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New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says the trans-Tasman travel bubble is a “tribute” to the hard work done by the people of both Australia and New Zealand.

“I think this is a tribute to both countries and the hard work that people have done to make sure we’re in this position,” he said.

“There’s a lot to offer on both sides of the Tasman and I’m pretty confident - judging by the number of bookings we’re seeing already - that we’re going to see a lot of people coming and going.

“And family and friends as well, not just tourism here, there’s a lot of people who want to get back with their family who they haven’t seen in person for sometimes up to a year”.

Mr Robertson said Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had spoken not only to Prime Minister Scott Morrison but also to individual Australian state premiers since various states manage COVID slightly differently.

“We wanted to make sure that each of the premiers knew where New Zealand was coming from … making sure we can run this trans-Tasman travel bubble as effectively and efficiently as possible”.