The Prime Minister has hailed the opening of the new trans-Tasman travel bubble as a world-first milestone.
Speaking at her post-Cabinet press conference, Jacinda Ardern said Tourism New Zealand forecasting suggested the bubble could mean a billion-dollar boost to the economy.
Jacinda Ardern also sought to ease any New Zealanders' fears about the travel arrangement, saying the government's expert advisors deemed it low-risk.
She says New Zealand retains the right to close the bubble or alter the arrangement at any time if Australia widens its bubble to other countries.
Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne will make use of the bubble this week, flying into New Zealand on Wednesday to meet with her Kiwi counterpart for the first time since the pandemic began.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison will also visit in the near future.
Ardern has not made firm plans to visit Australia yet, but says when she does it will be for work purposes, not recreation.
