The government has confirmed that passports lasting 10 years are making a comeback.

Internal Affairs Minister Peter Dunne says the government has listened to New Zealanders and adult passports will again be valid for a decade, once required law changes are made.

The 10 year adult passport price will cost $180.

That'll mean an average saving of more than $90 over the 10 year validity period.

Dunne said that because a child’s appearance can change significantly over time, the child passport will remain valid for five years as is international convention.

The new passports will come into effect on New Years Eve.