Australia-New Zealand Travel Bubble "First Step on Return yo International Normality": Health Minister

The Australian government has welcomed New Zealand's commitment to opening a travel bubble between the countries early in 2021.

Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, announced on Monday that the country would open its borders to travellers from Australia early in 2021 if coronavirus case numbers remain low.

It comes two months after Australia opened its borders to New Zealand on October 16.

Responding to the announcement, Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt said that the resumption of travel between the two countries would benefit both economies.

"We welcome the advice from New Zealand, it's the second half of the equation," he told reporters.

"This is a sign that New Zealand and Australia aren't just working together, but that families can be back together in both directions. Friends can be back together in both directions and flights can be full in both directions which is good for the economy, good for our airlines and good for both countries.

"It's the first step on a return to international normality."

Ardern said that the bubble would be contingent on approval from the Australian government, which Hunt said would "absolutely" be forthcoming - and on Australia achieving 28 consecutive days without community transmission of coronavirus.

"We understand it may take a few more weeks but we're working constructively and patiently," Hunt said.