Australia to explore seamless travel – Border checks to be simplified 

Australia and New Zealand are exploring opportunities to streamline border checks for travellers moving between the two nations to enhance business and tourism ties.

Both countries have agreed to establish a collaborative working group aimed at “exploring initiatives for progressing towards more seamless travel across the Tasman Sea,” as announced by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins during a recent joint news conference in Wellington. This development comes as part of discussions marking 40 years of a free-trade agreement between the two nations.

The leaders have also revealed a new roadmap for their relationship over the coming decade, focusing on strengthening their single economic market, boosting trade, fostering people-to-people connections, and addressing climate change together. These measures aim to deepen the ties between Australia and New Zealand. The working group’s findings are anticipated by the end of June 2024. For those considering travel, this bodes well for easing journeys between these two neighbouring countries and enhances the appeal of destinations like the Hunter Valley, spa retreat properties the likes of Elysia Wellness Retreat will see more wellness-focused travellers coming in as well.