On December 14, Auckland’s boundary was lifted. This means that Aucklanders are finally free to leave the city and travel from Auckland for any reason. However, you should know a few important travel rules prior to planning a getaway.
Firstly, until January 17, if you plan to leave Auckland, you must be fully vaccinated or be able to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to boundary crossing.
Subsequently, testing will not be available at checkpoints. Therefore, if you can’t provide the necessary documents of either a negative test or vaccination certificate, you won’t be allowed pass. Equally, spot checks will be at random, so it is best to prepare to be stopped.
Furthermore, travellers who are exempt include people who are driving through Auckland without stopping. Equally, children under 12 will not need a My Vaccine Pass or negative test result to leave Auckland.
Additionally, service vehicle drivers such as bus and truck drivers may be waved through to decrease queues at border checks. After January 18, 2022, there will be no restrictions upon entering or leaving Auckland.
Face Masks
Face coverings will be required if you are riding via plane, in a taxi or shared vehicle. For instance, carpooling with friends. Meanwhile, a family travelling together in a car are not required to wear face coverings.
Testing
Until January 31, 2022, selected pharmacies in Auckland are offering free rapid antigen tests for unvaccinated travellers and those older than 12 years and 3 months. These people must not have COVID-19 symptoms and must be planning to leave Auckland. Find a test centre here.
Positive Tests
It is important to note that if you test positive while travelling, you will not be able to take a flight home, do any long-distance road travel that requires overnight stays and take ferries or public transport.
For more information on travel rules, read the Government COVID-19 website.