18 August, 2021

Late last week, the New Zealand Government announced its plans to re-open to the world in 2022, following March 2020’s Covid-19 border closures.

It’s great to finally get some positive news that we will be gearing up to welcome overseas visitors again – we can’t wait!  While short on detail, the government announcement made it clear that it will be a phased reopening.

Travellers will be prioritised based on vaccination status and there may initially be a requirement for some isolation.  It is also clear that long-haul international visitors will not be able to enter New Zealand prior to March 2022, at the earliest.

The phased implementation is expected to follow three pathways based on the level of risk each nation is at:

• LOW RISK: Vaccinated travellers from low-risk countries: no isolation required
• MEDIUM RISK: Vaccinated travellers from medium risk countries: modified isolation requirements
• HIGH RISK: Unvaccinated travellers and all travellers from high-risk countries: 14 days Managed Isolation Quarantine (MIQ)

The re-opening is also dependent upon New Zealand achieving high coverage of vaccination within vulnerable communities and across regions.  The NZ vaccination rollout has been accelerated, with the Government optimistic that all New Zealanders will have the opportunity to be vaccinated by the end of 2021.

As I write this update, New Zealand has today been placed under a 3-day nationwide lockdown.  This clearly demonstrates our Government will continue to take a firm approach in its management of Covid.

It is devastating to miss another fishing season, but it is beyond our control, and we don’t want to give our booked guests false hope, preventing them from making alternative plans.

The one positive we can take from this situation is the rivers and fish are having an extended break from anglers!  The continued lack of pressure on the rivers bodes well for an incredible season when we are finally able to welcome our international friends back to Poronui.

Impacted bookings

As a result of the announcement, Poronui has released all longhaul international bookings through to 28 February 2022.  Affected guests will be given the first option on 2022/23 dates, prior to space being made available for new bookings from 6 September 2021.

We look forward to re-opening to the world and to welcoming back our many international friends!

Nga mihi

Vicki Febery
Director of Tourism and Marketing

For further information, please download the New Zealand Government’s Reconnecting New Zealanders to the world: Next Steps poster.