Manatū Hauora/the Ministry of Health announced today that the same vaccination rules for passengers arriving by air will apply to arrivals on cruise ships and recreational vessels such as ocean-going yachts.
That means anyone arriving by sea, unless exempt, will need to be vaccinated when New Zealand’s maritime border reopens at 11:59 pm today.
These health requirements are part of the planned reopening of New Zealand’s border to overseas visitors. Being vaccinated reduces the risk that a visitor will need hospital care if they contract COVID-19.
That in turn reduces the risk of visitors having to use Aotearoa New Zealand’s healthcare system, adding additional pressure.