian tourists will be allowed in from April 13 without the need to self-isolate.
In a release to media, Tourism Minister Stuart Nash said New Zealand has "missed our Aussie visitors... we cannot wait to have our mates back."
Tourism NZ certainly couldn't wait to invite them back and launched the campaign immediately.
"Are you dreaming of having a glass of wine with a friendly local, a jet boat ride over a glacial lake, admiring a glowworm cave or soaking in a hot tub under the stars?" a caption for the ad says.
"Well, it sounds like you're dreaming of New Zealand. A beautiful place filled with wonderful people and best of all, it's not that far away."
Nash says the ad campaign "seeks to persuade Australians that our unique landscapes, hospitality and the friendliness of Kiwis are now 'within your wildest dreams'."
"With borders now re-opening Tourism NZ's activity becomes focussed on converting holiday dreams into actual bookings," said Nash.
"Australian travellers are the immediate focus given the ease of travel on the short-haul route. Their school holidays and Easter-ANZAC break in April are popular times to make the short hop across the Tasman."
Following the welcoming back of Australian tourists, vaccinated travellers from other visa-waiver countries can return from May 2.
