It’s the news local businesses have been waiting for: The trans-Tasman bubble could soon open. 

Today (Monday December 14) prime minister Jacinda Ardern said a bubble between New Zealand and Australia should be expected within the first quarter of 2021.

The PM did issue a disclaimer on the announcement, saying the decision would be made "pending confirmation from the Australian cabinet and no significant change in the circumstances in either country”.

A trans-Tasman bubble would allow unrestricted, quarantine-free travel between the two countries. 

It’s something tourism-dependent businesses in Wanaka and elsewhere in New Zealand have been calling for for many months. 

At today’s post cabinet press conference the PM said cabinet had agreed in principle to the bubble.

Officials have begun work on preparations, the PM said, which would need to include clear plans for the event of a community outbreak, arrangements for air crew and airlines, among other things. 

"It is our intention to name a date... in the New Year, once remaining details are locked down," she said. 

Late last week a travel bubble between New Zealand and the Cook Islands was announced, also likely to be implemented in the first quarter of 2021. 

The Cook Islands and New Zealand bubble would likely be in place before the trans-tasman bubble, the PM said.