Fully vaccinated citizens of New Zealand returning from Australia will not need to isolate upon arrival from 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, while New Zealand returnees and other eligible travelers from the rest of the world will also be able to come home without isolating from 11:59 p.m. Friday, local media reported. 

New Zealand is in the course of a five-stage plan to relax its border controls, starting with fully vaccinated New Zealanders in neighboring Australia being allowed to return home. 

It opened the gates to its people in Australia on Sunday night. 

"We will still require every traveler to undertake a rapid antigen test on the day they arrive and on day five/six. All positive RATs must be registered and followed up with a PCR test," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was quoted by local media as saying on Monday.

"I can assure you now that as we open, all vaccinated travelers who test negative on arrival with a RAT will be able to immediately enjoy New Zealand and all it has to offer and not have to isolate," she said.

But the managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) system will still be used for unvaccinated travelers.

The prime minister said the Cabinet will review the timings of the remaining steps in the coming weeks, which includes temporary work and student visa holders currently outside New Zealand.