Auckland Airport is gearing up to welcome the first quarantine-free flight from the Cook Islands

For the first time in nearly 10 months, passengers from the Cook Islands can walk straight into the arms of their loved ones, without having to go into quarantine.

The flight is expected to land in the next 10 minutes, with a hundred people on board.

They will be processed through dedicated border lanes and baggage carousels, with randomised temperature checks.

The travel bubble is just one way at this stage, with hopes to open both ways by the end of March.