New Zealand is likely to remain shut for most of 2021

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has decided that the country's borders are most likely to remain closed for the rest of 2021. Any travel plans to the country for 2021 plans will now have to be halted if this turns out to be a year of travel restrictions for the nation. Most countries are implementing travel restrictions due to the new strain of Coronavirus that is known to be a lot more difficult to contain.
The opening of borders really depends on the vaccination campaign in the country, and how quickly it can be organised. The Prime Minister said in a statement that given the risks that exist in the world, and the uncertainty with the introduction of vaccines, she is expecting the borders to remain closed for most of the year. New Zealand is working to authorise Pfizer/BioNTech as the first vaccine for the nation, with its expected delivery in late March.
However, it has been decided that the tourist bubbles with the Pacific region and Australia will be operating. Tourist bubbles are the new way nations are connecting with each other, instead of opening up borders for everyone.

New Zealand has reported 2315 cases of Coronavirus, with 25 total deaths. The administration had done an impressive job in containing the spread of the virus the whole of last year. The new rules and restrictions are put in place so as to further help contain the spread of the virus.