Kruse had previously disobeyed the raft-up rule a year ago when another boat wished to raft up on New Year's Eve 2019.
He apologised then and agreed to abide by the rule, but said he was very concerned about the new wave of Covid-19.
"Covid-19 is decimating the world right now. Health expectations, especially for those in my age demographic, societal norms and economies around the world are being forced to recognise a new operating paradigm," Kruse said.
Newly discovered, more transmissible Covid-19 strains from the United Kingdom and South Africa had arrived at the New Zealand border, but had not entered the country.