Fortress New New Zealand is finally opening up - but it will be several months before we can expect to see backpackers return - and another nine months before the borders are fully open.
The staggered approach means we won't open to the whole world until October. It's a light at the end of the tunnel for tourism providers but whether they'll be able to stay afloat until then remains to be seen.
Tourism New Zealand chief executive Rene de Monchy talks to Lisa Owen.
