Te Mate Kōwheori me ngā pūrongo ā-waka COVID-19 transport information

We all need to remain vigilant in the battle against COVID-19. We advise travellers:

• To be kind and patient with each other and transport staff, especially their driver or crew.
• To practice good hygiene and follow Ministry of Health advice. This includes washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water and drying them (or using hand sanitiser if soap and water is not available); coughing and sneezing into your elbow; and not touching your face.
• To stay home if you’re unwell, or may have COVID-19. You should also not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.
• Where it is possible to do so, to keep your distance from others.
• That you must wear a face covering while on:
  • domestic flights across New Zealand, and
  • public transport services travelling within, from, to, or through Auckland. You are encouraged to wear a face covering on other public transport services outside of Auckland.
• When wearing a face covering to follow Ministry of Health advice on: how to safely wear face covering, and how to safely dispose of a face covering (or clean a reusable face covering). 
  How to use a face mask safely (Ministry of Health)
• To keep a record of where you go and your interactions on the NZ COVID Tracer App; including scanning QR codes (where available), or manually recording travel information in the NZ COVID Tracer App (where QR codes are not available); OR keep a manual record if you do not have a smartphone.
• To plan ahead, and allow extra time to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

Is travel restricted under Alert Level 1?
There are no restrictions on travel across New Zealand under Alert Level 1. You should travel in a safe way. You do not need approval to travel. 

How do I ‘keep it safe’ while travelling?
COVID-19 is still out there, so we all need to remain vigilant. Remember that you can spread the disease without knowing you have it. When travelling, maintain good hygiene and track your journey. 

Where it is possible to do so, please try to keep your distance from people you don’t know well. Please also remember that you must wear a face covering on domestic flights (across New Zealand), and public transport services travelling within, from, to, or through, Auckland.

Travel safe, track your journey and follow these safe travel tips:

• Plan your journey well ahead of time.
• Where it is possible to do so, try to keep your distance from people you do not know.
• Effective from 11.59 pm on Wednesday 18 November, you must wear a face covering while on:
  • domestic flights, across New Zealand, and
  • public transport services travelling within, from, to, or through Auckland. You are encouraged to wear a face covering on other public transport services outside of Auckland. See Face coverings for more information.
• Continue to practice good hygiene and follow Ministry of Health advice; this includes washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water (for example, after taking public transport), cough and sneeze into your elbow, and don’t touch your face.
• Keep a record of where you go and use the COVID-19 Tracer app if you can, and try to minimise the number of places you stop on the way to your destination.
• Don’t travel if you’re unwell.
• Operators will also be asked to support contact tracing where possible, please be helpful. Travellers are advised to keep a record of any services they use and where they sat on the vehicle.
• Be kind to the driver, crew and operators of your service. 

If you’re sick, or may have COVID-19, stay home. You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You also cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Who needs to wear a face covering?
Effective from 11.59 pm on Wednesday 18 November 2020, you must wear a face covering while on:

• domestic flights, across New Zealand, and
• public transport services travelling within, from, to, or through Auckland. You are encouraged to wear a face covering on other public transport services outside of Auckland.

However, there are some exemptions, these include:

• passengers of small passenger services - but drivers of small passenger services are required to wear face coverings on journeys within, from, to, or through, Auckland; and
• school transport services (meaning dedicated school services contracted by: the Ministry of Education, or Local Authority, or School Board, or Auckland Transport); and
• charter services and tours.

Use of face coverings in the community (Ministry of Health)(external link)

What kind of face covering can be used and how should it be worn?

Any face covering that adequately covers the mouth and nostrils can be used, these include: single use disposable masks, washable reusable masks (whether purchased or homemade), or other types of face coverings (e.g. a scarf wrapped around the face).

The Ministry of Health has issued advice on how to use a face covering safely (including how to safely dispose of it or clean a reusable face covering).

How to use a face mask safely (Ministry of Health)

Use of face coverings in the community (Ministry of Health)(external link)

Is anybody exempt from wearing a face covering? 

Yes. The following persons are not required to wear face coverings:

• persons under the age of 12, and
• persons who have a medical condition or disability that make it unsuitable to wear a face covering (please note it might not always be clear why someone may need to be exempt from wearing a face covering); and
• drivers or staff, if:
  • they are in a space completely separated from passengers (e.g. pilots in a cockpit, or train drivers in a train cab), or
  • wearing a face covering could make it unsafe to operate the vehicle (e.g. wearing a face covering means drivers or staff are unable to properly communicate, or causes the eyeglasses of the driver to fog).

Use of face coverings in the community (Ministry of Health)(external link)

Are there any situations were a face covering is not required? 

Yes. Face coverings do not need to be worn in the following situations:

• if it is unsafe to wear a face covering (e.g. if the person’s only face covering is wet, or wearing a face covering means a driver cannot safely operate the vehicle),
• if there is an emergency that requires the face covering to be removed (e.g. to perform CPR),
• if removal of the face covering is required to prove identity,
• to take medicine,
• to eat or drink (if eating or drinking is permitted by the conditions of carriage on the relevant service),
• if visibility of the mouth is required for communication (e.g. when communicating with someone who is deaf),
• if there is a legal requirement to remove, or not to wear, the face covering.

