Covid-19 response minister Chris Hipkins said waiting until the end of February to reopen would increase the country’s overall protection against the virus strain.

The New Zealand government previously announced plans for a staged reopening of its borders from 17 January for its citizens and visa holders from Australia, and then vaccinated international travellers from the end of April.

Travellers returning to the country will now be required to provide a pre-departure test 48 hours before travel, rather than 72 hours. The government is also lengthening the time in MIQ (managed isolation and quarantine) from seven to 10 days.

Speaking on the new travel curbs, Hipkins said: "There’s no doubt this is disappointing and will upset many holiday plans, but it’s important to set these changes out clearly today so they can have time to consider those plans.

"Covid-19 keeps throwing new curve balls and we have to respond in a way that continues to protect lives and livelihoods without putting in place restrictions and lockdowns unless absolutely necessary.

"Waiting till the end of February will increase New Zealand’s overall protection and slow Omicron’s eventual spread."