The same vaccination rules for passengers arriving by air will apply to arrivals on cruise ships and recreational vessels such as ocean-going yachts.

This means anyone arriving by sea, unless exempt, will need to be vaccinated after New Zealand's maritime border reopened at 11:59 pm on Sunday.

"These health requirements are part of the planned reopening of New Zealand's border to overseas visitors," says a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health.

"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."

Exemptions to the requirements, for both air and sea arrivals, include New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, Australian citizens who are ordinarily resident in New Zealand, and children aged 16 years and younger.

The list of vaccinations that meet the requirements for air and maritime passenger arrivals can be found on the Unite against Covid-19 website: Vaccination requirements for travel to New Zealand.

Cruise ship passengers will be asked by their booking agent or the operator for proof of vaccination for all eligible passengers, says an MOH spokesperson.

"Cruise operators will then need to provide information and evidence to the New Zealand government that the eligible passengers have provided this proof.

"Passengers on board other types of recreational vessels will also need to show their proof of vaccination to NZ Customs before arriving.

"After arriving, passengers will need to comply with New Zealand's domestic Covid-19 requirements around mask wearing, and testing. If they test positive for Covid-19, or become a ‘household contact,' they will need to isolate on board.

"On the advice of public health officials, asymptomatic travellers arriving on cruise and recreational vessels will not need to self-test after arriving."

Crew and passengers arriving on cargo and fishing vessels must continue to self-test if they are planning to disembark, but do not need to be vaccinated. View a full list of requirements for maritime arrivals: COVID-19: Maritime sector