What you need to know when travelling through NZ this summer
Here is all the info you need to travel safely this summer through the beautiful Aotearoa, New Zealand.
One thing Covid has taught us is that we really don’t need to go overseas to have an awesome travel experience because there’s still so much travelling to be done around our country.
What you need to know when flying this summer
To catch a flight do I need to be fully vaccinated?
From the 14th of December 2021, Air New Zealand will need you to be fully vaccinated or have a negative Covid test 72 hours before your flight is due to depart. When hopping on your flight you will be asked to present your Covid Vaccine Pass or proof of a negative test. To make this process as stress-free as possible, you can download the Air New Zealand app and connect your Vaccine Pass. If you haven’t already requested your Pass you can do it here to get easy access.
Although Jetstar currently does not need you to be fully vaccinated to travel domestically, they will be keeping up-to-date with Government advice and restrictions. So, keep posted on the Jetstar website here.
What will the airport look like now?
Each airport is going to look and feel a little different because some areas will be in different traffic light colours. In the ‘red’ and ‘orange’ traffic light regions, one-metre physical distance is required, but in a ‘green’ traffic light region it’s not. Currently, physical distancing is required around the airport and when boarding your flight. It’s also encouraged that you check-in online or through the Air New Zealand app to reduce your contact with staff.
When you board the flight, they will space you and other passengers out to comply with Covid regulations. This means there will be fewer people per flight, so you might need to look at alternatives to flying, such as jumping on a train or bus.
Do I need to wear a mask?
Yep, you do! Everyone travelling this summer needs to wear a face covering, at the airport and on your flight in all traffic light levels. You can bring your own mask or if you’ve forgotten one, you can pick one up at check-in and the boarding gate.
What are my options if my flight is cancelled?
This is definitely a possibility with Covid changes but if your flight is cancelled, you will be given booking credit to re-book flights for a different time or if you’ve booked with Air New Zealand’s “flexi-refund”, you’ll get a full refund. If you want some more flexibility when planning your getaways, book with “flexichange” so you can change the date, route, and time of your flight.
Jetstar also offers credit vouchers and depending on the type of flight you have booked you might be able to get a full refund. Find out more here
Do’s and Don’ts on Public Transport
Most people are now pretty comfortable with Covid restrictions on public transport since we’ve been doing it for so long! But here are just some simple tips for you to remember:
- Always wear a face mask on public transport, like buses, taxis, and ride-share services (e.g. Uber and Ola).
- Practice good hygiene habits. This means washing your hands before and after travelling, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, using plenty of hand sanitiser and washing your hands for roughly 20 secs when you get home.
- Scan the QR code, manually add information to your Covid Tracer app, complete all sign-in records and keep a record of which service you travelled with and when. This will help with contract tracing for any cases in your community.
- Don’t travel to events that do not meet the requirements for gatherings.
- You should not use public transport if you have a cold, flu or other Covid-19 symptoms, are awaiting a test or if have been advised to self-isolate.
Taking the scenic route
Rather than jetting from location to location, try staying in one place for longer!