What is contact tracing and why is it important?
To stop the spread of COVID-19, it’s important to keep track of people’s movements. This will be helpful if the Ministry of Health needs to undertake contact tracing.

How can I support contact tracing?
Recording where you have been and who you may interact with on a day-to-day basis is crucial as we continue in our fight against COVID-19.

You can help by recording as much information during Alert Level 1 about where you have been. Travel safely by:

• Downloading and using the COVID-19 Tracer app if you have this available. Scan the QR codes displayed.
• Carrying a notebook or mark in your phone/device information about your journey.
• Record the bus, train or service number, stop or station and time of travel e.g. number 12 service at 12.55pm.
• Try to record details about what seat are you on, who you travelled with, what stop you get off at and any other places you stop or services you took to get to your destination. 
• If you have an electronic public transport card, please register your card with your contact details. 

What is physical distancing and why is it important?
Physical distancing, is about keeping a safe distance from others for minimising the transmission of COVID-19. 

When and how should I observe physical distancing when I’m travelling?
When you are travelling, try to keep your distance from people you do not know, where it is possible to do so.

Public transport operators do not need to maintain seating configurations or capacity limits for physical distancing at Alert Levels 1 on public transport

Can I use the Cook Strait ferries or domestic air services?
Yes you can, including for recreation and tourism. 

You do not need approval to travel at Alert Level 1, (unless you are subject to a s70(1)(f) direction under the Health Act). We recommend you travel safe, track your journey and follow our safe travel tips(external link).

When on board your service, follow the guidance from your crew. 

Effective from 11.59pm on Wednesday 18 November 2020, you must wear a face covering while on domestic flights, across New Zealand. See Face coverings for more information. 

Check with your operator for further information on their timetable.

Anyone can use public transport at Alert Level 1. You should not travel on public transport if you’re unwell.

How can I stay safe while using public transport?
You can help keep yourself and others safe by following this advice – before, during and after your trip:

• Where it is possible to do so, please try to keep your distance from people you don’t know.
• Effective from 11.59pm on Wednesday 18 November 2020, you must wear a face covering while on public transport services travelling within, from, to, or through Auckland. You are encouraged to wear a face covering on other public transport services outside of Auckland. See Face coverings for more information. 
• On longer trips, such as on inter-regional trains and Cook Strait ferries, please try and limit unnecessary movement on the carriage or vessel.
• Follow Ministry of Health personal hygiene advice – this includes washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water or using hand sanitiser immediately after taking public transport, and sneezing or coughing into your elbow.
• Make sure you’ve kept a record of your journey, and use the COVID-19 Tracer app if you have it.
• Don’t travel if you’re unwell.

Public transport operators continue to follow Ministry of Health cleaning guidance and buses, trains, ferries and facilities are cleaned and disinfected regularly.

How can I support contact tracing when I am using public transport?
Please carry a notebook or mark in your phone/device the following information for every journey:

• Download and use the COVID-19 Tracer app if you have this available. Scan the QR codes on-board your service if you are able.
• Record the bus, train or service number, station or stop, and time of travel e.g. number 12 service at 12.55pm.
• Note anyone you were travelling with.
• Please note where you boarded and what time, and where you were sitting.
• Any other places you stop or services you take to get to your destination today.
• If you have an electronic public transport card, please register your card with your contact details. 

Can I take public transport if I am sick?
You should stay home if you are unwell and avoid public transport. Call your GP or Healthline to get advice.

Will school buses be running?
Yes, school transport services will be available. Please refer to the Ministry of Education website(external link) for information about school bus services it contracts, and otherwise refer to the relevant regional council website.

Will there be any limits on using personal transport when travelling at Alert Level 1?
There are no restrictions and you can use personal transport, including for recreation and tourism. You do not need approval to travel at Alert Level 1. We recommend you travel safe, track your journey and follow these tips:

• Practise good hygiene all the time – wash your hands regularly, sneeze or cough into your elbow.
• Avoid travel if you’re unwell.
• Keep a record of where you go (you can record manual entries in the COVID-19 Tracer app), and try to minimise the number of places you stop on the way to your destination.

Can I carpool, e.g. to get to school or work?
Yes you can. Please keep a record of who you travelled with and when to assist with contact tracing, if required.

Can I get repairs undertaken on my vehicles at Alert Level 1?
At Alert Level 1, vehicle services can be provided if the workplace concerned is able to meet relevant safety guidelines and public health measures. 

For information about getting a WOF or a COF, visit the NZTA website(external link)

For information about driver licensing, please refer to the NZTA website(external link)

What aircraft maintenance can I undertake?
Aircraft maintenance can be undertaken at Alert Level 1.

What movement of freight is permitted?
The movement of all freight is permitted at Alert Level 1, including the ability of business and customers to send, distribute and receive freight; freight movements are also permitted between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand. All freight can enter and leave the country.

See the workplace guidance on the COVID-19 website and business.govt.nz(external link) for more information about how a business can operate during Alert Level 1.

