New Zealand drops self-isolation rule for vaccinated

TORONTO — The New Zealand government has removed all self-isolation requirements for vaccinated travellers arriving in the country.

As reported last month, Canadians and travellers from other visa waiver countries will be allowed to enter New Zealand starting in July 2022, as per the New Zealand government’s re-connecting plan.

“We are thrilled to be one step closer to being able to welcome back international visitors to New Zealand and showcasing the best New Zealand has to offer. We look forward to keeping industry and our partners closely updated on New Zealand’s plan to re-connect with the world,” said Sarah Handley, General Manager for Americas & Europe for Tourism New Zealand.

Plenty of resources for New Zealand trip planning can be accessed at newzealand.com. And specifically for travel agents, in October 2020 Tourism New Zealand launched the New Zealand Marketing Hub, found here.

Here’s a summary of New Zealand’s entry requirements for all travellers to New Zealand pertaining to COVID 19 …

All travellers entering New Zealand must be fully vaccinated in line with New Zealand government entry requirements.
A negative pre-departure test (PCR, LAMP or Rapid Antigen) in line with New Zealand government requirements is required for all travellers.
No compulsory requirement for all arriving travellers to either self-isolate or enter a government-managed isolation hotel, i.e. all forms of isolation for arriving travellers (including foreign nationals) are removed at all border reopening steps except for unvaccinated New Zealand citizens and residents returning to the country.
All travellers will be provided with two rapid antigen tests at no charge on arrival at Auckland Airport which are self-administered after exit from the airport.
Travellers will be asked to undertake the first test on day of arrival and then a second test on day 5 after arrival, this can be done once travellers have left the airport e.g.at home or hotel.
Travellers who test positive via either of their arrival day or day 5 RAT test will be required to take a PCR test to confirm positive status. If positive they will then be asked to self-isolate in line with the requirements that apply to all community COVID-19 cases in New Zealand.

From Vancouver, Auckland is a nonstop 14-hour overnight flight. Prior to the pandemic both Air Canada and Air New Zealand serviced the YVR – AKL route. Air New Zealand resumed its service in February 2022.