When and Where Can New Zealanders Travel This Winter?

In destinations such as Canada and Australia, domestic travel restrictions differ from one region or territory to the next. This does not apply in New Zealand, where travel across the country is fully open.

After many weeks of lockdown, New Zealand was declared Covid-19 free on 8 June, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern lifting lockdown restrictions and announcing that “public transport and travel across the country is fully opened”. However, with recent reports of new cases, talk of stricter measures being implemented once again is now circulating.

As it stands, however, domestic travel is on the cards, with a reduced air service in operation.

Flights are operating to and from Christchurch, Gisborne, Kerikeri, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Tauranga, Wellington, Whangarei, Queenstown, Rotorua, Dunedin and Blenheim.

Flights are operating to and from New Plymouth, Rotorua, Tauranga and Dunedin.

Flights are operating to and from Dunedin, Invercargill, Nelson, Palmerston North, Wellington, Queenstown, Hamilton, Hokitika and Tauranga.

It’s a no, unfortunately. A travel ban is in place, with the air and sea borders closed in a bid to control the spread of Covid-19. However, you can apply for a visa if you have a critical reason for travel.

If you’re a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, then yes. This also goes for those who are partners of, or dependent children to, a New Zealand citizen or resident.

The Guardian reports that “New Zealand is introducing stricter measures to strengthen its border as more citizens access increased flights to come home”. This includes 14 days in a quarantine hotel, for which returnees may have to personally bear the cost. “Ardern said she was considering the option of making those coming into the country pay for their time in quarantine, rather than the government footing the bill.”