New Zealand Set To Open Borders  

New Zealand will be opening its borders to international travellers from visa waiver countries – which includes Canada — on May 1, 2022 at 11:59 pm.

From May 1 travellers will be able to travel to New Zealand without self-isolation on provision of a negative pre-departure test.

Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive, René de Monchy said: “We look forward to welcoming manuhiri [visitors], family and friends back in May. New Zealand has plenty to offer international visitors from breathtaking landscapes, rare and remarkable wildlife to our rich culture and heritage; our people and place are what make us unique, and we look forward to sharing this with the world again.”

Getting to New Zealand is easy. From Vancouver, Auckland is a non-stop 14 hour overnight flight. You can literally ‘wake up in New Zealand’. Prior to the pandemic both Air Canada and Air New Zealand serviced the YVR – AKL route, with Air New Zealand confirmed to resume service February 2022.

You can find all the resources you need to plan a trip to New Zealand at newzealand.com.

The high-level summary of entry requirements for all travellers to New Zealand pertaining to COVID-19 is as follows:

  • 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 travelers to either self-isolate or enter a government managed isolation hotel, i.e. all forms of isolation for arriving travelers (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 5/6 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 5/6 RAT test will be required to take 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.

Go to www.newzealand.com for more.