In pictures: Australia opens a travel bubble with neighbouring New Zealand

While some months back there existed a one-way, non-reciprocal bubble between Australia and New Zealand -- in that it allowed those travelling to Australia from New Zealand quarantine-free travel, and not vice versa -- it seems a long-awaited full bubble between the two nations is finally in place, and people are in a celebratory mood. This is a photograph of passengers arriving from Sydney at the Wellington International Airport, hugging their loved ones in Wellington, New Zealand. The start of quarantine-free travel is a relief for families who have been separated by the coronavirus pandemic as well as to struggling tourist operators. (AP Photo/Nick Perry)

In pictures captured recently at the airports, of people flying between the two nations on Monday, April 19, there was a lot of joy at having to no longer need quarantine on arrival. In this picture, for instance, a passenger was photographed at Sydney Airport, on his way to catch a flight to New Zealand. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

This heartwarming photograph is of one Danny Mather, right, and other family members waiting at the Wellington International Airport for the arrival of Mather's pregnant daughter Kristy. (AP Photo/Nick Perry)

A BBC report states that both the countries have contained Covid outbreaks and have kept infection rates low, largely due to tight restrictions over the last few months. In this picture, a passenger arriving from Sydney at the Wellington International Airport, hugs a loved one. (AP Photo/Nick Perry)

Per the report, Australia and New Zealand shut their borders in March 2020, and brought in compulsory quarantine for returning nationals. Since October, while New Zealand travellers were being allowed to enter most Australian states without quarantine, it was not reciprocated amid concerns about sporadic Covid outbreaks. In this particular picture, passengers from New Zealand were seen receiving a welcome by drag queens at the Sydney Airport. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Passengers prepare at Sydney Airport to catch a flight to New Zealand, as the much-anticipated travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand opens. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

A woman arriving from New Zealand, right, is hugged by her stepmother at Sydney Airport in Sydney, Australia, Monday, April 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

A passenger from New Zealand, center, poses with drag queens as they welcome her at Sydney Airport in Sydney, Australia, on Monday, April 19. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

Kristy Mather, right, arrives from Sydney at the Wellington International Airport in Wellington, New Zealand. (AP Photo/Nick Perry)