Prime Minister John Key is pushing for flights between Australia and New Zealand to be treated as domestic travel, so travellers avoid going through immigration and customs.
Mr Key says work has been done on the issue and he will raise it with the Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in meetings on Sunday night and Monday.
Radio New Zealand's political editor says Mr Key is keen to use his annual meeting with Mr Rudd to give political impetus to moves to bring the countries economies even closer.
Mr Key says tourism is one area where making it easier for people to travel could help both countries weather the global recession better.
He says about one million Australians visit New Zealand each year and a similar number travellers go in the other direction.
Mr Key says if the proposal is to become reality it will require political support from the leaders.
The global recession is expected to be at the top of the agenda when the two leaders meet as they both grapple with ways to blunt the worst effects of the recession and the emissions trading scheme will also be up for discussion.
Mr Key had dinner with Mr Rudd at the Australian Prime Minister's official residence in Sydney, Kirribilli House on Sunday.
Mr Key was expected to share some of the proposals which came out of Friday's Job Summit and quiz Mr Rudd on his Government's big spending package aimed at stimulating the Australian economy.
The two leaders will meet again formally on Monday and Mr Key will also hold discussions with the Australian Cabinet.
