The New Zealand border is gradually reopening, but the barrier to tourists is not changing any time soon.

Tourism operators say keeping a self isolation requirement leaves them starved of business.

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash talks to Lisa Owen.

Auckland Airport general manager Scott Tasker has told Checkpoint the international flight movements at Auckland in 2021 were about the same as what they were 35 years ago.

"So we've got a long way to rebuild. And we're literally competing with other airports and countries for that international airline capacity. And at the moment, we don't look like a very attractive place for an airline to invest the resources."

He said they're pleased to see New Zealanders will be able to return home soon, but self-isolation rules are "a concern".

"We don't think people can commit to travel to New Zealand, if they have to take a self isolation period. And our airline customers are really concerned that they won't see the demand they need in order to lay on flights back to New Zealand either.

"If you're sitting at your headquarters of your airline in North America and Asia and you're looking at New Zealand versus another destination that is open and welcoming travelers, you're going to be pretty hesitant to deploy your aircraft to our country and to put your seats on sale, because you don't know that you're going to have the certainty of having any passengers on board that flight.

"From an Auckland Airport perspective, 12 airlines flying to 22 international destinations. If we compare that to pre COVID, we had 29 international airlines flying to 43 destinations.

"And if we look in the South Island it's even worse, it's currently one international airline flying to one destination.

Auckland Airport general manager Scott Tasker has told Checkpoint the international flight movements at Auckland in 2021 were about the same as what they were 35 years ago.

"So we've got a long way to rebuild. And we're literally competing with other airports and countries for that international airline capacity. And at the moment, we don't look like a very attractive place for an airline to invest the resources."

He said they're pleased to see New Zealanders will be able to return home soon, but self-isolation rules are "a concern".

"We don't think people can commit to travel to New Zealand, if they have to take a self isolation period. And our airline customers are really concerned that they won't see the demand they need in order to lay on flights back to New Zealand either.

"If you're sitting at your headquarters of your airline in North America and Asia and you're looking at New Zealand versus another destination that is open and welcoming travelers, you're going to be pretty hesitant to deploy your aircraft to our country and to put your seats on sale, because you don't know that you're going to have the certainty of having any passengers on board that flight.

"From an Auckland Airport perspective, 12 airlines flying to 22 international destinations. If we compare that to pre COVID, we had 29 international airlines flying to 43 destinations.

"And if we look in the South Island it's even worse, it's currently one international airline flying to one destination.

The isolation rules for travellers could put the skids on this year's ski season. The border announcement means Australians and other travellers who don't need a visa will be allowed in by July at the latest.

And whilst ski fields are pleased to have a plan, the industry says their hopes may be shot if self-isolation rules keep travellers away.

Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more.

The isolation rules for travellers could put the skids on this year's ski season. The border announcement means Australians and other travellers who don't need a visa will be allowed in by July at the latest.

And whilst ski fields are pleased to have a plan, the industry says their hopes may be shot if self-isolation rules keep travellers away.

Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more.

A key part of the country's planned re-opening probably won't make it through the year.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says while self isolation requirements will be key initially, they could be scrapped sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, the message remains bowl up and get boosted. But is everyone listening? Here's our reporter Nick Truebridge and cameraman Nick Monro.

A key part of the country's planned re-opening probably won't make it through the year.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says while self isolation requirements will be key initially, they could be scrapped sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, the message remains bowl up and get boosted. But is everyone listening? Here's our reporter Nick Truebridge and cameraman Nick Monro.

Go now and stay away - Westport residents have been told to move out as torrential rain hammers the region.

Police and volunteers have been going door to door ordering people to leave flood-prone parts of the town, where swollen rivers that could threaten homes.

Civil Defence's evacuation order is based on the risk of more heavy rain tonight, high tides, and what happened last July when hundreds of homes went under.

Jean Edwards reports, and Niva Chittock is in Westport with the latest details.

Go now and stay away - Westport residents have been told to move out as torrential rain hammers the region.

Police and volunteers have been going door to door ordering people to leave flood-prone parts of the town, where swollen rivers that could threaten homes.

Civil Defence's evacuation order is based on the risk of more heavy rain tonight, high tides, and what happened last July when hundreds of homes went under.

Jean Edwards reports, and Niva Chittock is in Westport with the latest details.

It's the second time the Prime Minister has made a Reconnecting New Zealand announcement.

But Jacinda Ardern says people can make solid plans this time around.

She spoke to Lisa Owen at Thursday's media conference.