Albanese and Luxon: "Special and great friends."

There appeared to be a genuine bond between the Australian and NZ Prime Ministers today when they met in Queenstown today for their annual leaders summit.

Both agreed on the need to recognise Palestinian statehood as well as close defence and economic ties between Australia and New Zealand.

Easing travel between Australia and New Zealand was acknowledged as an area where progress has been made as well as giving Kiwis in Australia a path to citizenship.

The summit opened on Saturday afternoon with a pōwhiri by Ngāi Tahu, which Albanese described as "very moving". Albanese is accompanied on the visit by fiancée Jodie Haydon.