Australia New Zealand Travel Bubble: Everything You Need to Know

By: Tully Rosenberg, 06 April 2021

Hot off the press, the news we have all been waiting for has finally landed: travelling to New Zealand from Australia is back. From 11:59pm on Sunday 18 April, we can jet over to the land of the long white cloud quarantine-free. How choice, bro!

New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Arden, confirmed today that the conditions for opening up the two-way, Trans-Tasman travel bubble have been met. In fact, the arrangement to safely open up international travel could well be the first of its kind in the world. 

Continuing a strong tradition of Aussies travelling to NZ  - around 40 per cent of all New Zealand arrivals in 2019 came from down under - Ms Ardern expects the first travellers to be those visiting Kiwi friends and family.  She did however  encouraged anyone who is willing and able to make the trip, adding "we're here and ready to welcome them".

When travelling to New Zealand from Australia, Lake Tekapo is a must-see!
Lake Tekapo is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand to visit


But before you start packing your puffer jackets and thermals, be warned: despite the travel bubble, things are not returning to the way they were in pre-COVID days.

What are Green Zones?

Australians travelling to New Zealand will be making a booking on a green zone flight, meaning no passengers on that flight will have come from anywhere other than Australia in the last 14 days.

Passengers will also be taken through airport green zones where there'll be no contact with those arriving from other parts of the world.

Passengers travelling to New Zealand from Australia will:

  • need to provide comprehensive information on how they can be contacted while in New Zealand
  • not be able to travel if they have a cold or flu symptoms
  • be required to wear a mask on a flight
  • be asked to download and use the NZ COVID Tracer app for use in New Zealand.

Of course, travellers will also need to prepare for the possibility of major disruption to their long-awaited holiday if there is an outbreak.

But, on the bright side, if you've been asking if you can travel to New Zealand from Australia, the answer will soon be a resounding yes!

Now that we can go and experience the sensational natural beauty, adrenalin-packed adventures and diverse culture-packed cities of this unique nation, here are our top tips on planning a family holiday to New Zealand

Kia Ora to that.

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