How to Travel to New Zealand When Borders Open for Australia – A Safe Travel Bubble

New Zealand plans to open borders to travellers from Australia; this was announced by Jacinda Arden, Prime Minister of NZ. Arrangements made between the two nations is looking at quarantine free travel. Australia and New Zealand are amongst the leading nations to open their borders for safe travel since the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc across the globe. And if you have plans to visit New Zealand from Australia, here are details on how to travel to New Zealand when borders open for Australia.

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How will the safe ‘bubble’ come into effect?

A ‘green zone’ condition will be introduced in New Zealand as part of travel conditions for passengers entering the nation. This same condition is in operation now in Australia, which allows travellers from New Zealand to enter via the Auckland – Sydney route.

The main condition to meet is that passengers entering New Zealand should have spent the last 14 days in Australia. And all crew on the arriving flights should have only manned low-risk routes.

Flu symptoms mean you cannot travel

Anyone suffering from symptoms of flu; having a cold, cough, or fever will not be allowed to travel to New Zealand. Those who are allowed to take on the journey from Australia to New Zealand must wear a mask all the time. In addition, authorities must be given a detailed report of where they will be staying in New Zealand.

Hence, if you plan to visit places like Queenstown and enjoy some much-anticipated adventures at the best ski resort Queenstown has to offer, make sure to book your New Zealand accommodation early. There are lovely ski resorts in New Zealand that offer solo or family stay apartments in New Zealand with strict Covid-19 policies guaranteeing optimum safety for guests. Many like Oaks Queenstown Club Suites belong to established hotel chains serving both Australia and New Zealand. Hence, travellers from Australia booking hotels in New Zealand do have a heads-up on what to expect in terms of service, amenities, and Covid-19 safety protocols when booking chains such as Oaks hotels.

Be aware of travel arrangements that could change

The above plans to open New Zealand borders to Australian travellers are subject to change. A sudden outbreak of the virus will cause the above travel plans to change, even when implemented. The same action took place in Australia, which opened its borders to travellers from New Zealand. Australia stopped travel from New Zealand on two instances, when a fresh outbreak was detected. However, the ban was only for a short duration on both occasions, which means that even when you do make plans to book hotels in New Zealand, the travel restrictions if and when imposed will not be long-term.

Also, Ms Arden went on to elaborate that in the event of re-imposing restrictions, they would consider Australia as a ‘region of their own’ when implementing travel bans and try to be as flexible as possible.

However, the probability of flight suspensions and testing of people from infected areas prior to departure being re-imposed must be considered in the wake of new outbreaks of the virus.

Ski season is New Zealand’s biggest lure

New Zealand welcomed around 1.5 million Australian visitors annually, which in statistics, consists of around 40% of New Zealand’s international travellers. And while the first set of travellers to New Zealand from Australia are predicted to be those visiting family or friends, the upcoming ski season is tipped to be a huge lure with top ski resorts in Queenstown implementing strict Covid prevention measures; thus, ensuring guest safety.

Hence, keep your fingers crossed that you can soon book your fabulous ski holiday to Queenstown in 2021!