COVID-19: New Zealand drops pre-arrival testing from 21 June 2022

In line with the beginning of the snow season, Ayesha Verrall, New Sealand’s COVID-19 minister confirmed the change on Thursday, stating that the government now believed:

“the challenges pre-departure tests pose to visitors are now no longer outweighed by the public health benefits.”

You can read a full guide to entry to New Zealand at the NZ Customs website. All travellers must complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration before travelling to New Zealand and be issued a New Zealand Traveller Pass. You can complete your travel declaration at travellerdeclaration.govt.nz

There is still testing though

You will still need to take 2 x RAT (rapid antigen tests) tests after arrival. One on day 1 and then on day 5/6. Details of what test to use and where to report the results can be found in the welcome pack you will receive on arrival. You can find full guidelines here and as a recent arrival are also eligible to order free RAT tests.

Mask-wearing rules remain fin place in New Zealand for many indoor settings, including public transport and retail.

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 happy about this development, although I didn’t find the pre-testing that onerous, just expensive. I plan to head off to the land of the long white cloud next month, so it’s good to have clear guidance on pre-entry requirements.