International travel restrictions will ease in the New Year for fully vaccinated people. 

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed today a three step process for easing travel restrictions next year. 

Step one: From 11.59pm, Sunday 16 January, fully vaccinated New Zealanders and other eligible travellers can travel to New Zealand from Australia without staying in MIQ.

Step two: From 11.59pm, Sunday 13 February, fully vaccinated New Zealanders and other eligible travellers can travel to New Zealand from all other countries without staying in MIQ.

Step three: From April 30, all fully vaccinated foreigners will be able to travel to New Zealand

Today's numbers

There are 215 new cases to report today. Of these, 181 are in Auckland, 18 are in Waikato, 3 are in Northland and 12 are in the Bay of Plenty. There is also one historical case in Christchurch. 

87 people are in hospital with Covid, with 8 people in ICU.

So far, 92 percent of eligible people in New Zealand have had their first dose. 84 percent are fully vaccinated. Anyone over 12 is currently eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. 

Click here for an updated list of locations of interest.

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