Can I go walking and cycling?
Yes you can, but remember to travel safely and keep a record of your journey.

Can I put my bikes in the car and drive to a better track in my community?
There are no restrictions on walking and other active travel (like cycling or using personal scooters), but you should keep your distance from people you don’t know whilst exercising.

Will I be able to rent an e-scooter or bike at Alert Level 1?
Yes, shared e-scooter and bike schemes are able to operate, provided they comply with all public health guidance (including cleaning guidance).

If you rent a shared e-scooter or bike, it is important that you practice good personal hygiene. This includes washing your hands with soap and water or hand sanitiser as soon as possible after use.

Alert Level 1

You can travel, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your journey.

You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Public health guidance applies.

Effective from 11.59pm on Wednesday 18 November 2020, you must wear a face covering on the aircraft (unless exempt). For more information see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings(external link).

The displaying of QR codes is not required, if the operator requires all passengers to provide their contact details (name and phone number) to use the service. Passengers are encouraged to manually record their travel (or scan QR codes using the NZ COVID Tracer App if available).

Alert Level 1

You can travel, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your journey.

You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956

Public health guidance applies. Physical distancing is not required, but passengers are encouraged to keep their distance where possible.

You are not required to wear a face covering, but you are encouraged to wear a face covering where practicable. For more information please see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings(external link).

The displaying of QR codes is not required, if the operator requires all passengers to provide their contact details (name and phone number) to use the service. Passengers are encouraged to manually record their travel (or scan QR codes using the NZ COVID Tracer App if available).

This includes buses, all other ferries and trains. 

Alert Level 1

You can travel, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your journey.

You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Public health guidance applies. Physical distancing is not required, but passengers are encouraged to keep their distance where possible.

Effective from 11.59pm on Wednesday 18 November 2020, you must wear a face covering on the aircraft (unless exempt). You are not required to wear a face covering on urban public transport services in other regions, but you are encouraged to wear a face covering where practicable. For more information please see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings(external link).

QR codes must be displayed on public transport services (unless the operator requires all passengers to provide their contact details (name and phone number) to use the service). Passengers are encouraged to scan QR codes using the NZ COVID Tracer App, or manually record their travel.

The displaying of QR codes is not required on school buses.

Alert Level 1

You can travel, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your journey.

You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results.

You cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956

Public health guidance applies. Physical distancing is not required, but passengers are encouraged to keep their distance where possible.

Effective from 11.59pm on Wednesday 18 November 2020, you must wear a face covering on the bus or train (unless exempt) if your service departs or arrives in Auckland, or your service travels through Auckland. On other bus or train services, you are not required to wear a face covering, but you are encouraged to wear a face covering where practicable. For more information see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings(external link).

The displaying of QR codes is not required, if the operator requires all passengers to provide their contact details (name and phone number) to use the service. Passengers are encouraged to manually record their travel (or scan QR codes using the NZ COVID Tracer App if available).

Alert Level 1

You can travel, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your journey.

You should not travel if you: have been requested to self-isolate/quarantine, have symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting COVID-19 test results (except where using your private car and you are acting in accordance with advice from Healthline or your healthcare provider).

You cannot travel, if the travel would breach an order/direction made under the COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 or the Health Act 1956. This will likely be the case if: you have arrived in New Zealand from overseas in the last 14 days, or you have otherwise individually received (from a Medical Officer of Health) a direction under s 70(1)(f) of the Health Act 1956.

Public health guidance applies (except for private vehicles). Physical distancing is not required, but passengers are encouraged to keep their distance where possible.

Vehicles other than private vehicles should be cleaned regularly in accordance with MOH guidance.

Effective from 11.59pm on Wednesday 18 November 2020, drivers of small passenger services are required to wear face coverings (except if it unsafe to do so, or otherwise exempt), if the services departs or arrives in Auckland, or the service travels through Auckland. Drivers of other small passenger services are encouraged to wear face coverings, where practicable. Passengers are also encouraged to wear a face covering, where practicable. For more information see the Ministry of Health’s guidance on face coverings(external link).

QR codes must be displayed in small passenger service vehicles (unless the operator requires all passenger to provide contact details (name and phone number) to use the service). Passengers are encouraged to scan QR codes using the NZ COVID Tracer App, or manually record their travel.

Alert Level 1

All freight can enter and leave the country.

No restrictions on the movement of freight, including inter-regionally.  All freight can be distributed and received.

Public health measures apply at workplaces and operators should be vigilant.

Alert Level 1

You can engage in recreational flying, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your flight.

Please refer to the Civil Aviation Authority’s website for guidance on recreational flying.

Public health guidance applies.

Alert Level 1

You can engage in recreational boating, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your travel.

Please refer to Maritime NZ’s website(external link) for guidance on recreational boating.

Public health guidance applies.

Alert Level 1

You can travel, but do it in a safe way and remember to keep a record of your journey.

Public health guidance applies.

This includes e-scooters and bike rental by the minute/hour. 

Alert Level 1

These schemes can operate provided they meet the public health guidance (including cleaning guidelines).