COVID-19: New Zealand opens international borders from 1 August

Much loved Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern announced in Auckland yesterday (Wednesday 11 May 2022) that her country will open its borders to everyone from 11:59 pm 31 July – to be precise. You can arrive by plane or boat, or even cruise ship!

This opening is 2 months earlier than announced previously. The earlier date is hoped to assist with filling severe skill shortages caused by the roughly 2-year border closure.

Australians

Aussies can currently travel to NZ if they are Australian Citizens, have a pre-arrival COVID-19 test, and are fully vaccinated. There are some exceptions and you can read that finer detail via the links provided here.

2PAXfly Takeout

This is another timely reminder to wear your seatbelt when seated. Holding you close to your seat will protect you from the sort of injuries sustained on this flight, when unsecured passengers flew to the ceiling of the aircraft, and then came crashing down once the ‘drop’ ceased.

The hope will be that this is an anomaly – a ‘freak accident’ in casual parlance. If it is a systemic error either mechanical or electronic, then this is a larger concern for the airlines that fly Boeing Dreamliner 787 aircraft. Let’s hope it isn’t. If it is, it will pile on the woes to Boeing’s existing stack.

I’m heading to the north island in a couple of months for a few weeks. I know it is ‘off season’ unless you are interested in snow, but this is a thrice COVID-19 delayed break, so we are doing it, as long as the borders stay open. I’m looking forward to it, and visiting many places, including Wellington for the first time.

Expect a flood of accommodation reviews.