Vaccinated Australians will be allowed to enter New Zealand without needing to quarantine for COVID from April 12.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made the border announcement on Wednesday morning.
Ms Ardern said travellers from other countries with visa waiver arrangements with New Zealand would be allowed to enter without quarantine from May 1.
We have now received guidance that it is safe to significantly bring forward the next stage of border re-opening work," she said.
"We are ready to welcome the world back."
The Prime Minister said the reopening of New Zealand's border, which has remained shut to much of the world since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, was a sign of the country's economic recovery.
"In particular, I look forward to welcoming back our trans-Tasman travellers, who have historically made up 40 per cent of our international arrivals," Ms Ardern said.
"They will be able to arrive in time for the Australian school holidays and provide a particular boost for our coming winter ski season."
Ms Ardern said travellers will be required to have a negative COVID-19 test before they leave, and two negative tests when they arrive and then on day six of their stay.
The Prime Minister said this could be a rapid antigen test.
New Zealand Tourism Minister Stuart Nash described Wednesday's announcement as "the most exciting moment" for the nation's tourism sector.
He said the country would be launching a campaign to attract Australian tourists back across the ditch.
"I don't think even the most ardent kiwi sports fan would begrudge me saying we are ready to roll out the green and gold carpet for our Australian neighbours," he said.
"We have missed you."
